## Overview

By default, when you add a link to an SMS message or WhatsApp [message template](https://docs.bird.com/applications/content/message-templates), we shorten the link so that it can be used in UTM tracking.

Shortened links will always be a Bird domain that looks similar to this: `brdX.eu`.

For example, the link `https://docs.bird.com/applications` might be shortened to something like: `brd1.eu/psaH7QJ`.

Short links are only available for [SMS](https://docs.bird.com/applications/channels/channels/supported-channels/sms) and [WhatsApp](https://docs.bird.com/applications/channels/channels/supported-channels/whatsapp).

## Branded subdomains

Branded subdomains combine a phrase that's representative of your brand, such as 'Bert's Bookshop' with our `brdX.eu` domain. Links that use branded subdomains might look like this: `bertsbooks.brd3.eu/hufR276`.

The shorter your subdomain, the more space you'll have in your message for the rest of your content.

#### Set up a branded subdomain

> Make sure that the subdomain you use is representative of your brand, or your account will be banned.

- Navigate to Admin console > Marketing > Custom domains > **Short links**
- Click the **Short links** tab.
- Under Custom links > Branded sub-domain > click **Add**.

![Short links settings page with Branded subdomain and Branded domain sections and Add buttons](https://framerusercontent.com/images/tKP5reBH8skrGJcKWhWhkmLnR68.png)

- Enter a subdomain.
- Check the preview, then click **Create**.

![Branded subdomain form entering a subdomain and previewing the resulting books.brd3.eu short link](https://framerusercontent.com/images/rzfPTm8mpTRzacDFmgMz627K2Q.png)

## Branded domains

Branded domains require additional configuration in your DNS records, but give you complete control over the appearance of your short links. Once set up, your domain name will replace the `brdX.eu` domain in your short links.

So, instead of looking like this: `bertsbooks.brd3.eu/hufR276`

Your short links will look like this: `bertsbooks/hufR276`

#### Set up a branded domain

> - You must use your own domain.
> - To set up a branded domain, you will need access to your DNS settings.

- Navigate to Admin console > Marketing > Custom domains > **Short links**

![Short links settings page with Branded subdomain and Branded domain sections and Add buttons](https://framerusercontent.com/images/tKP5reBH8skrGJcKWhWhkmLnR68.png)

- Click the **Short links** tab.
- Under Custom Links > Branded domain > click **Add**.
- Enter your domain, such as `bird.com`
- Click **Create**.

![Branded domain form with a Custom domain name field entering go.bird.com](https://framerusercontent.com/images/GBbTjOOFyITvrAZe6j4BQNFvM8.png)

- Copy the **Validation code TXT record** and add it to your DNS settings as a TXT record.
- Copy the **A record** and add it to your DNS settings.
- Click **Verify and close**.

![DNS setup screen showing the validation code TXT record and A records to add for the branded domain](https://framerusercontent.com/images/PGLvl3FoXvaKpinQgyBUr0XEeA.png)

DNS records may take some time to propagate. Once the DNS records are verified this domain will become active. In the meantime, your branded domain will be marked as 'Pending'.

## Adding branded links to a campaign

If you've set up a branded [subdomain](https://docs.bird.com/applications/campaigns/campaigns/concepts/short-links#branded-subdomains) or [domain](https://docs.bird.com/applications/campaigns/campaigns/concepts/short-links#branded-domains), any link you add to an SMS campaign message or a WhatsApp message template will be automatically shortened and customized.

You can toggle this feature off and on in the 'Campaign content' section while setting up a campaign.

NOTE: Turning link shortening off will disable Click tracking.

![Campaign content toggle enabled to shorten all links with brd3.eu](https://framerusercontent.com/images/S4DkrOdEEi5L5TJGZNZqZUZtvI.png)