Creating a Bitly link takes two minutes and requires only a web browser

A Bitly link is a shortened URL that replaces a long web address with a compact one. Instead of sharing a 100-character link, you get something like bit.ly/abc123. You create one by pasting your original URL into Bitly's website, and Bitly generates the short version instantly. You can then copy and share that short link anywhere — email, social media, text messages, or documents.

The process works the same whether you have a free account or a paid one. The main difference is that free accounts get basic shortening, while paid accounts add features like custom link names, click tracking, and team management. For most people, the free version is enough.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to bitly.com, paste your long URL into the text box, and click the shorten button to create a short link instantly.
  • Free Bitly accounts let you shorten links and see how many people clicked them, with no credit card required.
  • Custom short links (like bit.ly/myname instead of bit.ly/abc123) are available only on paid plans.
  • Bitly tracks clicks on your short links automatically, showing you when and how often people used them.

Sign up for a free Bitly account or use the site without one

You can create a Bitly link without signing up — just go to bitly.com and use the shortener on the homepage. However, creating a free account takes 30 seconds and gives you access to your link history, click statistics, and the ability to edit or delete links later. Without an account, you lose access to those links after you close the browser tab.

To create a free account, click "Sign up" in the top right corner of bitly.com. Enter your email address, create a password, and verify your email. Bitly will send you a confirmation link — click it and you are done. You do not need a credit card.

Paste your long URL and generate the short link

Once you are signed in (or on the homepage if you are not), you will see a text box that says "Paste your long URL here" or similar. Click inside it and paste the full web address you want to shorten. This can be any URL — a news article, a product page, a PDF, a video, anything with a web address.

Click the "Shorten" button next to the text box. Bitly processes it instantly and shows you the short link. The short link appears in a box below, usually highlighted so you can see it clearly. Copy it by clicking the copy icon next to the short link, or select the text and copy it manually.

Copy and share your short link

Once you have copied the short link, you can paste it anywhere. Paste it into an email, a social media post, a text message, a document, or anywhere else you need a compact URL. The short link works immediately — you do not have to wait or activate it.

When someone clicks your short link, Bitly redirects them to the original long URL. They see the destination page, not a Bitly page. The redirect is instant and invisible to the person clicking.

View click statistics and link details

If you created your link while signed into a free account, you can see how many times people clicked it. Sign in to bitly.com, and your dashboard shows all your recent links. Click on any link to see details: the number of clicks, the dates when clicks happened, and where the clicks came from (which countries, which devices, which websites referred people to your link).

These statistics update in real time. If you share a link and someone clicks it within seconds, you will see that click appear on your dashboard almost immediately. Free accounts can see this data forever — Bitly does not delete your link history.

Edit or delete links from your dashboard

From your Bitly dashboard, you can change the destination of a short link without changing the short link itself. Click on a link, then click "Edit" to change where it points. This is useful if you shared a link and later realized it goes to the wrong page — you can fix it without asking people to use a new short link.

You can also delete links from your dashboard. Click the three-dot menu next to any link and select "Delete." Deleted links no longer work — anyone who clicks them will see an error. Use this if you shared a link by mistake or no longer want it active.

Understand what free and paid accounts offer

Free Bitly accounts let you shorten unlimited links, see click statistics, and edit or delete links. You get a random short link like bit.ly/abc123. There are no ads, no paywalls, and no limits on how long you can keep a link active.

Paid plans add features like custom short links (bit.ly/yourname), team management, advanced analytics, and API access for developers. Most people never need these features. A paid plan makes sense only if you are managing links for a business or organization and want branded short links or detailed team reporting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change a short link after I create it?

You cannot change the short link itself, but you can change where it points. Edit the link from your dashboard and enter a new destination URL. The short link stays the same, but it now goes to the new page. This works for both free and paid accounts.

What happens if I delete a Bitly link?

Once deleted, the short link stops working. Anyone who clicks it will see an error page. You cannot recover a deleted link, so be certain before you delete. If you just want to stop using a link but might need it later, leave it in your dashboard instead.

Do I need to pay to shorten links?

No. Free Bitly accounts shorten unlimited links with no restrictions. You do not need a credit card to sign up. Paid plans are only necessary if you want custom link names or advanced team features.

Can people see my original URL when they click a Bitly link?

Yes. When someone clicks your short link, they are taken to the original long URL, and they can see the full address in their browser's address bar. Bitly does not hide the destination — it just makes sharing easier.

How long do Bitly links stay active?

Bitly links stay active indefinitely. You can share a link today and it will still work in five years, as long as the original destination page still exists. If the original page is deleted, the link will go to a dead page, but Bitly will not deactivate it on its own.