Let's say you have just built an app or website using either Lovable or Bolt.

Now, you want to publish it so it's live on the internet.

This is where a lot of people get stuck. Hosting, URLs, and custom domains can be confusing.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of hosting and publishing your app or website on these popular AI builders. And we'll have a bonus tip that a lot of people miss.

Let's start with Lovable before moving on to Bolt.

How to Publish and Host AI-Built Websites with Lovable

Lovable offers a straightforward process for publishing your AI-generated websites. Let's break it down step by step:

Step 1: Access the Publish Feature

Once you've completed building in Lovable, navigate to the top of the editor and click on the "Publish" button. This action will present you with two options: publishing under a Lovable subdomain or connecting a custom domain.

Step 2: Publishing Under a Lovable Subdomain

For a quick and easy publishing process, choose the "Publish" option. This will host your website under a Lovable subdomain, making it instantly accessible on the web. The process typically takes about a minute to complete.

• Click "Publish" at the top of the editor
• Wait for the publishing process to complete (usually about a minute)
• Access your live website using the provided Lovable subdomain URL

Step 3: Connecting a Custom Domain in Lovable

If you want to use your own domain name, Lovable offers two options:

1. Add a domain you own:Connect an existing domain to your Lovable project
2. Buy a domain through Lovable:Purchase a new domain directly through the platform

Both methods allow you to have a custom domain connected to your project without worrying about external hosting arrangements.

Step 4: Updatin​g Your Lovable App/Website

After making changes to your app/website in the Lovable editor, simply click the "Update" button at the top to reflect these changes on the live website.

This ensures that your published site always displays the most recent version of your work.

Bolt Website Deployment and Netlify Hosting for AI Websites

Bolt takes a slightly different approach to publishing and hosting AI-built websites by integrating with Netlify. Here's how to deploy your Bolt-created website or app:

Step 1: Deploy Your Bolt-Built Website

Once you've finished creating your website or app in Bolt, click the "Deploy" button. This action will automatically deploy your application to Netlify, a popular hosting service for web projects.

Step 2: Access Your Deployed Site

After a successful deployment, Bolt will provide you with a link to view your live website. This link can be shared with anyone, allowing them to access your AI-built website or app on the internet.

Step 3: Claim Your Netlify Project

To gain more control over your deployed site, you'll want to claim your Netlify project:

1. Click on the "claim URL" provided by Bolt
2. If you don't have a Netlify account, create one
3. Log in to your Netlify account
4. Click "Claim app" to transfer the project to your account

Step 4: Adding a Custom Domain on Netlify

Once you've claimed your Netlify project, you can add a custom domain:

1. Go to "Site configuration" in your Netlify dashboard
2. Navigate to "Domain management"
3. Click "Add a domain"
4. Choose to either buy a domain through Netlify or add a domain you already own
5. Follow the provided instructions to complete the domain setup

Step 5: Redeploying AI-Built Apps After Making Changes

When you make updates to your site in Bolt, remember to click the "Deploy" button again to redeploy your application. This ensures that any changes you've made are reflected in the live version of your website or app.

Best Practices for Publishing AI-Generated Websites

To make the most of your AI-built websites, keep these best practices in mind:

• Regular updates and redeployment: Consistently update and redeploy your site to ensure it reflects your latest changes
• Choose between subdomain and custom domain: Decide whether a quick subdomain or a professional custom domain better suits your needs
• Scale your AI-built apps and websites: As your project grows, consider upgrading your hosting plan or exploring additional features offered by your chosen platform
• Monitor and maintain: Regularly check your published AI websites for performance issues and make necessary adjustments

By following these steps and best practices, you'll be well-equipped to publish and host your AI-built websites effectively. Whether you choose Lovable or Bolt, you now have the knowledge to take your AI-generated creations from the editor to the live web, accessible to anyone with an internet connection.

Watch a recent video where we compare Bolt and Lovable:

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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What's the main difference between publishing with Lovable and Bolt?

Lovable offers direct publishing with its own subdomain option, while Bolt integrates with Netlify for hosting and deployment. Lovable's process is slightly more straightforward, while Bolt offers more advanced options through Netlify integration.

Do I need technical knowledge to publish my AI-built website?

No, both Lovable and Bolt are designed to be user-friendly and don't require extensive technical knowledge. However, familiarity with basic web concepts can be helpful, especially when setting up custom domains.

Can I use my own domain name with both Lovable and Bolt?

Yes, both platforms allow you to connect your own custom domain to your AI-built website. Lovable offers this directly, while with Bolt, you'll do this through Netlify after claiming your project.

How often should I update my AI-built website?

It's a good practice to update your website whenever you make significant changes or add new content. Both Lovable and Bolt make it easy to redeploy your site after making updates.

Is it necessary to claim my Netlify project when using Bolt?

While not strictly necessary, claiming your Netlify project when using Bolt gives you more control over your website, including the ability to add a custom domain and access additional Netlify features.