What is a subdomain?
In short
- A subdomain is a name added in front of a domain, like blog in blog.example.com.
- Whoever owns the domain can create as many as they like, each pointing somewhere different.
- Every ZIP site on NudgeHost gets its own subdomain on nudgehost.site, and Pro can add one on your own domain.
A subdomain is an extra name placed in front of a domain to make a separate address. In blog.example.com, example.com is the domain and blog is the subdomain. Whoever controls the domain decides where each subdomain points, using records in the domain name system, so a shop, a help desk and a blog can each live on a subdomain of their own and run on different services. www is a subdomain too, which is why www.example.com and example.com can behave differently.
NudgeHost gives every zipped site its own nudgehost.site address. You can choose the name when you upload, using lowercase letters, numbers and hyphens up to 60 characters, or leave it blank for a random one. Because each site sits at the root of its own subdomain, its pages and files load from the paths the site expects. Those addresses ask search engines not to list them, which suits sharing by link.
To use a name you own instead, connect a subdomain of your own domain, such as site.yourname.com, with one record at your registrar. NudgeHost takes a subdomain rather than a bare domain like yourname.com, because the record it uses, a CNAME, can't sit on a root domain. The custom domain entry explains the setup, and Pro and Studio include custom domains, one on Pro and five on Studio.
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
Is www a subdomain?
Yes. www.example.com is a subdomain of example.com, even though many sites send both to the same place.
Do I need to buy a subdomain?
No. Once you own a domain, you can create subdomains of it in your DNS settings at no extra cost. The domain is the part you pay for.
Can I choose my site's nudgehost.site name?
Yes, including without an account. Type a name in the upload card before you drop the ZIP. If that name is already in use, the card asks you to pick another.
Put it into practice.
Drop a file and get a shareable link in seconds. Free, no card needed.