What is a Subdomain?
A prefix added to your main domain that creates a separate web address using the same domain registration.
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Quick Answer
A subdomain is a prefix added in front of your main domain, like link.yourbrand.com or blog.yourbrand.com. It uses the same domain registration as the main domain, so you do not have to register or pay for it separately. Subdomains let you organize different parts of your web presence under one domain.
Full Definition
A subdomain is a domain name that is part of a larger domain. The structure goes left to right: subdomain.maindomain.tld. In link.yourbrand.com, “link” is the subdomain, “yourbrand” is the main domain, and “.com” is the top-level domain.
Subdomains are set up through DNS records at your domain provider, not by registering them separately. Once you own the main domain, you can create any subdomain you want. Common subdomains include www (the most familiar example), blog, shop, app, mail, link, and go.
Each subdomain can point to a different service or platform. Your main site can run on one host, your blog on a CMS, your help center on a documentation tool, and your short links on a URL shortener. The visitor sees one consistent brand; behind the scenes, each subdomain is connected to whatever service handles it.
Why It Matters
Subdomains let businesses use a single domain registration for multiple purposes. They keep the brand visible across every web property without requiring separate domains. They are also free in the sense that you do not pay extra for them, only for the main domain.
For URL shorteners specifically, subdomains are a popular branded link choice. A subdomain like link.yourbrand.com is shorter than your main domain plus a long path, and it visibly belongs to your brand. Subdomains avoid the need to register a separate short domain just for links, which can save money and keep the brand consistent.
How ShortifyMe Handles It
ShortifyMe supports custom domains on every paid plan, and that support includes subdomains. To use a subdomain like link.yourbrand.com, you add it as a custom domain in your ShortifyMe dashboard, set up the DNS records ShortifyMe shows you at your domain provider, and click Verify. Once verified, you can use the subdomain for branded short links the same way you would use any other custom domain. The same plan limits apply: 1 on Starter, 3 on Basic, and 10 on Premium.
Related Terms
Custom Domain
Your own web domain used in place of a generic one, for branded short links.
Branded Short Link
A short link built on your own domain so every link reinforces your brand.
URL Shortener
A tool that turns a long web address into a clean, short, shareable link.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A subdomain is part of your main domain. You set it up through DNS records at your domain provider. There is no separate registration fee.
Both work. A subdomain keeps your main brand visible and costs nothing extra. A separate short domain can be more compact. Choose based on whether you prefer brand visibility (subdomain) or maximum brevity (short domain).
Yes. You can set up as many as you want at your domain provider. Each one can point to a different service. ShortifyMe's custom domain limits apply per account, so on Starter you can connect 1 to ShortifyMe, 3 on Basic, and 10 on Premium.
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