How do I set up my custom domain? – Substack, Inc

Have a custom domain you'd like to use for your Substack publication? Get started by linking your domain to Substack by following these steps.

Note: Substack charges a one-time $50 USD fee per publication and you must be a publication owner or group administrator in order to connect your custom domain.

1. Navigate to your Settings page and scroll down to "Custom Domain".

2. Go to your DNS provider and create a CNAME alias using these settings:

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Below, you can find links to popular provider's support pages on CNAME records.

Google domains: Create a CNAME record
GoDaddy: Add a CNAME record
Namecheap: How to create a CNAME record
Domain.com: How to update a CNAME
DreamHost: Adding a CNAME
Bluehost: What is a CNAME?
Hover: Managing DNS records
Dynadot: How do I create a CNAME?
Cloudfare: If you have registered your domain through Cloudflare, make sure that the “Proxy status” on your CNAME record is set to “DNS only”. The orange cloud icon in the CNAME record row should be grey, not orange.

Tip: What Substack calls "Name" and "Target" may have different labels on your registrar's setup page. What we call "Name" can be called "Host" or "Subdomain" and sometimes "Target" is labelled "Points to".

3. To manually check whether or not the configuration is ready, use the “check now” button on your Settings page.

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FAQS

How long does it take for the configuration to work?

Once your custom domain is linked to Substack, it can take up to 36 hours to fully configure. If it's been over 36 hours, there may be an issue in the configuration.

First, check in your configuration settings that you've started off your domain with "www".

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You may need to delete the configuration and start over (you won't be charged again).

Is the domain still not working? Please contact support@substackinc.com with a screenshot of your full CNAME record list on your DNS account and we'll be glad to help get that sorted out for you!

What should I enter in the TTL section?

Your provider may ask you to configure a TTL which you're welcome to leave alone.

Do I have to include "www" in my Substack newsletter URL?

We require that your Substack newsletter begins with a "www". Learn more here about root domains.