Custom domain name with Tumblr.com

Using a custom domain name

Custom domains let you host your blog with a URL like www.mywebsite.com ormywebsite.com. This can be tricky to set up, and is only recommended for advanced users. Really — our staff isn't able to support many of the issues that may crop up when setting up a domain name. So please ask a friend who's done this before if you're uncomfortable with any of the instructions.

Step One

First, you'll need to buy a domain from a registrar like Namecheap, pairNIC, Register, oriWantMyName. This usually costs $10-$40 per year. Then, you need to make a configuration change with your registrar:

• If you are using a subdomain that has three or more levels, like www.mywebsite.comor blog.mywebsite.com, follow the registrar's instructions to point the CNAME record for the subdomain to domains.tumblr.com.

OR

• If you are using a domain that has only two levels, like mywebsite.com, follow the registrar's instructions to point the domain's A-record (IP address) to 66.6.44.4.

You only need to make one of the changes above depending on whether you are using a subdomain or a domain with your blog. You do not need to make both changes.

Please also note that you do not need to change the nameservers for your domain in any way.

Once you've followed the instructions above, you may need to wait up to 72 hours for the change to take effect. If things have been set up properly, you should see a Tumblr error page when you visit the subdomain or domain. That error page means the subdomain or domain is correctly pointing to Tumblr but your blog hasn't been configured to use it yet. You are almost done!

Step Two

Now log in to Tumblr, click the name of your blog at the top of the Dashboard, and clickSettings.

Check the "Use a custom domain name" box and enter your subdomain (ie.www.mywebsite.com) or domain (ie. mywebsite.com). Click the "Test your domain"button.

If the test finds any problems, correct them. Keep fixing problems and clicking the "Test your domain" button until the test is successful. Then, click the "Save" button at the bottom of the page. You're all done!

Once your custom subdomain or domain is set up, users who visit your dot-tumblr URL will be automatically redirected to your new custom domain. For example, david.tumblr.com will automatically redirect you to davidslog.com, which should proudly display your blog.
To customize more from your dashboard, go to http://www.tumblr.com/blog/username/settings

http://www.tumblr.com/docs/en/custom_domains