URL and link shorteners are handy tools that reduce lengthy URLs to manageable links of less than 20 characters.
They may facilitate the management of links, the tracking of click data, the promotion of sharing on social media platforms, and even the generation of income online.
But there are several alternatives. I’ve researched and assessed the top and most effective link shorteners to assist you in locating the ideal one. These evaluations are based on usability, functionality, support, cost, and other factors.
What is the Best Link Shorteners ?
The following is a list of the best URL and link shorteners to use in this year.
Image Source: Bit.ly
Bit.ly is a New York-based bespoke link shortening and management tool. It allows you to build short connections that are immediately identifiable. With bit.ly, you can receive access to 20 data points, including referral channels and geographies, for which you can acquire deeper insights. This allows you to make more informed business choices based on facts.
Bitly’s API and connection with over 700 applications allow you to effectively automate and extend your process. You may also distribute short links to your affiliate channel through text messages and referral links. And to guarantee complete security, Bit.ly encrypts all links using HTTPS. You may also substitute bit.ly with bespoke names for enhanced branding, allowing clients to immediately identify your firm.
Pros:
- Automatic Branding – Create bespoke links in bulk and get in-depth information about the success of your content.
- Extensive Integrations – To simplify matters, integrate a multiplicity of business applications into your technology stack and process. Through Sprinklr, Hootsuite, and Salesforce Marketing Cloud, you can also generate deep links that are mobile-friendly.
- Powerful Analytics – Bit.ly’s real-time interactive dashboard records business-critical information like as shop visits, open rate, and demographics.
- Create QR codes for personalized URLs with robust tracking capabilities.
- SMS charges may be reduced by using shorter connections.
- Track measures such as organic link sharing and overall content success.
- It provides an enormous collection of resources and expertise.
- Automate the large-scale distribution of custom-branded links.
- Bitly API provides robust security and adaptability through the OAuth2 authentication process.
Pricing:
- Free: $0 per month
- Basic: $29 per month
- Premium: $199 per month
- Customized: Quote-based plan
Image Source: Zapier.com
The URL shortener from Zapier generates and stores short URLs automatically, enabling you to develop automated processes. For example, you may instantly shorten a link in a social network post and concurrently store it in Google Sheets.
Moreover, if you want to send a link over SMS, Zapier’s URL shortener will automatically shorten the link. Additionally, it allows you to save money on additional text characters. Additionally, Zapier integrates with over 2,000 apps, including Google Sheets, to automatically add and upload shortened URLs.
Pros:
- Automated Links – Add Zapier’s URL shortener to any process, and it will handle shortened URLs and tracking settings automatically.
- Unlimited Links — It comes with free Zapier integration. You have the ability to generate an endless number of abbreviated links.
- Extensive Integration — It integrates with more than 2000 programs, such as social networking apps, Google documents, email marketing tools, and survey forms.
- The free plan includes 100 tasks per month for integration.
- Include shortened URLs in emails and customised messages.
- Track the success of links based on demographics and link clicks, among other data metrics.
- It gives rapid email support.
- You may also hire a Zapier Expert for individualized support.
Pricing:
Zapier’s URL shortener comes for free with all the Zapier plans.
Image Source: Rebrandly
Rebrandly is a link management system that enables you to monitor, brand, shorten, and distribute short URLs with a custom domain. It also facilitates collaboration with numerous team members. You may establish team-specific folders to collaborate and browse branded links without misunderstanding.
In addition, it modifies destination URLs and generates URL slugs. You may also provide an expiration date to links and allow speedier redirection. Rebrandly is a comprehensive branding and link management application.
Rebrandly further allows you to control 404 traffic and SSL directly from the dashboard. You may also link and administer several branded custom domains. It also enables you to create and schedule bespoke traffic reports for distribution to the relevant teams.
Pros:
- Deep Linking – Direct visitors to a specified landing page with ease. Or guide users to your mobile application depending on their device, language, location, and other variables.
- Link Retargeting – Add traffic to AdWords, Facebook, and Twitter retargeting lists without difficulty. You may also send pixels for retargeting directly through branded URLs.
- Domain Management –Manage custom SSL, 404 redirect management, SSL, redirection of the primary domain, and numerous domain names.
- Single sign-on expedites the sign-up and sign-in processes (SSO).
- Use scenarios, product FAQs, and automated upgrades are provided.
- Integration of corporate tools with strength
- Multiple access levels facilitate the management of big teams.
- Engineer-specific help and email support.
Pricing:
- Free: $0 per month
- Sarter: $29 per month
- Pro: $69 per month
- Premium: $499 per month
- Enterprise: Custom Price
Image Source: TinyURL
TinyURL is a link shortening technology that generates aliases for long URLs, making them easier to distribute and monitor. TinyURL provides a link preview tool that allows users to see the final shortened link in order to prevent improper redirection. It also enables you to add a shortened link to the toolbar of your browser. After that, you may shorten the connection by clicking a button. Additionally, you may redirect to any page by constructing a shorter URL.
Paid TinyURL plans provide link monitoring, administration, and analytics tools.
Pros:
- Clean User Interface – TinyURL provides a straightforward interface. Simply enter the site address in the box and choose the “Make TinyURL” option. You will get your shortened URL immediately.
- URL Types – It provides three URL kinds, including long, short, and preview links.
- Create an infinite number of free short links.
- Compatible with all common operating systems and online browsers.
- It blocks spam or unlawful links automatically.
- It generates links specific to your own branding.
Pricing:
- Free: $0 per month
- Pro: $9.99 starting per month
- Bulk 100k: $99 starting per month
5. AdFly
Image Source: AdFly
AdFly is a no-cost URL shortening service. It not only helps you shorten links, but it also helps you monetize them.
Signing up and creating an account is all that’s required. After that, it will generate revenue for you whenever a user clicks on a shortened link. Place your links on several social media networks, such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, to increase click-throughs and exposure.
Additionally, you may promote without popups. In addition, AdFly allows you to monitor the success and stats of your links to make data-driven marketing choices.
Pros:
- Safe Advertising –It provides secure advertising by continuously checking adverts with anti-malware and anti-virus servers.
- Fraud Filter – It assures that only legitimate traffic is sent to your links for a higher ROI.
- API – Using its API, you may instantly generate Adf.ly links through your website, widget, or app.
- After earning a minimum of $5, you may withdraw your funds using PayPal.
- Install easy programs to effortlessly earn money.
- AdFly offers services in more than 10 languages, including English, Hindi, Spanish, French, and Thai.
- Sign up quickly using Google login.
- Monitor traffic using numerous data points.
Pricing:
AdFly is an open-source and free URL shortener tool.
What is a URL Shortener or Link Shortener?
A URL or link shortening service allows you to reduce the length of a URL. It also allows you to rename the URL and tailor it to your branding specifications.
Most of us find it difficult to memorize lengthy URLs, particularly when they include random numbers and characters. You can easily remember a shorter URL with a personalized moniker, though. Additionally, shorter URLs are simpler to maintain and distribute.
This is where URL and link shortening services come into play.
Here are some key reasons why you need a link shortener:
- A shorter URL requires fewer characters. It indicates that you may easily send it by text message or twitter without exceeding the character restriction.
- You may monitor essential data such as location, platform, region, and demographics by including parameters in a short URL. It allows you to monitor the traffic originating from a certain connection.
- Additionally, you may link your own domain to the URL shortener. This custom domain may be used as the starting point for short links. Rather of utilizing rebrand.ly or bit.ly, for instance, you may use your own branded domain name.
This is my selection of the most effective URL and link shorteners. Every tool has a few unique selling points and typical functions. Some are free while others offer flexible priced options. The optimal option will be determined exclusively by your marketing needs, budget, and business/team size.
