This is the full Namecheap setup for serving short links from go.yourbrand.com instead of snipvio.com.
Before you start
Check which nameservers your domain uses. In Domain List → Manage, look at the Nameservers dropdown. It needs to read Namecheap BasicDNS or PremiumDNS for the Advanced DNS tab to control anything.
If it reads Custom DNS, another provider answers your lookups and the records you add in Namecheap will never be served. Add the record at whichever provider those nameservers belong to.
1. Add the subdomain in Snipvio
In Dashboard → Custom Domains, add the subdomain you want, for example go.yourbrand.com. It stays at Pending DNS until the record resolves.
Use a subdomain, not your root domain, which is where your website lives.
2. Create the CNAME in Namecheap
Open Domain List → Manage → Advanced DNS, then Add New Record:
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | CNAME Record |
| Host | go |
| Value | snipvio.com |
| TTL | Automatic |
Put go in the Host field on its own. Namecheap appends your domain, so it becomes go.yourbrand.com.
Click the green tick to save. Namecheap discards a row that is left unsaved, which is an easy one to miss.
3. Verify
Back in Dashboard → Custom Domains, press Check DNS. The status flips to Live once the record resolves, usually within a few minutes.
If it stays pending
- The row was never saved. Confirm the tick was clicked and the record appears in the list after a page refresh.
- A parking record is in the way. New Namecheap domains ship with a
CNAMEonwwwand a URL redirect record. Remove anything already using thegohost. - Nameservers say Custom DNS. See "Before you start" — nothing you add here will be served.
- You created an A record. Snipvio verifies CNAME records only. A shared IP address is not proof of ownership, so A records are rejected deliberately.
What happens to your links
New links are issued on go.yourbrand.com. Links created earlier keep working on snipvio.com and are never rewritten.
Only your own account's links resolve on your domain.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I add a CNAME in Namecheap?
Under Domain List, then Manage, then the Advanced DNS tab. Add a CNAME Record with the Host set to your subdomain, for example go, and the Value set to snipvio.com.
Why is my Namecheap record not being used?
Check the Nameservers setting on the Manage tab. Advanced DNS only controls your domain when it reads Namecheap BasicDNS or PremiumDNS. If it reads Custom DNS, another provider answers your lookups and records added here are never served.
My record disappeared after adding it
It was probably never saved. Namecheap requires the green tick to be clicked to commit a row, and discards anything left unconfirmed. Refresh the page and check the record is still listed.
Do I need to remove Namecheap's default records?
Only those using the same host. New domains ship with a CNAME on www and a URL redirect record, and anything already occupying your chosen subdomain will conflict with the new entry.