What "making a link smaller" means

When people ask how to make a link smaller, they usually mean one of two things: shortening the visible text of a URL so it takes up less space, or creating a URL shortener — a service that converts a long web address into a much shorter one that redirects to the original.

A long URL like https://www.example.com/products/electronics/computers/laptops/gaming-laptops-2024?sort=price&filter=brand:dell&page=1 becomes something like https://short.link/abc123. Both links go to the same page, but the second one is easier to type, share in messages, or fit into a character limit.

The choice between these two approaches depends on where you're using the link and what you need it to do.

Key Takeaways

  • URL shorteners convert long web addresses into short redirects that work instantly and can be customized with your own text.
  • Popular free shorteners include Bitly, TinyURL, and Google's own shortening service, each with different features and tracking options.
  • Shortened links can hide the destination URL, so only use shorteners you trust and avoid clicking shortened links from unknown sources.
  • Some platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn automatically shorten links, so you don't need a separate tool for those.

Using a URL shortener service

The fastest way to shorten a link is to paste it into a URL shortener. Bitly is the most widely used: go to bitly.com, paste your long URL into the box at the top, and click "Shorten". You get back a short link you can copy and share immediately. No account needed for basic shortening, though creating a free account lets you see how many people clicked your link and customize the short text (so bit.ly/abc123 becomes something like bit.ly/gaming-laptops).

TinyURL works the same way at tinyurl.com — paste, shorten, copy. It also offers customization and doesn't require an account. Google's URL shortener (goo.gl) was shut down in 2019, but if you use Google services like Gmail or Google Drive, those platforms can shorten links for you when you share them.

Each shortener keeps a record of where the short link points. This means the service can track how many clicks it gets, when people clicked it, and sometimes where they clicked from. If you care about privacy, check the shortener's privacy policy — some delete old links after a set time, others keep them indefinitely.

Understanding the security risk of shortened links

A shortened link hides where it actually goes. You see bit.ly/xyz789 but you don't know if it points to a news article, a phishing page, or malware until you click it. This is why shortened links are popular with scammers — they can make a malicious link look harmless.

Before clicking a shortened link from an unknown source, you can "unshorten" it to see the real destination. Paste the short link into a site like unshorten.it or checkshorturl.com, and it will show you the full URL. If the destination looks suspicious, don't click. Only use shortened links from people and organizations you trust.

If you're sharing shortened links yourself, use a reputable shortener and be aware that recipients can't see where your link goes without unshortening it first. This is fine for legitimate sharing, but it's why shortened links have a reputation for being risky.

Shortening links on social media platforms

Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook automatically shorten links when you post them. You don't need to use a separate shortener — just paste the full URL into your post, and the platform handles it. Twitter shows a shortened version in the compose box but the actual link is still clickable and tracked by Twitter's own system.

If you want more control over tracking or customization, you can still use Bitly or another shortener even on social media. Some people do this to get detailed click statistics that the platform doesn't provide, or to use a custom short link that matches their brand.

Shortening links for messaging and emails

Long URLs in text messages, Slack, or email can look messy and sometimes get broken across lines. Shortening them makes them easier to share and more likely to work when someone copies and pastes. Most messaging apps will recognize a shortened link and make it clickable automatically.

If you're sending links in an email, a shortened link can also help you track whether people actually clicked it — something you can't do with a regular link unless your email service has built-in tracking. Bitly and similar services show you click counts in real time.

Creating custom short links for your own domain

If you have your own website, you can create your own short links using a service like Bitly's custom domain feature or a self-hosted shortener. This means instead of bit.ly/abc123, your short link looks like yoursite.co/abc123. It's more professional and keeps traffic flowing through your own domain.

Setting this up requires a Bitly account (paid plans start around $5 per month for custom domains) or installing shortening software on your own server. For most people, using a standard shortener is simpler. But if you're running a business or brand, custom short links look more trustworthy and let you control the link's appearance.

When not to use a URL shortener

Shortened links can break if the shortening service shuts down or deletes old links. If you're storing a link for long-term reference — like in a document you'll need five years from now — keep the original full URL instead. Some shorteners promise permanent links, but services do close or change policies.

Don't use shortened links in formal documents, academic citations, or anywhere the actual destination URL matters for verification. A reader should be able to see exactly where a link goes without having to unshorten it. For these cases, use the full URL or a descriptive link text that explains what the reader will find.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change where a shortened link points after I create it?

Most shorteners don't allow you to change the destination after creation. If you need to redirect people to a different page, create a new shortened link. Some paid services offer link editing, but it's not standard. Always double-check the destination before you share a shortened link.

Do shortened links work forever?

It depends on the service. Bitly and TinyURL keep links active indefinitely if you have an account, but links created without an account may expire after a few months or years. Check the shortener's terms to see how long they promise to keep links working.

Can I see who clicked my shortened link?

Yes, if you create an account with Bitly or a similar service. You'll see the total number of clicks, the dates and times they happened, and sometimes the location or device type of the person who clicked. This tracking is one reason people use shorteners beyond just making links smaller.

Is it safe to click shortened links in emails?

Shortened links from trusted senders are generally safe. But if an email from an unknown sender contains a shortened link, unshorten it first to see where it actually goes. Scammers often use shortened links to hide malicious destinations, so verify before clicking.

What's the difference between Bitly, TinyURL, and other shorteners?

All of them do the same basic job, but Bitly offers more detailed analytics and customization options. TinyURL is simpler and requires no account. Google's shortener is gone. For most people, Bitly and TinyURL are equally good — pick whichever interface you prefer.