GoDaddy automates Afternic domain verification for linked accounts

Domain owners using GoDaddy and Afternic can now skip a previously mandatory verification step. The two platforms, both owned by GoDaddy, have introduced automatic domain ownership verification for linked accounts, removing the need for users to manually add TXT or DNS records to confirm control of a domain before listing it on Afternic’s marketplace.

What changed

Before this update, even users with linked GoDaddy and Afternic accounts had to complete a separate verification process for each domain they wanted to list on Afternic. While a workaround existed—listing domains directly from within a GoDaddy account—it came with limitations, such as restricted pricing controls and fewer customization options for landing pages. The new system eliminates these steps entirely for linked accounts, streamlining the listing process.

In addition to automatic verification, the update allows users to modify nameservers directly from Afternic rather than switching back to GoDaddy’s interface. This change reduces friction for domain investors and resellers who frequently manage large portfolios across both platforms. To enable the feature, users must link their GoDaddy and Afternic accounts through Afternic’s settings menu.

Why it matters

The manual verification process was a persistent pain point for domain investors and resellers, particularly those managing hundreds or thousands of domains. Each verification required adding a TXT record to the domain’s DNS settings, a step that could become time-consuming at scale. By automating this process, GoDaddy and Afternic have removed a barrier that previously discouraged some users from listing domains on the marketplace.

For domain investors, the change may lead to increased liquidity on Afternic, as the simplified process could encourage more listings. Resellers, meanwhile, benefit from the ability to manage nameservers without leaving Afternic’s interface, reducing the number of tools they need to juggle. The update also aligns with broader industry trends toward automation and integration, where manual steps are increasingly seen as unnecessary friction.

Limitations and considerations

While the update simplifies the process for linked accounts, it does not eliminate the need for account linking itself. Users who have not linked their GoDaddy and Afternic accounts will still need to complete the manual verification process. Additionally, the feature is currently limited to domains registered through GoDaddy; domains registered with other providers will not benefit from automatic verification.

The change also does not address all of the limitations of the previous workaround, such as pricing controls and landing page customization. Users who relied on the workaround may still find some aspects of the new system restrictive, though the overall process is now more straightforward.