What is a URL Shortener? Best URL Shorteners of 2024

Last Updated : 18 Apr, 2024

A URL shortener is a tool that converts a long URL into a much shorter, more manageable version. This is particularly useful for sharing links on social media, in text messages, or anywhere where space is limited or where a long URL is difficult to use and manage.

This service is particularly beneficial when dealing with character limits, such as on Twitter or in SMS messages, where a long URL would take up too much space. To use a URL shortener, you simply enter your long URL into the service, and it returns a much shorter link. When someone clicks on this shortened link, they are automatically redirected to the original, long URL. Beyond just making links more manageable, URL shorteners also offer the advantage of tracking the performance of the link. They can provide insights into how many times the link was clicked, the geographic location of the users, and other relevant data.

Services like Bit.ly and TinyURL are popular examples of such tools, widely used across various online platforms.

How To Create a Short URL?

Creating a short URL is a straightforward process that you can complete using a URL shortening service. Here’s are steps on how to create a short URL:

Choose a URL Shortening Service:

Select a URL shortener such as Bitly, TinyURL, Rebrandly, or another service that suits your needs. Some services offer additional features like tracking and customization if you register an account.

Copy Your Long URL:

Start by copying the URL that you want to shorten. This could be a link to a webpage, a blog post, an online video, or any other long URL.

Paste the Long URL into the URL Shortener:

Go to the website of the URL shortening service you’ve chosen. There will typically be a text box on the homepage where you can paste your long URL.

Shorten the URL:

After pasting your long URL, look for a button that might say something like “Shorten,” “Shorten URL,” or “Create Short URL.” Click this button to generate your short URL.

Customize the Short URL (Optional):

Some services allow you to customize the slug (the end part of the URL) to create a more personalized or branded link. This is often a feature available to registered users.

Benefits of Using Short URLs

Shortening URLs is important for several practical and strategic reasons, especially in today’s digital environment where content and how it’s shared can greatly impact user engagement and communication effectiveness.

1. Improved User Experience: A shorter URL is aesthetically pleasing and less intimidating for users, which can enhance the overall user experience. It simplifies the appearance of texts or posts, making them cleaner and more inviting to interact with.

2. Enhanced Tracking and Analytics: URL shorteners typically come with built-in tracking features, allowing you to monitor the performance of your links. This includes how many clicks each link receives, the geographic location of the clickers, the device used, and even the time of clicks. This data is invaluable for assessing the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and understanding audience engagement.

3. Increased Click-through Rates: There is evidence to suggest that shortened URLs tend to achieve higher click-through rates. This might be due to the clean, concise appearance and the trust associated with recognizable URL shortening services.

4. Promotes Link Integrity in Sharing: Long URLs can sometimes break across lines when posted in emails, texts, or social media, potentially leading to broken links that don’t work. Shortened URLs are less likely to encounter this problem, ensuring the link remains intact no matter where it’s posted.

5. Branding Opportunities: Some URL shorteners offer customization options, allowing businesses to include their brand name or relevant keywords in the URL. This not only reinforces brand recognition but also increases trust and relevance in the eyes of the user.

Best URL Shortners

There are several URL shorteners available that offer a variety of features, from basic link shortening to extensive tracking and analytics. Here are some of the most popular URL shorteners, each with its own unique set of features:

1. Bitly

Bitly is one of the most popular URL shorteners. It provides detailed analytics about the links it shortens, such as click-through rates, geographic data, and referrer information. Bitly also allows for custom branded links, which is great for businesses looking to maintain brand visibility.

Best for: Businesses and marketers who need detailed analytics and branding.

2. TinyURL

TinyURL is a straightforward and easy-to-use URL shortener. It doesn’t require an account for basic link shortening, which makes it quick and accessible. However, if you sign up, you can track your links and see basic analytics.

Best for: Quick, anonymous link shortening when detailed analytics are not necessary.

3. Rebrandly

Rebrandly allows users to create branded links, which helps in maintaining brand presence in URLs. It also provides detailed traffic logs and link management tools, making it suitable for extensive campaign management.

Best for: Marketers and businesses that want to enhance brand visibility and require strong link management tools.

4. Ow.ly:

Provided by Hootsuite, Ow.ly is excellent for users who are already using Hootsuite for social media management. It integrates seamlessly with Hootsuite’s dashboard, allowing for easy tracking and management of shortened links across various social media.

Best for: Current Hootsuite users or businesses that manage multiple social media accounts.

5. T2M:

T2M offers detailed dashboard analytics, QR code generation, and URL expiration features, making it a comprehensive tool for link management. It also provides geographical and device-based analytics.

Best for: Organizations looking for a robust tool with features like QR codes and detailed analytics.

Features to look for in the Best URL Shorteners

Here are five key features to look for in a URL shortener.

Customizable URLs: Let you adapt the shortened URL to fit your brand name or indicate what the link is about.
Link tracking: Lets you prove the clicks and possibly conversions on your links so you can report on the ROI of a campaign.
UTM parameter support: Lets you add and track parameters for source, medium and campaign so you can see who clicked the link.
Link retargeting: Lets you add retargeting pixels to links and expand your custom audience profile so that you can serve ads to them later.
Integrations: Lets you integrate the link shortener with other tools in your marketing stack. For example, Bitly integrates with Sprout so you can embed shortened links directly into your content during the social media workflow.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a URL shortener is an essential tool for anyone looking to share links more effectively and efficiently. Whether you’re a casual user or a marketing professional, these tools simplify long URLs into manageable, shareable links and provide valuable insights through tracking and analytics.

From well-known options like Bitly and TinyURL to feature-rich services like Rebrandly and ClickMeter, the best URL shorteners of 2024 offer a range of functionalities that cater to different needs. They enhance user experience, promote brand visibility, and help in accurately measuring engagement and reach. By choosing the right URL shortener, you can significantly improve the effectiveness of your digital communications and streamline your online interactions.