Domain Setup: Connect Your Custom Domain

Connect your own custom domain to give your website a professional web address that matches your brand.

Not sure if you need a custom domain? Read our Domains vs Subdomains Guide to help you decide.

Before You Start

You'll need:

• A domain name (purchase from any domain registrar)
• Access to your domain's DNS settings
• Your Mediaweb account

Step 1: Purchase Your Domain

Buy your domain from any registrar:

• Popular options: Namecheap, GoDaddy, Google Domains, Cloudflare, Hostinger
• Choose wisely: Your domain represents your brand
• Consider extensions: .com is most trusted, but .net, .org, or niche extensions work too

Step 2: Add Domain in Mediaweb

1. Go to your Mediaweb dashboard
2. Navigate to Domains
3. Click Add Custom Domain
4. Enter your domain name (e.g., yourwebsite.com)
5. Click Add Domain

Step 3: Choose Your Setup Method

There are two ways to connect your domain to Mediaweb:

Method 1: DNS Records (Recommended for Most Users)

Best for: Domains with existing email or other services Setup complexity: Moderate (add specific DNS records) Impact: Preserves all existing services (email, subdomains, etc.)

Method 2: Vercel Nameservers (Simplest Setup)

Best for: Brand new domains without existing services Setup complexity: Very simple (just change nameservers) Impact: Breaks existing services - only suitable for clean domains

Method 1: Configure DNS Records

In your domain registrar's control panel, configure DNS records based on your domain type:

For Root/Apex Domain (yourwebsite.com)

Choose one of these options:

Option 1 - ALIAS Record (Recommended):

• Type: ALIAS
• Name: @ (or leave blank)
• Value: cname.vercel-dns.com

Option 2 - A Record:

• Type: A Record
• Name: @ (or leave blank)
• Value: 216.150.1.1

For Subdomains (www.yourwebsite.com, blog.yourwebsite.com, etc.)

CNAME Record:

• Type: CNAME
• Name: subdomain (e.g., www, blog)
• Value: ae22e6ac0c47a8d9.vercel-dns-017.com

Verification TXT Record (If Required)

Some domains may require an additional TXT record for verification. If prompted in your Mediaweb dashboard:

• Type: TXT
• Name: _vercel.yourdomain.com (as shown in dashboard)
• Value: Verification code (as shown in dashboard)

Note: This record can be removed after successful verification.

Method 2: Using Vercel Nameservers (Simplest Setup)

If you prefer the simplest setup or are having persistent issues with DNS record configuration:

When to Consider This Option

• Your domain registrar doesn't support ALIAS records
• DNS records aren't propagating correctly after 48+ hours
• You want the simplest possible setup
• Your domain has NO existing services (email, subdomains, etc.)

How to Switch to Vercel Nameservers

1. In your Mediaweb dashboard, your domain will show Vercel nameservers if this option is available
2. Copy the nameserver addresses (typically ns1.vercel-dns.com and ns2.vercel-dns.com)
3. In your domain registrar's control panel, change your nameservers to the Vercel ones
4. Wait for propagation (up to 48 hours)

⚠️ Important Warning: Impact on Existing Services

Before switching nameservers, understand that this will break existing services:

• Email services (Gmail Workspace, Outlook, etc.) will stop working
• Other subdomains you've configured will stop working
• Any existing DNS records (MX, CNAME, TXT for other services) will be lost
• Third-party integrations using DNS records will break

This method is only suitable for domains that don't have existing services like email or other subdomains, as you cannot currently add custom DNS records through Vercel.

Step 4: Verify Connection (Both Methods)

1. Return to Mediaweb dashboard
2. Find your domain and click Refresh to check status
3. The system will verify your DNS configuration automatically
4. Domain status indicators:
   • ✅ Green checkmarks: DNS records are correctly configured
   • ❌ Red X marks: DNS records need attention
   • 🔄 Verified status: Domain is fully operational

What the Dashboard Shows

For Apex Domains: You'll see both ALIAS and A record options. Only one needs to be configured.

For Subdomains: You'll see the CNAME record that needs to be configured.

TXT Record (if needed): A verification TXT record will appear if Vercel requires additional verification.

Important Notes

• DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate
• You can click Refresh to re-check your configuration anytime
• SSL certificates are automatically generated once DNS is verified
• Test your domain in a browser once verification is complete

Common Issues

Domain Not Working:

• Wait up to 48 hours for DNS propagation
• Double-check DNS record values
• Ensure records are saved in your registrar

SSL Certificate Issues:

• SSL certificates are automatically generated
• May take a few minutes after DNS propagation
• Contact support if issues persist after 24 hours

Troubleshooting & Support

Need Additional Help?

• Ask ChatGPT for DNS configuration help specific to your domain registrar
• Copy and paste any error messages you're seeing for detailed troubleshooting
• Search for "[your registrar name] DNS setup guide" for provider-specific instructions

Still Having Issues? Contact our support team through our contact form with:

• Your domain name
• Screenshots of your DNS settings
• Any error messages you're seeing

Your custom domain gives your website credibility and makes it easier for visitors to find and remember your site.