Django auto-detection
The platform finds django in requirements.txt and builds the project itself - no Dockerfile, no manual wsgi setup.
Django hosting without your own server
Your Django project is ready, but you don't want to deal with servers, wsgi and nginx? Connect the repo - Dada Cloud detects django in requirements.txt, builds the project and runs it. PostgreSQL is created next to it, an HTTPS domain is issued right away. Free tier, servers in Russia.
Why Django projects run on Dada Cloud
PostgreSQL for the project
A managed database is created next door, DATABASE_URL appears in the environment - point settings.py at it.
HTTPS domain right away
The project gets a name.dada-tuda.ru address with a certificate. Remember to add it to ALLOWED_HOSTS.
Simple port contract
The app must listen on 0.0.0.0 and the PORT env variable, defaulting to 8000.
Crashes restart themselves
The process restarts automatically after a failure.
Free tier to start
Your first project can run for free, no card required.
How to deploy a Django project
Six steps from a repo to a working address - database, static files and migrations included.
01
Check your dependencies
requirements.txt must list django - that is what the platform reads to recognise the project and pick port 8000. Add gunicorn there too, plus dj-database-url and whitenoise if you use them.
02
Create the app and connect your code
Name the app and connect a GitHub repo - or upload a zip if you don't use git. Every push builds a new version.
03
Create PostgreSQL next door
The managed database is one click away and DATABASE_URL lands in the environment. Read it in settings.py, for example with dj-database-url.
04
Set environment variables
SECRET_KEY, DEBUG=False and your host list are set in the console. Add the issued address to ALLOWED_HOSTS or Django answers with a 400.
05
Wire up start: migrate, collectstatic, gunicorn
A start command like manage.py migrate --noinput && manage.py collectstatic --noinput && gunicorn project.wsgi --bind 0.0.0.0:$PORT covers all three at once. The platform runs it verbatim.
06
Open the address and attach a domain
In a minute or two the project is live at name.dada-tuda.ru over HTTPS. A custom domain takes a couple of minutes, the certificate is automatic.
What Django hosting costs
Real platform tiers, and an honest comparison with renting your own VPS.
| Tier | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | 0 ₽/mo | One project with a database and a domain, no card required. The limit is resources, not a trial clock. |
| Startup | 990 ₽/mo | 5 apps, 2 databases, 7-day backups - a site with real users plus a Celery worker. |
| Business | 2,900 ₽/mo | 20 apps, 10 databases, 30-day backups, priority support. |
| Your own VPS | comparable on hardware | A VPS is cheaper per unit of hardware. But gunicorn under systemd, nginx, certificates, database backups and restarts after a crash cost your time. |
Worth knowing up front
Three places a Django deploy usually trips.
ALLOWED_HOSTS is mandatory
Django answers 400 for any host missing from ALLOWED_HOSTS. Add both the issued name.dada-tuda.ru address and your custom domain if you attach one.
Media files do not survive a redeploy
A MEDIA_ROOT on the local disk is wiped on every build. Keep user uploads in object storage and put only collected static on the app disk.
Migrations do not run themselves
The platform never guesses when to touch your schema. Put manage.py migrate in the start command so every deploy brings the database up to date.
Django hosting - FAQ
Where do I deploy Django if I don't know servers?
On Dada Cloud: connect the repo, the platform detects Django, builds and runs the project. No server, wsgi or nginx to configure.
How do I connect a database to Django?
Create a managed PostgreSQL next to the project - the platform injects DATABASE_URL into the environment; read it in settings.py (for example with dj-database-url).
What about ALLOWED_HOSTS and the port?
Add the issued domain to ALLOWED_HOSTS and run the app on 0.0.0.0 with the PORT env variable (default 8000).
How do I run migrations?
The way you always do - manage.py migrate on start or manually. The platform does not interfere with your start command.
Is there free Django hosting?
Yes - the first project with PostgreSQL and a domain runs on the free tier, no card required.
What about static files and collectstatic?
Run manage.py collectstatic --noinput at build or start time and serve the result with WhiteNoise - one dependency and one line in MIDDLEWARE. User media belongs in object storage: the local disk is wiped on every build.
Do I need gunicorn?
Yes, for a production run: add gunicorn to requirements.txt and start with gunicorn project.wsgi --bind 0.0.0.0:$PORT. runserver is a development tool and will not hold up under traffic.
Where do I keep SECRET_KEY and DEBUG?
In the app's environment variables, set in the console and injected at start. Read them with os.environ in settings.py so secrets never enter the repo.
How do Celery and background tasks work?
Run the Celery worker as a separate app in background-worker mode - no public domain is issued for it. The web app and the worker live in one project and share the same database.
Give your code a public address
Create an account and deploy your first app. The Free plan costs $0.