> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://kudoswall.org/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Use a custom domain for your collection page

> Point a subdomain like testimonials.yourcompany.com to your KudosWall collection page by adding a CNAME record in your DNS provider.

By default, your collection page lives at `https://kudoswall.org/collect/your-slug`. A custom domain lets you replace that with a subdomain you control — for example, `testimonials.yourcompany.com` — so the page feels native to your brand.

<Warning>
  Custom domains require a Pro, Agency, or Lifetime plan. This feature is not available on the Free plan.
</Warning>

## Set up your custom domain

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the Domain tab">
    Go to **Dashboard > Collections**, open the collection you want to configure, and click the **Domain** tab in the collection editor.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter your subdomain">
    Type your full subdomain in the **Domain Name** field — for example, `testimonials.yourcompany.com`. Use a subdomain, not your apex domain (more on this below).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click Save">
    Click **Save** to register the domain with KudosWall. The editor will show DNS setup instructions.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add a CNAME record in your DNS provider">
    Log in to wherever you manage your domain's DNS (Cloudflare, Namecheap, GoDaddy, etc.) and create the following record:

    | Field  | Value                                                          |
    | ------ | -------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | Type   | `CNAME`                                                        |
    | Host   | `testimonials` (the subdomain part only, before the first dot) |
    | Target | `kudoswall.org`                                                |

    Save the record in your DNS provider's dashboard.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click Verify DNS Now">
    Return to KudosWall and click **Verify DNS Now** in the Domain tab. KudosWall checks whether your CNAME record is resolving correctly.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirmed: Verified & Ready">
    Once verification succeeds, the status changes to a green **Verified & Ready** badge. Your collection page is now accessible at your custom domain.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## DNS propagation time

DNS changes can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours to propagate worldwide, depending on your provider and existing TTL settings. If verification fails shortly after adding the record, wait 15–30 minutes and try again before investigating further.

<Tip>
  Use a dedicated subdomain like `testimonials.` or `reviews.` rather than your apex domain (e.g., `yourcompany.com`). CNAME records cannot be set on apex domains; you need a subdomain.
</Tip>

## Common errors and what to do

**Verification fails immediately after saving**

The CNAME record hasn't propagated yet. Wait a few minutes and click **Verify DNS Now** again.

**Verification fails after 30+ minutes**

Double-check the CNAME values in your DNS provider:

* The **Target** must be exactly `kudoswall.org` with no trailing slash.
* The **Host** should only be the subdomain label (`testimonials`), not the full domain. Some providers want the full subdomain here — check your provider's documentation.
* Make sure you saved the record and that there are no conflicting A or AAAA records on the same subdomain.

**TTL is set very high**

If your existing TTL (time-to-live) is 24 hours or more, old DNS data may be cached. You can lower the TTL before making the CNAME change to speed up propagation next time.

**Domain shows a certificate error**

KudosWall automatically provisions an SSL certificate after verification. If you see a certificate warning immediately after the badge turns green, wait a few minutes for the certificate to finish issuing, then hard-refresh your browser.