I will tell you this for free. If you want to detect a good web link shortener, you should look for two things. It’s either going to save you some space in your captions or help you measure your social performance more easily. When these two factors are absent, just keep searching. Fast forward to why we are here; web link shorteners are responsible for reducing the length of your website links, making them easier to remember and track while maintaining the original URL.
I wrote this article for exactly 89 hours (and a couple of breaks, of course), and I have confidently come up with the top 10 web link shorteners that are great for you as a social media manager, small business owner, or whatever it is you do. Let’s get to it.
Key Points
- A hashtag is a word or phrase preceded by the “#” symbol used to categorize content across social media platforms.
- Hashtags help users discover relevant content by organizing posts into searchable categories.
- Using one to three relevant hashtags can be more effective than overloading posts with too many.
- Hashtags are widely used across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) to boost engagement and visibility.
- It’s important to use specific, relevant, and memorable hashtags to connect with the target audience effectively.
What is a Web Link Shortener?
A URL shortener (a.k.a. link shortener) is an application that shortens a long URL. The goal is to reduce the web page address to something easier to memorize and track. So, in general terms, it shortens the URL address and inserts a random string of letters and numbers.
For example, a URL shortener might transform a long URL from:
https://sproutsocial.com/insights/data/social-shopping-2022
to
https://bit.ly/3wqfg08
You saw the magic there, right? The URL shortening service you select will keep the link connected to the original URL. So that when someone clicks on your new link, they’ll be taken straight to the original page.
Using the shortened URL or link makes it much easier and faster. These days, anything bulky and big makes people lose interest without them even knowing, so we are simply trying to adjust to the system in order to remain relevant.
A URL shortener can also be called a web link shortener, link shrinker, link compressor, URL condenser, or vanity URL creator.
Today, numerous URL shorteners are available, such as Bit.ly, Goog.le, and Tinyurl.com. So it depends on which you have tried and which works better for you. I have tried quite a handful, and I will mention them in this guide. Stay tuned.
Why Should I Go for a Short URL?
Let’s look at this story unfold: you buy your domain name, post a few blogs or product pages, and begin sharing your space on the web. To grasp the origins of your website visitors, you begin utilizing UTM parameters — and that sets off a chain reaction.
Then, before you know it, a link will lead to another and then another, and the cycle continues until your URL starts to look like gibberish a child speaks when they are learning how to speak.
So you see? short web links to the rescue!
#1. A short URL looks clean
Just as the long one looks untidy, difficult to even look at, and might even cause a migraine, that’s the same way a short one looks clean and tidy in the eye.
A shorter URL keeps things simple without overwhelming you with complicated UTM tags and numbers, and beyond that, a small URL is also perfect for your social media. Just imagine if you spend some pennies constructing a good ad video only for it to convert, and then people will think twice about clicking your link to purchase just cause it’s long and crazy, I bet you don’t want that.
#2. A short URL is more secure.
Long links can appear spammy. You glance at them, feeling a twinge of concern about whether a scammer or a hacker might be lurking on the other side, waiting to use you as bait. Or a bunch of ads that aren’t necessary. Whatever the case, maybe, just know it triggers something and might lose its chances of getting clicked.
Although a shorter URL doesn’t ensure safety, it doesn’t raise the same concerns that a long link might.
To help ensure your links are secure, download this FREE Secure Link Checklist for easy reference.
Secure Link Checklist: PDF
#3. A short URL is easier to remember
A web link shortener allows you to personalize the endings of your links, even without a custom URL shortener.
Shortening your URL into a personalized phrase—whether you use a custom domain or not—allows you to understand what your link represents and makes it easier to remember at any time. Your audience can effortlessly find short links. They struggle to hunt down or recall a lengthy URL packed with hyphens, numbers, and UTM codes. Think about how effortless it is to share links when the URL is concise and easy to remember.
#4. A short URL saves valuable content space
This advantage applies specifically to social networks and SMS, but it’s a significant one. Platforms such as Twitter impose a limit on the number of characters allowed in a post. Long links aren’t appealing, even on platforms like LinkedIn.
Short links are more concise and allow your content to shine without distraction. Say you are still struggling with managing the space provided on Twitter for your captions, and at the same time, you are considering the amount of space your link will take up. How convenient is it for you?
#5. A short URL offers useful insights through analytics
Many web link shortener tools provide in-depth analytics, showing how frequently your link was clicked, the source of the clicks, location details, and additional insights.
The analytics provided on the specific tool being used will assist you in identifying your most profitable marketing channel, click-through rates, and other insights that pave the way for data-driven success. Now you see how the whole process is straightforward and user-friendly? So you don’t just shorten your link; you also get to discover how well your link is contributing to your success.
Top 10 Web Link Shorteners I Tried Out This 2024
With a variety of URL shortener options available, how can you decide which one to pick? How can you determine which one is the best fit for you? Based on my research, I’ve put together a list that could help you get a better sense of which tool might be the best fit for you. Continue reading to discover more information about each software:
#1. Bitly
If you want perfection in your URL, then this web link shortener is for you. Bitly is an application that helps you create digital connections through links, QR codes, and link-in-bio pages.
With Bitly, you will be sure to have short and personalized URLs that are in line with the purpose you want them to serve. In fact, it’s so generous that it gives the option to include a branded topic, campaign name, or keyword, allowing your link to feature specific words rather than a string of random characters.
This tool has a free account and a paid subscription, which is either for a single user or an enterprise. Their pricing system isn’t going to bankrupt you.
Bitly simplifies the process of creating custom URLs, all for free. However, if you are customizing more than 10 links, you can opt-in for the paid plan.
#2. Rebrandly
As its name implies, Rebrandly allows you to create a branded short link using a custom domain even if you have a free account.
They offer both a free plan and a paid plan. Once you sign up for a free account, you can link your domain name and generate up to 25 branded links each month.
But is there a downside to Rebrandly? The free plan allows tracking for up to 1,000 clicks only. If you find yourself sharing something that goes viral or noticing an increase in traffic to your website, it might be a good idea to think about upgrading to a paid plan. Because it won’t accommodate more than a thousand clicks.
#3. Ow.ly
If you are a beginner in the field with little knowledge and require an easy-to-use, all-in-one URL shortener, Ow.ly is for you.
It is owned by Hootsuite, which built the tool right under its platform so you can access the particular plan type you want to work with. Ow.ly not only shortens long links but also automatically applies tracking parameters, so you don’t have to set that up.
You may easily add UTM parameters for the traffic source, medium, and campaign in one location, eliminating the need to manually create special links. It literally does the job for you without much stress.
#4. T2M
T2M provides excellent value for money. It’s one of the few URL shorteners with a ‘lifetime’ plan, and it only costs $5. Who sets a lifetime plan for that amount? If you are on a budget, hop on it ASAP.
Once you sign up for T2M’s lifetime subscription, you can shorten up to 1,000 URLs and receive up to 5,000 clicks/redirects per month. That should be adequate for casual users. If you require larger limits, you can opt for the month-to-month options, which are also affordable.
I believe the user interface should be improved. However, it includes all of the features that the majority of users require.
It promises to be an all-in-one link management tool, which means you can shorten URLs, produce dynamic QR codes, track clicks and performance, do A/B testing, configure redirects, and whatever else a web link shortener is expected to do.
#5. JotURL
JotURL is another excellent option for marketers who want the entire package. Like Ow.ly, it goes well beyond URL shortening and includes a slew of capabilities to help you brand, track, optimize, and manage the links you share. That is, of course, after turning your long, boring URL into something short and spicy in seconds.
I particularly enjoy the Activity Monitoring tool during my exploration. It monitors your links around the clock and notifies you as soon as it discovers any issues, such as broken links, server outages, or changes to the destination content. Isn’t that cool?
This is critical because it allows you to move swiftly and update your links to avoid losing conversion possibilities or, worse, harming your brand’s reputation.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve placed a link to a post only to discover that the content I linked to had completely changed a few years later. I shouldn’t explain how that made me feel. With this tool, I can at least promise that it won’t happen, but then you will be notified if it does happen.
#6. Replug
At first glance, Replug strikes me as extremely feature-rich. It includes several extra features that standard URL shorteners lack.
You can use it to generate shortened links with your brand name or domain. This is a fantastic feature because I’ve discovered that branded short links perform better than unbranded ones—your audience is more likely to trust and click them. Am I making any sense?
I also find Replug’s ‘link rotation’ feature quite useful. It allows you to intelligently guide visitors to many landing pages from a single link using filters such as the visitor’s nation, time, and date.
Replug’s analytics are also superior to those of the majority. It provides more than just basic analytics like clicks and visits; it also includes visitor demographics and traffic factors. This can work for you if you love keeping tabs on your data. It really goes in-depth.
But with all these features, you should be aware of whats involved with the pricing. In this case, you alone know what you are aiming for. If it’s essential for you and also turns out to be something you can afford, then go for it; if not, just pick another tool.
#7. Sniply
Sniply by UpContent is unique in that it not only shortens URLs but also allows you to design a personalized call-to-action button that captures attention and helps you improve clicks and conversions.
This can make your blog posts and web pages more interesting, and Sniply provides free QR code production for each link you shorten; how interesting is that? Did I also mention that the rugs tool’s dashboard allows you to easily manage your links and view analytics just so you can keep track of them?
#8. Short.io
Short.io lets you create bespoke links for up to five domains for free. If you want to shorten URLs and track sources from multiple websites, Short.io is the greatest URL shortener.
You can use your own domain or buy one from Short.io. Each website has its own set of parameters, and audience statistics can be tracked independently for each one. How awesome is that?
In addition to this remarkable feature, Short.io has all of the standard URL-shortening features, such as a QR code generator, thorough link statistics, and a UTM builder. Does it sound like what you want to try?
#9. TinyURL
TinyURL, another stand-alone software, is a simple solution that works. Founded in 2002, it is the oldest link shortener available. It does exactly what it says: it shortens a long link into a tiny new URL.
Customization is easy without logging in, making it a convenient choice for quickly sharing the most recent episode of your MasterChef Junior podcast.
TinyURL’s basic plan provides free URL shortening as long as you’re comfortable with seeing adverts on the website. Otherwise, you can switch to a subscription account that includes capabilities like URL editing, link tracking, and customization.
#10. Hyperlink
Can’t wait to see how much traffic your URLs receive? Hyperlink provides real-time notifications when links are clicked. If the thought of regular click notifications seems too distracting, you can alter the settings to hourly, daily, or weekly summaries.
Hyperlink also offers comprehensive per-click insights and a live tracking dashboard, which allows you to see each visitor’s device, location, and referral information.
The app (for iOS and Android) is a useful addition to the Chrome extension for folks who need to share links on the go. (You’re busy! (We understand it!)
Hyperlink also provides unique links and branded domains; however, they are only available on subscription plans.
Features to Look for in the Best Web Link Shortener
When selecting a web link shortener tool that can work effectively and efficiently for you, you should note that there are some important features you might wanna look out for, and they include:
- Customizable URLs: When using a web link shortener, you should look out for one that allows you to tailor the shortened link to reflect your brand name or give meaning to the link.
- Link tracking: I once talked about analytics, and when choosing a tool, you should consider one that has that effect. Choose one that helps you keep track of the clicks and possible conversions you had on the link. Just so to help you report your data on the ROI of a campaign.
- Support for UTM parameters: This feature allows you to add and monitor parameters for source, medium, and campaign, enabling you to track who clicked on the link. So choose one that has it.
- Link retargeting: This allows you to incorporate retargeting pixels into your links, helping you broaden your custom audience profile so you can deliver ads to them in the future.
- Integrations: Last but not least, integrations allow you to connect the link shortener with other tools in your marketing toolkit. There are some that recognize the link, even getting it shortened, while some do not.
Brief and Sweet
Coming to the end of this wholesomeness, I will still say that a web link shortener offers many benefits, but it shouldn’t take up too much of your time during content creation. It’s ideal if it can be automated so it doesn’t become just another task to manage. Because you are not trying to solve an issue by adding another task.
Look for a URL shortener that integrates smoothly into your workflow. When you enter a link, it gets shortened automatically, and you don’t have to give it a second thought. Remember that you are free to link up in the comments for further questions.
Related Articles
- How to Shorten a URL Link for Free: Tools, Benefits, and Examples
- Understanding UTM in Digital Marketing: A Comprehensive Guide
- How to Shorten a URL for Free: Tools, Benefits, and Examples
- How to Measure Influencer Marketing ROI in 6 Simple Steps
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