Top 5 Best URL Shorteners in 2024 to Reduce Your Link Sizes

The best URL shorteners enable you to shrink your web links. When you reduce a link size, it becomes easier to add tracking parameters like traffic sources without having even bigger URLs. Besides, you can insert your links in social media posts and profiles with a limited character number.

But, how to choose a URL shortener? And what features should it have? It's important to pay attention to these questions to use the best tools, always focusing on providing excellent user experience and reaching your goals.

What Is a URL Shortener?#

As the name suggests, a URL shortener is a tool created to shorten the length of a URL. For example, the URL https://www.jivochat.com/blog/tools/live-chat-for-customer-support.html can be reduced to https://tinyurl.com/362frypb, and everyone who clicks on it will be redirected to the original URL.

This can be used, for example, to add links on social media platforms such as X, that limit the number of characters per post. Another advantage is that the links become easier to share. You probably have already seen large URLs with several codes, such as:

"http://www.example.com/blog/article-section/article-name?utm_source=jivochat&utm_medium=paid-social&utm_term=example&utm_content=big-banner-a"

This link is not visually appealing, and is highly difficult to remember. It may even discourage some users from copying it to share with friends. If you can't use the feature to copy and paste the URL or just click on it, for example when likes are shared in Instagram comments, the chances to type the link wrong is very high.

The URL shorteners aim to simplify that, and the best ones allow you to personalize the reduced link to keep your website name or a keyword on it, for instance.

Why Use a URL Shortener?#

Improve URL Aesthetics#

With the best URL shorteners, besides reducing the link length, you can personalize it, creating memorable links associated with your brand identity. In addition, shortened URLs are more visually appealing for users, and seem safer. Long links may raise suspicion and prevent people from clicking on them.

Link Insertion#

Another main reason for using a URL shortener is that it enables you to include long links without taking too much space. For example, you can add your website link in your Instagram profile, on a tweet, or in physical ad pieces such as a business card, or a product tag.

Analytics Tools#

The best URL shorteners come with analytics tools that enable you to keep track of valuable data. You can view the click-through rate, geo-location data, number of times the link was shared, and other metrics.

Aspects to Consider When Choosing a URL Shortener#

Before choosing the best URL shortener for your case, you should consider some essential aspects to guarantee the best results, such as more people clicking on your links.

URL Customization#

The best URL shorteners offer you the option to customize the URL and use the words of your choice instead of the URL platform's name. This is a pertinent feature because it helps to straighten your brand's identity, and makes your links easier to remember.

Analytics and Click Tracking#

Observe if the URL shortener of your choice provides analytics tools that allow you to track key performance indicators (KPIs) regarding your links. This enables you to evaluate the links performance, for example by checking how many people clicked on them, where the accesses come from, and even the type of device people are using to visit your page.

User-Friendly Interface#

A URL shortener must be easy to use, which means you should be able to quickly learn how to apply its main features, and shorten the URLs without any hustle. Browse through the pages, and check if they provide an intuitive interface.

Price#

Another essential aspect to consider is how much the URL shortener costs. You will see that many of the best URL shorteners have free plans, but the features are limited. Analyze which one has the best price, according to your budget, and has the tools you need.

5 Best URL Shorteners#

1. Short.io#

With more than 1 million users, Short.io processes around 100 million redirects per day. The platform allows you to track every short link and provides detailed information, including real-time clickstream records, location, operation system, and browser. You can use several domains in one account and apply different settings for each one

Key features:

• Clickstreams
• Detailed statistics
• Multiple custom domains
• Teams with roles
• API for developers
• Link retargeting

2. TinyURL#

If you aren't looking for extra features, TinyURL allows you to shorten a URL for free. You just need to enter the link you want to reduce and click on "shorten URL". However, you won't be able to customize the URL or track it down.

They offer paid plans, though, that include several customization options such as use branded domains, defining link expiration dates,

Key features:

• Link management
• Branded and customized links
• Custom branded domains
• Campaign monitoring
• Analytics

3. Bitly#

Bitly allows you to create personalized shortened links with just a few clicks. Enjoy the analytics tools to collect real-time data from every click, compare campaign performance from online and offline channels, and gather demographic information. It's also possible to shorten multiple links in bulk and integrate Bitly with other platforms.

Key features:

• Customize links
• Track performance
• Redirect link destinations
• Shorten links in bulk
• Integration tools

4. Dub#

Dub is an open-source link management platform. Since its launch, It has created more than 600,000 links and over 79,5 million clicks. You can shorten and personalize your links, and tailor them for every audience using tools like device and geo-targeting.

Another feature provided is link cloaking where your destination URL Dub also allows you to set up expiration dates to the links, and protect them with passwords to prevent unauthorized access.

Key features:

• Link personalization
• Link management
• Analytics tools
• Device targeting
• Geo-targeting
• Link cloaking
• Link password protection

5. BL.INK#

Created for data analysts and marketers, BL.INK aims to provide you with tools to shorten, manage, and fully customize links. You can change the destination of any shortened link at any time without pausing a campaign or losing data. Besides, you will count on real-time analytics that offer information about key performance indicators.

Key features:

• Create short links at scale
• Fully editable links
• Link management
• 307 redirects
• Real-time analytics

Choose the Best URL Shortener for Your Needs#

Now that you have seen some of the best URL shorteners available in 2024, what about accessing them, and exploring what they have to offer? This will help you choose the URL shortener that suits you best. Remember, adding links to social media pages, and making them easier to be shared can help grow your pages' visibility.