A virtual domain (also called an addon domain) lets you host a completely separate website on the same hosting account. Each virtual domain gets its own directory, its own email accounts, and its own set of files, but they all share the same cPanel and hosting plan resources. This is different from a domain pointer/alias, which just shows the same website under a different domain name.
Virtual Domain = Separate Website, Same Account
Think of it as hosting multiple websites under one roof. Each domain has its own files and looks like a completely independent website to visitors.
- Each addon domain gets its own folder (e.g.,
public_html/secondsite.com) - Each can have its own email accounts, databases, and SSL certificate
- All share the same hosting plan resources (disk, bandwidth, CPU)
- Managed from one cPanel login
01. What is a Virtual/Addon Domain
In cPanel terminology, a "virtual domain" is called an Addon Domain. It allows you to host an entirely separate website under a different domain name on the same hosting account. Visitors to each domain see a completely different site with no indication they share a server or account.
For example, if your primary domain is mybusiness.com, you could add mysecondproject.com as an addon domain. Each has its own web root directory, its own files, its own database, and its own email addresses.
The number of addon domains you can add depends on your hosting plan. Check your plan details in your client area or on our hosting plans page.
02. How to Add an Addon Domain
Prerequisites
The domain must be registered and its nameservers must point to Ultra Web Hosting:
ns1.ultranameservers.com
ns2.ultranameservers.com
ns3.ultranameservers.comSteps
- Log into cPanel > click Domains (in the Domains section)
- Click "Create A New Domain"
- Enter the domain name - e.g.,
mysecondsite.com - Set the document root - cPanel auto-suggests a folder name. You can change it or accept the default (usually
public_html/mysecondsite.com) - Click Submit
cPanel creates the directory, sets up DNS records, and issues an SSL certificate via AutoSSL. Upload your website files to the new directory and your second site is live.
After adding the domain, install WordPress or your CMS using Softaculous. Make sure to select the addon domain and its directory during installation, not your primary domain.
03. Addon Domain vs Domain Pointer vs Subdomain
Addon Domain
- Own directory and files
- Own email accounts
- Completely independent site
- Example:
secondsite.com
Domain Pointer (Alias)
- Shows primary domain's content
- No separate directory
- Brand protection / alternate names
- See Domain Pointer Guide
Subdomains (blog.yourdomain.com) work like addon domains - they get their own directory and can host separate content - but they're part of your primary domain instead of a separate domain name.
04. Managing Multiple Domains
- Email - create email accounts for any addon domain in cPanel > Email Accounts. Select the addon domain from the domain dropdown
- Databases - addon domains can use their own databases or share with the primary. Most CMS installations need their own database
- SSL - AutoSSL automatically issues certificates for addon domains. Check cPanel > SSL/TLS Status
- Resource sharing - all addon domains share your plan's disk space, bandwidth, and CPU allocation. If one site gets heavy traffic, it can affect the others. Monitor usage in cPanel > Resource Usage
If your addon domains have significantly different traffic levels or resource needs, consider separate hosting accounts or a VPS where you can allocate resources independently.
Need Help With Domain Configuration?
If you're not sure whether you need an addon domain, pointer, or subdomain, open a ticket and describe what you're trying to accomplish.
Open a Support TicketFrequently Asked Questions
What is an addon domain?
An addon domain lets you host a completely separate website on the same hosting account. It gets its own directory, email accounts, and files, while sharing your cPanel and plan resources. It differs from a domain pointer, which just shows the same site under another domain name.
How do I add an addon domain in cPanel?
In cPanel open the Domains tool, choose to create a new domain, and enter the domain name; cPanel creates its document root automatically. Point the domain's DNS or nameservers to your account first so it resolves, then add it.
What is the difference between an addon domain, a pointer, and a subdomain?
An addon domain is a separate website with its own files and email. A domain pointer or alias shows your existing site under another domain name. A subdomain is a section of your main domain such as blog.yourdomain.com. Choose addon for a distinct site, pointer for duplicate access, and subdomain for a sub-section.
Do addon domains share my hosting resources?
Yes. All addon domains run on the same cPanel account and share its disk, bandwidth, and CPU or memory limits. They are separate sites for management and email, but they draw from one plan's resources, so heavy traffic on one affects the others.
Quick Recap
If you only do 5 things from this guide, do these:
- Addon domain = separate website on the same hosting account
- Add in cPanel > Domains > Create A New Domain
- Point nameservers first - ns1/ns2/ns3.ultranameservers.com
- Upload files to the addon's directory - not your primary public_html
- Resources are shared - all domains use the same plan limits
Last updated November 2026 · Browse all General articles
