What we shipped recently

Last updated 2026-09-06 (launch inventory sync). Detailed Free plan note: /blog/free-plan-10-domains.

September 2026

Lifecycle alerts + act-now workflow

Watchlist alerts now fire when RDAP moves a name into redemption orpending delete (not only when it becomes available). Expiry-window emails and Telegram messages use honest copy — they no longer say “available.” Domain details add Check now, multi-registrar register menus, and catcher search links for pending-delete keepers. Pro users get a Likely drops this week panel and CSV import that prefers Domain / Domain Name columns from catalog exports. Still alerts only — Vacato does not catch or register.

Embed domain status badge (README SVG)

Developer soft-land for /badge/{domain}.svg + /embed adoption — static honest label → public /d RDAP; not live status in the image — embed domain status badge. Alerts only; not a catcher.

Telegram domain availability alerts

Activation soft-landing for Reddit / IH / Show HN: Free 20 RDAP watchlist + Telegram vs email-only WHOIS — telegram domain availability alerts. Alerts only; not a catcher.

Spreadsheet vs domain watchlist

Founder ops guide: when Google Sheets is a shortlist (not monitoring), when a Free 20 RDAP watchlist + Telegram wins, and when a backorder still beats both — spreadsheet vs domain watchlist. Alerts only; not a catcher.

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 → 20 domains

Free forever now covers 20 domains (was 10) 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 20 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

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 /d URLs make shortlists easier to pass around without dumping private watchlists.

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 20 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 20, 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 20 domains; larger lists need Pro or Business on /pricing.