Using a custom domain name

Custom domains let you host your tumblelog with a URL like "www.mywebsite.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.

First, you'll need to buy a domain from a registrar like GoDaddy, pairNIC, Register, or iWantMyName. This usually costs $10-$40 per year. Then you'll need to follow the registrar's instructions to point the domain's A-record (IP address) to 72.32.231.8

Please note that you need to change your domain's or sub-domain's A Record, not its nameservers. And, you don't need to forward your domain, you only need to change its A Record.

Once you've done this, you may need to wait up to 72 hours for the change to take effect. If the domain is set up properly, you should see the Tumblr home page when you visit your domain. Almost done!

Now log in to Tumblr and click Customize. Under the "Info" settings, check off "Use a custom domain name", and enter your custom domain (ie. "mywebsite.com"). Click "Save Changes", and if everything went right, visiting your domain should now show your tumblelog in all its glory.