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 (e.g., GoDaddy, NameCheap, Bluehost, etc.) sends traffic to Uscreen’s servers, where your video site is hosted.
Domain Options Overview
Uscreen offers three domain options:
Uscreen Subdomain: Quick setup with no technical skills needed
e.g., yourbrand.uscreen.io
Custom Root Domain: Your branded, proprietary domain
e.g., yourbrand.com
Custom Subdomain: A section of your existing website
e.g., videos.yourbrand.com
Your Uscreen Subdomain
A Uscreen subdomain is ideal for quick launches or trying things out. This is the default setup when you first create a store on Uscreen, and you can update it whenever necessary.
Navigate to Settings > Storefront Domain Settings
Click Use Different Domain
Select Uscreen Subdomain
Enter the subdomain you want to use and click Connect
ℹ️ INFO: Required for users on a trial Uscreen account.
When you update your Uscreen subdomain, all subdirectories will be forwarded automatically to the new domain or subdomain.
Connect your Root Domain to Uscreen
Using your own domain creates a professional, branded experience.
First, identify where the active DNS records of your domain are managed.
📝 NOTE: In most cases, your domain registrar also manages its DNS (zone) records, but not always. It's possible to register your domain with one company while another manages the active DNS records. The provider handling the nameservers has the authority over the active DNS records.
Example scenario: Domain registered through NameCheap and using the nameservers (active zone records) of GoDaddy.
In your Domain Host
Log in to your DNS host (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap)
Find the DNS Management or Zone File Editor section
Create the following DNS records or update existing records 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
ℹ️ INFO: DNS record changes can take up to 48 hours to fully propagate globally. You can monitor the progress using tools like DNS Checker to verify that the updated records are correct and active after propagation.
In Uscreen
Once the propagation has finished, you can add your domain to Uscreen.
Navigate to Settings > Storefront Domain Settings
Click Use Different Domain
Select Custom Domain
Enter your domain. Do not include www since you are not adding a subdomain
Verify that you have created the correct DNS records, and click on Connect
ℹ️ INFO: If the DNS records have propagated, you will immediately see a success message. If not, check that your DNS settings are correct, and if they are, simply wait and try again later to Connect.
Connect your Subdomain to Uscreen (Rarely Used)
Use a subdomain when you want to keep your Uscreen catalog separate from your main website, hosted elsewhere.
In your Domain Host
Log in to your DNS host (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap)
Find the DNS Management or Zone File Editor section
Create the following DNS records or update existing records with these values:
For the subdomain (e.g., videos.example.com, catalog.example.com):
Type: CNAME
Host: the subdomain prefix (e.g., videos, catalog)
Points to:
lb.uscreen.ioTTL: 1 hour
In Uscreen
Once the propagation has finished, you can add your subdomain to Uscreen.
Navigate to Settings > Storefront Domain Settings
Click Use Different Domain
Select Custom Domain
Enter your subdomain. Do not include www since it is already a subdomain
Verify that you have created the correct CNAME record, and click on Connect
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 address bar, reassuring users that your site is safe.
Uscreen provides a free SSL certificate for any domain or subdomain that you connect.
You don’t need to buy one from your DNS host.
When you add your domain, Uscreen automatically generates your SSL certificate.
Once installed, you will be able to access your website through HTTPS://
📝 NOTE: The installation of the SSL certificate is an automated process that can take up to 48 hours. While the SSL is being installed, the website and some features will be inaccessible.
Please wait until this timeframe has passed before reaching out to support for any issues related to the website or the SSL.
Can I Use CloudFlare With Uscreen?
❌ No, when Proxied
CloudFlare is NOT compatible with Uscreen websites when using their CDN Proxy.
CloudFlare CDN will interfere with our CDN servers and will cause issues with video playback and other website functions.
💡 TIP: You may consider transferring your domain to another registrar to use with Uscreen without issues, or use a subdomain with the configuration below.
✅ Yes, when DNS Only
CloudFlare IS compatible with Uscreen websites when you're simply utilizing DNS-only Proxy Status.
You can use subdomains on Cloudflare if you select the option DNS only in the Proxy Status field.
To create a subdomain in CloudFlare, navigate to DNS > Records, click Add Record, and select CNAME with the required values for the subdomain.
⚠️ WARNING: We strongly urge you to avoid using Cloudflare with your Uscreen website, as it may cause conflicts with our CDN, potentially impacting your storefront and video performance.
If you're already using Cloudflare, consider switching to DNS-Only mode, reverting nameserver management to the original domain host, or transferring your domain to a different registrar if Cloudflare was its original host.
Troubleshooting Tips
Conflicting DNS Records
Delete old A or CNAME records pointing to other servers
Only do this if you intend to take down your old website
If you don't intend on taking down your old site, consider using a subdomain instead
SSL Installation Delay
Uscreen automatically adds an SSL (security certificate) to your domain that can take up to 48 hours
Your site may look “insecure” briefly during this period, and this is normal
You may not be able to edit your website during this process. Please try again after the SSL certificate is installed
Verify DNS Configurations
Confirm the presence of essential DNS records, such as A records for IP addresses or CNAME records for subdomains
Double-check that the required DNS records are correct
Ensure there are no conflicting A or CNAME records
Make sure your domain displays as verified in status
Still Stuck?
Contact your DNS host’s support team for further assistance with adding the records. You can send them this article for reference.