Vercel
Temporary Deployments let you publish an app or single file through Vercel CLI without creating a Vercel account first. The CLI builds the project locally when needed, then returns a live URL that you can send to another person.
According to the Vercel changelog, these deployments run on the dedicated tmp.now domain. They expire after one hour unless someone claims the project by signing in or creating an account.
How Vercel Temporary Deployments work
The command must be run from a project directory that is not already linked to Vercel. Running vercel deploy --temporary deploys the current project. You can also add a filename, such as prototype.html, to deploy one file rather than the full directory.
- 1
Open an unlinked project
use a directory that is not connected to Vercel
- 2
Run the temporary deploy
enter `vercel deploy --temporary`
- 3
Share the URL
send the returned `tmp.now` address
- 4
Claim it if needed
open the private claim link and sign in
When a build is required, it happens locally before the deployment is uploaded. The resulting URL can be shared immediately, with no account needed for the initial deployment. This gives prototypes a temporary hosting path before they become a permanent Vercel project.
A single-file deployment follows the same pattern. Running vercel deploy --temporary prototype.html publishes that file and returns its temporary URL. This covers quick HTML mock-ups as well as project directories that need a local build.
Claiming a deployment keeps it live
Each temporary deployment expires after one hour by default. The CLI output includes a claim link for keeping the project online. Opening that link prompts the user to sign in or create an account, after which the deployment can be claimed.
Vercel tells users to keep the claim link private. The public tmp.now URL is the link intended for sharing, while the claim link controls who can attach the temporary deployment to an account.
Frequently asked questions
What are Vercel Temporary Deployments?
Temporary Deployments are live, shareable deployments created with Vercel CLI without an account. They use the tmp.now domain and expire after one hour unless claimed.
Do Temporary Deployments require a Vercel account?
No account is required to create the initial deployment from an unlinked project directory. An account is required to claim it and keep it live. The changelog does not mention pricing or plan requirements.
How do you claim a Temporary Deployment?
Open the claim link returned by Vercel CLI, then sign in or create an account. Vercel advises keeping this claim link private.
Sources
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