Instead of creating links with the bit.ly domain, you can set up your own short domain to brand and personalize your links.
To get started, purchase your own custom domain from a provider like GoDaddy. Be sure to choose a short domain with 32 characters or less, including the dot.
Some paid plans come with a complimentary custom domain. To learn more, visit How do I select a complimentary custom domain from Bitly?
Here's how to add your custom domain to your Bitly account:
- Log in to your Bitly account.
- Click Settings in the left sidebar.
- Click Custom Domains below your account name.
- Click Add a Domain.
- Select I want to use my own domain. If you'd like to get a domain from Bitly instead, follow the steps in How do I get a complimentary custom domain from Bitly?
- Enter your custom domain.
- Select No, this is an unused domain if this is a short domain that will only be used to create links in Bitly.
Select Yes, I used this for my website, blog, etc... if you will be using a subdomain. - Add your domain to a group. Select the group or groups where you'll use this domain to shorten links. Select All groups if you want this domain to be available to all groups in your account.
- Click Next.
- If you haven't configured your DNS settings yet, log in to your domain provider, such as GoDaddy, and follow the steps in How do I configure my DNS settings to brand my Bitly links?
- Return to Bitly and click Add domain.
- Once your domain verifies, you'll be ready to create branded links with your own custom domain!
Verification should take less than 24 hours. If your domain doesn't verify, visit Why won't my domain verify? for troubleshooting.
This is also a great time to set up your error pages, in case someone tries to go directly to your custom domain or an invalid short link.