changelog
What we shipped recently
A straight list of product surfaces that landed around early September 2026 — for Indie Hackers, Hacker News, and anyone checking whether Vacato is real. Still alerts only; not a catcher.
Last updated 2026-08-28
Last updated (launch inventory sync). Detailed Free plan note: /blog/free-plan-10-domains.
Free forever · no card
Watch 10 domains free
10 names · 5-minute RDAP · Telegram, email, and push. Add a taken domain, get alerted when status changes — then register at your own registrar. Alerts only; not a catcher.
September 2026
SVG README badge + honest framing post
Shields-style /badge/{domain}.svg for README / blog embeds (static label → public /d status). Install notes: /embed#svg. Framing write-up: watchlist vs WHOIS vs drop-catch — alerts only; not a catcher.
Free plan → 10 domains
Free forever now covers 10 domains (was tighter) with 5-minute RDAP checks, email, browser push, and Telegram — no card. Pro stays $7/mo for 100 names and 1-minute checks. Write-up: Free plan now watches 10 domains.
Free tools (no account)
- Domain check — single-name RDAP snapshot
- Bulk checker — paste up to 25 names
- Expiry checker — registration / expiry dates when RDAP exposes them
- Domain name ideas — seed → brandable variants, then Check / Watch
Hub: /tools.
Public domain status pages (/d)
Shareable status for a hostname: /d hub and pages like /d/example.com. Curated examples are indexable; arbitrary share links use a noindex shell so search does not explode with thin UGC. Export and detail views can copy public status links or Share to Telegram.
First-run activation + shares
- First-run checklist steers new accounts to add a domain and connect Telegram (strict activation = domain + channel).
- Watchlist / invite flows expose native share where the browser supports it; Telegram deep links use numbered steps so connect is obvious.
- Expiry lifecycle copy and bulk shareable
/dURLs make shortlists easier to pass around without dumping private watchlists.
Launch + ads paste kit (no spend required): /growth — paid-ads test pack and Product Hunt Upcoming paste under the growth anchors.
Embed badge + bookmarklet
- Embed — lightweight availability badge for sites (no tracking pixel required for the basic badge)
- Bookmarklet — “watch this hostname” from any tab (
utm_source=bookmarklet)
Press kit + API docs
- Press kit — one-liner, Free 10 fact, logo, OG images, Indie Hackers product shots
- API & MCP docs — Pro+ REST and MCP (key required)
Referral invites (rewards soon)
Invite sharing and attribution are on — copy a link from Settings. Pro reward comps are not live yet; we will not advertise payouts until they are verified. Details: /referral.
Indie Hackers screenshots
Clean viewport captures for the Thu Sep 11 IH post live under /ih (gallery index), /press#ih-screenshots, and /ih/* PNGs (homepage, check, bulk, pricing Free 10, press). Logged-in watchlist / Telegram shots still optional before launch day.
Honest limits
- Vacato does not drop-catch, backorder, or register names.
- Availability is point-in-time RDAP — someone can still register between alert and checkout.
- Free is 10 domains; larger lists need Pro or Business on /pricing.
Ready for Free 10?
Same deal as above — 10 domains, 5-minute checks, Telegram. No card.
Start Free 10 watchlistLaunch paste kit: /growth.
FAQ
Does Vacato register or catch domains?
No. Vacato is an RDAP watchlist and alert layer. When a check sees a name available, you get notified — you register at your own registrar.
What is on the free plan now?
Free watches 10 domains with 5-minute RDAP checks, email, browser push, and Telegram. No credit card.
Are referral rewards live?
Invite links and attribution are live. Pro reward comps (give 1 / get 1) are coming soon — we do not claim payouts until verified.
Start a watchlist free
10 domains, 5-minute checks, email and Telegram. No credit card. Vacato does not register domains for you.