A url shortener is a digital tool that makes long links shorter by converting the original domain name into an alternate URL. This can help with various purposes, such as creating more readable and concise links or reducing the number of characters used in certain instances (e.g., in social media posts where character limits apply).
Aside from being more user-friendly, shortened links have several advantages that make them an essential tool for online users. First, they save on web traffic because a shorter link redirects users to the same destination as the original one without increasing the load time. Second, they allow users to save on space by fitting more links into a single post or tweet, especially when it comes to Twitter’s character limit. Third, they provide tracking capabilities to offer vital information on link engagement—a crucial asset for businesses and marketing campaigns.
Despite the many benefits of using a url shortener, not all of them are created equal. Some are more complex than others, and some can even pose privacy concerns. For example, some URL shorteners use esoteric top-level domains to obscure the destination of a short link and avoid detection by internet service providers and web hosts.
To address these issues, you can choose a safe url shortener like Bitly. The popular app offers a free plan that provides up to 500 branded links and tracked clicks per month, while its paid plans start at $35/month for more branded links and analytics. Other alternatives such as Rebrandly also offer value at different price points for business owners and marketers. You can also integrate a url shortener with zapier—an automation platform that connects apps and tasks—to automatically generate and share shortened links for your online marketing campaigns. url shortener