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Set up a custom domain

Updated on 08.07.2026

By default, your platform is reachable at a subdomain like yourcity.my-ideas.de. With a custom domain — such as ideas.yourcity.com — it blends seamlessly into your existing web presence. Here's how to set it up in a few minutes and test it.

Enter the domain in the settings

In your instance, open Moderation → Settings → Custom domain and enter your desired address, e.g. ideas.yourcity.com. Save the change.

Create a CNAME record at your DNS provider

Sign in to your domain provider and, in the DNS management, create a new CNAME record that points your subdomain to MyIdeas:

TypeCNAME
Nameideen
Targetmy-ideas.de

Wait for activation (including HTTPS)

Once the DNS record is set and the domain is saved in the settings, it is activated and a valid HTTPS certificate is issued automatically. This usually takes a few minutes, in some cases up to a few hours until the DNS change has propagated worldwide.

Test the domain

Open your new address in the browser — e.g. https://ideas.yourcity.com. If everything is correct, your platform opens and the padlock icon for a secure connection appears in the address bar.

From the command line you can additionally check whether the CNAME resolves correctly:

nslookup ideen.musterstadt.de
# → ideen.musterstadt.de  canonical name = my-ideas.de

FAQ & troubleshooting

The site isn't reachable yet

Usually the DNS change hasn't propagated everywhere yet. Wait 15–30 minutes and check again. Also make sure the CNAME points exactly to my-ideas.de with no typos.

The browser shows a certificate warning

The certificate is only issued after the DNS record resolves correctly. Right after setting the CNAME, a warning may briefly appear — it disappears automatically once activation is complete.

Can I use my root domain without a subdomain?

A classic CNAME only works on subdomains. For the bare domain, use your provider's ALIAS or ANAME record — or set up a redirect from yourcity.com to ideas.yourcity.com. If you have questions, feel free to contact us.

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