How to Brand System-Generated Links with an API Domain

By Sparkforge Support Team ·Last reviewed May 3, 2026

An API domain (also called branded domain) replaces the default domain in system-generated links — forms, surveys, calendars, trigger links, payment links, and review links. Set one at the agency level for global default; override per sub-account when needed.

System-generated links — the URLs Sparkforge creates for forms, surveys, calendars, trigger links, payment links, and review links — use a default domain unless you brand them. A custom API domain replaces that with your own subdomain (e.g. links.yourbusiness.com), which improves email deliverability and reinforces brand recognition.

Where the branded domain shows up

Forms
Surveys
Calendar links
Trigger links
Payment links
Review links
Short links

Two configuration levels

Level	Behavior
Agency (API Domain)	Default branded domain across every sub-account.
Sub-account (Branded Domain)	Specific to one sub-account; overrides the agency-level domain.

Configure at the agency level

Step 1: open the settings

Go to Agency View > Agency Settings > Company > Whitelabel > Domains.

Step 2: add the domain

Click Add Domain. The domain connect wizard launches and can create the CNAME automatically with most major registrars.

Step 3: configure DNS

If automatic setup isn't available for your registrar, create a CNAME manually in your DNS:

Name: the chosen subdomain (e.g. links).
Target: brand.ludicrous.cloud

Scroll to the bottom of the Company page and click Update Company to save.

Configure at the sub-account level

Step 1: open Business Profile

In the sub-account, go to Settings > Business Profile.

Step 2: enter the branded domain

In the Branded Domain field, enter the subdomain (e.g. links.yourclient.com).

Step 3: add and verify

Click Add Domain to launch the wizard, or create the CNAME manually using the same target as above. Scroll down and click Update Information to save.

Troubleshooting

Updating an existing domain? Clear the existing domain field, save, re-enter the new subdomain, then save again. The two-step save forces a clean rewrite.
Don't use this for development. The API domain only brands system-generated links. It is not a development host or general-purpose CNAME.
Use a subdomain, not the root. Pointing your root domain (e.g. yourbusiness.com) at the API domain target will conflict with your website hosting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my root domain as the API domain?

No. Use a subdomain like links.yourbusiness.com. The root domain is reserved for your website hosting and pointing it at the API domain target will break your site.

What if a sub-account doesn't have a branded domain set?

It falls back to the agency-level API domain. That's the whole point of the agency setting — sane defaults that sub-accounts inherit unless they override.

How long does DNS propagation take?

Usually under an hour. The official ceiling is 48 hours, but most registrars finish much faster.

What's the CNAME target?

brand.ludicrous.cloud — both agency-level and sub-account-level branded domains use the same target.

Will branding the link improve email deliverability?

Yes. Branded links are less likely to be flagged as spam compared to generic shared domains. The improvement is most visible on cold email and review-request blasts.