What is a Domain, and How Does It Work?
A domain is like a street address for your website, helping visitors find your content online. Behind the scenes, when someone types your domain (e.g., example.com) into their browser, it sends a request to a DNS host—a system that acts like a phonebook for the internet. The DNS host directs this request to the correct server, where your website's content is stored.
In Uscreen’s case:
Your DNS host (GoDaddy, NameCheap, Bluehost, etc.) sends traffic to Uscreen’s servers, where your video site is hosted.
Real-World Example:
Think of your domain as the address of a restaurant, the DNS as the map that guides customers there, and the server as the restaurant itself. If the map isn't updated with the right directions, customers can't reach the restaurant!
Root Domain vs. Subdomain: What’s the Difference?
Root Domain: This is your primary domain (e.g., example.com). It’s the main address most people use to visit your site.
Subdomain: A prefix added to your main domain (e.g., videos.example.com). It’s like creating a separate section of your website while still being connected to the root domain.
When to Use Each:
Use the root domain if you do not intend on hosting a separate homepage outside of Uscreen.
Use a subdomain only if you want to keep your Uscreen catalog separate from your primary site.
Connect Your Root Domain to Uscreen
1. Locate DNS Settings in Your Domain Host's Account
Log in to your DNS host (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap).
Find the DNS Management or Zone File Editor section.
2. Add Two Records to Point Your Domain to Uscreen
Update your DNS with these values:
For the root domain (example.com):
Type: A
Host: @
Points to:
34.120.223.236TTL: 1 hour
For the subdomain (www.example.com):
Type: CNAME
Host: www
Points to:
lb.uscreen.ioTTL: 1 hour
3. Save and Wait for Propagation
Changes may take up to 48 hours to propagate globally. Check propagation progress at DNS Checker.
4. Add the domain to Uscreen
Once the propagation has finished you can add the domain to your Uscreen account.
Go to Settings → Storefront Domain Settings
Click on Use a Different Domain
Select Custom Domain
Type in your domain. Do not include www. since you are not adding a subdomain.
Verify that you have created the correct records and click on Connect
If your records have propagated you will see a success message. If they have not yet propagated, you'll need to check that your DNS settings are correct and if they are, simply wait and try again later.
*Optional: Setting Up a Subdomain (Rarely Used)
A subdomain is a prefix added to your main domain (e.g., catalog.example.com instead of example.com). This setup is only needed if you don’t want to use your root domain (like example.com) for your Uscreen site.
Example Use Case:
You might use the root domain for your main website which might be hosted on WordPress or something similar, and instead create a subdomain (e.g., videos.example.com) specifically for your Uscreen catalog.
If this applies to you, follow these steps:
Add a CNAME Record:
Type: CNAME
Host: The subdomain (e.g.,
videos)Points to:
lb.uscreen.io
Save changes and wait for propagation.
Once the propagation has finished you can add the domain to your Uscreen account.
Go to Settings → Storefront Domain Settings
Click on Use a Different Domain
Select Custom Domain
Type in your subdomain. Do not include www. Instead enter the subdomain you will be using for your Uscreen catalog. (e.g., videos.example.com)
Verify that you have created the correct records and click on Connect
If your records have propagated you will see a success message. If they have not yet propagated, you'll need to check that your DNS settings are correct and if they are, simply wait and try again later.
What is an SSL Certificate and Why Is It Important?
An SSL certificate secures your website by encrypting data between visitors and servers, ensuring privacy and protection. It also displays the padlock icon in the browser, reassuring users that your site is safe.
For Your Uscreen Site:
Uscreen provides a free SSL certificate for any domain or subdomain you connect.
You don’t need to buy one from your DNS host.
When you add your domain, Uscreen automatically generates your SSL certificate.
🕒 Important: Setting up an SSL certificate is an automated process that can take up to 48 hours. Please wait until this timeframe has passed before reaching out to support for any issues with SSL.
Tips for Troubleshooting
Conflicting Records: Delete old CNAME or A records pointing to other servers.
Only do this if you intend on taking down your old site. If you don't intend on taking down your old site, please use a Subdomain instead.
SSL Delays: Uscreen automatically adds SSL (security certificate) to your domain, but it can take up to 48 hours. Your site may look “insecure” briefly—this is normal.
Still Stuck? Contact your DNS host’s support team for help with adding the records. You can send them this article for reference.