Why setup vanity name servers?
When anyone does a WHOIS domain lookup, or uses a domain routing tool, anyone can see the nameservers that your domain name points to. For instance, if your domain was fireball.com here is what the WHOIS report would return:
After vanity name servers:
NS1.EXAMPLE.COM
ZUKO.FIREBALL.COM
Before vanity name servers:
NS1.VON.HOST
NS2.VON.HOST
Using vanity name servers allows you to hide the fact that your website actually relies on our public name servers.
You can, in theory, assign any subdomain name you want to your private nameservers. They don’t have to be NS1, NS2, NS3, etc…just sayin’.
Here are some great vanity nameserver tutorials that’ll help you learn more. Just cruise over the helpful links below:
Vanity nameserver propagation may take up to 24 hours before they become fully active. After your private nameservers are active, go ahead and point any other domains to these newly created custom nameservers, instead of our public nameservers.
Frequently asked questions
What are vanity name servers?
They're custom nameservers on your own domain, like zuko.fireball.com, instead of ours, like ns1.von.host. Anyone running a WHOIS lookup sees your names, not your host's. Your site still runs on the same servers. It just stops advertising where it lives.
Why would I hide my web host with custom DNS?
Mostly for appearances. WHOIS lookups and domain routing tools show anyone which nameservers your domain points to. Vanity name servers swap our public ones for names on your own domain, so people see your brand instead of ours. Nothing about your site changes except who gets the credit.
Do vanity nameservers have to be called ns1 and ns2?
No. You can assign pretty much any subdomain you want to your private nameservers. NS1 and NS2 are just habit. The example on this page uses zuko.fireball.com, and it works fine. Pick something you won't mind seeing in a WHOIS report for years.
How long do vanity name servers take to start working?
Up to 24 hours. That's propagation, and nobody can rush it. Once your private nameservers are active, point your other domains at them instead of our public nameservers. If something still looks off after a full day, call or text (720) 722-3227 and a real person will take a look.
Can I set up vanity nameservers in cPanel?
Yes. The links on this page cover setting up vanity nameservers in cPanel, cPanel's DNS FAQ, and nameserver configuration on cPanel servers. If you'd rather not read three tutorials, ask Von for help instead. Call or text (720) 722-3227. A real person answers.
