Do you want to create short, catchy, and trackable links for your online marketing, social media, and other purposes? Do you want to learn how to choose the best URL shortener for your needs, based on reliability, security, features, pricing, support, and more? Do you want to discover the best 10 URL shorteners in 2024, based on the web search results and the question-answering results? This article is for you if you say yes to any of these questions.
In this article, we will explain what a URL shortener is and why it is useful for online marketing, social media, and other purposes. We will also show you how to choose the best URL shortener for your needs, based on various factors and criteria. We will also provide you with a list of the best 10 URL shorteners in 2024, along with a brief overview, a screenshot, and a summary of the features, benefits, and drawbacks of each URL shortener. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about URL shorteners and provide you with some useful resources to learn more about URL shortening and tracking for social media, SEO, and affiliate marketing.
By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of URL shorteners and how to use them for your online marketing, social media, and other purposes. You will also be able to choose the best URL shortener for your needs, based on your preferences and goals. You will also be able to create short, catchy, and trackable links with the help of the best 10 URL shorteners in 2024. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
What is a URL Shortener and Why is it Useful?
A URL shortener is a tool that allows you to create short links from long URLs, which are easier to remember, share, and track. A URL shortener can help you to:
- Improve user experience: Short links are more user-friendly, as they are easier to read, type, and copy. They also look more professional and appealing, as they do not contain unnecessary or confusing characters.
- Enhance link readability: Short links are more readable, as they can convey the main message or purpose of the link, especially if you use branded or custom links. They also avoid the risk of broken or truncated links, which can affect the link performance and credibility.
- Track link performance: Short links are more trackable, as they can provide you with analytics and insights on how your links are performing, such as clicks, views, conversions, sources, devices, locations, etc. They can also help you to optimize your links and campaigns, based on the data and feedback you get.
- Create branded links: Short links are more brandable, as they can help you to create a consistent and recognizable brand identity, by using your own domain name, logo, keywords, or emojis. They can also help you to increase your brand awareness, trust, and loyalty, by using your own voice and tone.
- Save space and time: Short links are more space-saving, as they can help you to fit more links and information in a limited space, such as social media posts, emails, SMS, etc. They can also help you to save time and effort, by creating short links without manually plugging in every long URL.
How to Choose the Best URL Shortener that Suits Your Needs
Choosing the best URL shortener for your needs is important, as it can affect the quality, compatibility, functionality, and cost of your links. Different URL shorteners have different advantages and disadvantages, depending on your needs and preferences. Here are some of the factors and criteria to consider when choosing a URL shortener:
- Reliability: Reliability refers to how stable, secure, and fast the URL shortener is, and how often it is available and accessible. You want to choose a URL shortener that has high uptime, low downtime, and fast loading speed, and that can handle a large volume of traffic and requests. You also want to choose a URL shortener that has a strong security and privacy policy, and that can protect your links and data from hackers, spammers, and malware.
- Features: Features refer to what the URL shortener can offer you in terms of functionality, customization, and integration. You want to choose a URL shortener that has the features that you need and want, such as branded links, custom keywords, emojis, QR codes, landing pages, etc. You also want to choose a URL shortener that can integrate with the tools and platforms that you use, such as social media, email, CRM, analytics, etc.
- Pricing: Pricing refers to how much the URL shortener costs, and what you get for your money. You want to choose a URL shortener that has a pricing plan that suits your budget and needs, and that offers you a good value for your money. You also want to choose a URL shortener that has a transparent and fair pricing policy, and that does not have any hidden fees or charges.
- Support: Support refers to how well the URL shortener can help you with any issues, questions, or feedback that you may have. You want to choose a URL shortener that has responsive and helpful customer service, and that can provide you with various channels of communication, such as email, phone, chat, etc. You also want to choose a URL shortener that has a comprehensive and updated knowledge base, FAQ, blog, etc.
To choose the best URL shortener for your needs, you can use the following tips and best practices:
- Compare options: Compare different URL shorteners based on the factors and criteria mentioned above, and see which one meets your needs and preferences the best. You can use a table or a bullet list to compare the URL shorteners based on reliability, features, pricing, support, etc.
- Test features: Test the features and functionality of the URL shorteners that you are interested in, and see how they work and perform. You can use the free trial or the free plan of the URL shorteners, if available, to test the features and functionality of the URL shorteners, such as creating, editing, converting, and tracking links, etc.
- Read reviews: Read the reviews and testimonials of the users and customers of the URL shorteners that you are interested in, and see what they have to say about the URL shorteners. You can use online platforms, such as Trustpilot, Capterra, G2, etc., to read the reviews and testimonials of the users and customers of the URL shorteners, and see their ratings, feedback, and suggestions.
The Best 10 URL Shorteners in 2024
Based on the web search results and the question-answering results, here are the best 10 URL shorteners in 2024, along with a brief overview, a screenshot, and a summary of the features, benefits, and drawbacks of each URL shortener:
#1. Linkye.net Free Unlimited URL Shortener
Linkye.net is a free unlimited URL shortener that allows you to create customizable and brandable URLs. It also provides analytics and browser extensions. It is best for businesses, marketers, and content creators who want to drive conversions and engagement with their links.
Linkye.net link shortener free Features
- Create unlimited branded links with multiple domains.
- The cheapest price plans are found online, with unlimited free use without registration.
- With Linky.net, you can choose from three pricing options, including a free plan with unlimited usage. Linky.net also offers distinctive features, such as the ability to use multiple domains, customize the pages where your links redirect, and monitor the statistics of your links.
- Track and measure the performance of your links and call-to-actions, such as clicks, conversions, bounce rate, etc.
- With the premium plan, you will get a full-page script tool, you don't need to manually generate short links for all the incoming links on a website, it's all done automatically.
- You do not need to be logged into your account to generate short links using our API.
- Use the browser quick link tool to create and share links from any webpage.
Linkye Free Lnk Shortener Benefits
- You can Integrate Linkye API Into your business apps without limits.
- Build your brand awareness and trust with your links and call-to-actions.
- Save time and effort by creating and sharing links from any webpage.
- Learn and improve your marketing strategy with data and insights.
#2. JotURL
JotURL is a URL shortener that offers a comprehensive marketing tool for optimizing your links and campaigns. It also provides branded links, social opt-in CTA, 24/7 monitoring, click-fraud detection, and analytics. It is best for businesses, marketers, and agencies who want to maximize their leads and revenue with their links.
JotURL Shorten URL Free Features
- Create branded links with custom domains, logos, colors, and fonts.
- Add social opt-in CTA, such as Facebook, Google, or LinkedIn login, to your links.
- Monitor and protect your links and campaigns from click fraud, bots, and spam.
- Track and measure the performance of your links and campaigns, such as clicks, views, conversions, sources, devices, locations, etc.
- Integrate with over 100 apps and platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, WordPress, Mailchimp, etc.
- Use browser extensions, mobile apps, or API to create and share links from any device.
Benefits
- Increase your lead generation and revenue generation with your links and social opt-in CTA.
- Build your brand awareness and trust with your links and social opt-in CTA.
- Save time and money by monitoring and protecting your links and campaigns from click-fraud, bots, and spam.
- Learn and improve your marketing strategy with data and insights.
Drawbacks:
- The free plan is limited to 500 clicks per month and one custom domain.
- The paid plans are relatively expensive, starting from $39 per month.
- The social opt-in CTA may not work on some websites or platforms, due to security or compatibility issues.
#3. URL Shortener by Zapier
URL Shortener by Zapier is a URL shortener that allows you to automate link creation with over 5,000 apps. It also provides a free service for basic automation and a paid tier for more complex automation. It is best for users who want to save time and effort by creating short links without manually plugging in every long URL.
Features:
- Create short links with Zapier’s domain or your own custom domain.
- Automate link creation with over 5,000 apps and platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, WordPress, Mailchimp, etc.
- Use triggers, actions, and filters to create custom workflows and logic for your link creation.
- Track and measure the performance of your links, such as clicks, views, sources, devices, locations, etc.
Benefits:
- Save time and effort by creating short links without manually plugging in every long URL.
- Automate your link creation with your favorite apps and platforms.
- Customize your link creation with your own workflows and logic.
- Learn and improve your link performance with data and insights.
Drawbacks:
- The free service is limited to 100 tasks per month and one custom domain.
- The paid service is relatively expensive, starting from $19.99 per month.
- The automation may not work on some apps or platforms, due to security or compatibility issues.
#4. BL.INK
BL.INK is a URL shortener that allows you to create secure and compliant links that protect your brand and data. It also provides branded links, analytics, integrations, and enterprise solutions. It is best for businesses, marketers, and enterprises who want to create trustworthy and scalable links with their links.
Features:
- Create branded links with custom domains, logos, colors, and fonts.
- Secure and encrypt your links and data with SSL, GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA compliance.
- Track and measure the performance of your links, such as clicks, views, conversions, sources, devices, locations, etc.
- Integrate with over 50 apps and platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, WordPress, Mailchimp, etc.
- Use browser extensions, mobile apps, or API to create and share links from any device.
- Access enterprise solutions, such as dedicated account manager, custom reporting, and white-labeling.
Benefits:
- Protect your brand and data with your links and compliance.
- Build your brand awareness and trust with your links and compliance.
- Save time and effort by creating and sharing links from any device.
- Learn and improve your link performance with data and insights.
- Access enterprise solutions for your large-scale and complex link needs.
Drawbacks:
- The free plan is limited to 1,000 clicks per month and one custom domain.
- The paid plans are relatively expensive, starting from $48 per month.
- The compliance may not work on some websites or platforms, due to security or compatibility issues.
#5. Geniuslink
Geniuslink is a URL shortener that allows you to create intelligent links that target different audiences based on their country, device, language, and more. It also provides branded links, analytics, retargeting, and affiliate marketing. It is best for businesses, marketers, and influencers who want to increase their conversions and commissions with their links.
Features:
- Create branded links with custom domains, logos, colors, and fonts.
- Target different audiences with your links based on their country, device, language, and more.
- Track and measure the performance of your links, such as clicks, views, conversions, sources, devices, locations, etc.
- Integrate with over 20 apps and platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, WordPress, Mailchimp, etc.
- Use browser extensions, mobile apps, or API to create and share links from any device.
- Retarget your audiences with your links using pixels and cookies.
- Monetize your links with affiliate marketing using over 10,000 affiliate programs.
Benefits:
- Increase your conversion rate and commission rate with your links and targeting.
- Build your brand awareness and trust with your links and targeting.
- Save time and effort by creating and sharing links from any device.
- Learn and improve your link performance with data and insights.
- Retarget your audiences with your links and pixels.
- Monetize your links with affiliate marketing and programs.
Drawbacks:
- The free plan is limited to 1,000 clicks per month and one custom domain.
- The paid plans are relatively expensive, starting from $59 per month.
- The targeting and monetization may not work on some websites or platforms, due to security or compatibility issues.
#6. BudURL
BudURL is a URL shortener that allows you to create short links with QR codes and landing pages. It also provides analytics, integrations, and templates. It is best for users who want to create engaging and interactive links with their links.
Features:
- Create short links with BudURL’s own domain or your own custom domain.
- Add QR codes to your links for easy scanning and sharing.
- Create landing pages for your links with templates and drag-and-drop editor.
- Track and measure the performance of your links, such as clicks, views, conversions, sources, devices, locations, etc.
- Integrate with over 10 apps and platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, WordPress, Mailchimp, etc.
- Use browser extensions or API to create and share links from any device.
Benefits:
- Increase your engagement and interaction with your links and QR codes.
- Build your brand awareness and trust with your links and QR codes.
- Save time and effort by creating and sharing links from any device.
- Learn and improve your link performance with data and insights.
- Create landing pages for your links with templates and an editor.
#7.TinyURL
TinyURL is a URL shortener that allows you to create free link shortener, fast, and anonymous short links. It also provides a simple and easy-to-use interface, a browser toolbar, and a preview feature. It is best for casual users who need a quick and easy link shortener solution.
Features:
- Create short links with TinyURL’s domain or your own custom alias.
- Use the browser toolbar to create short links from any webpage.
- Use the preview feature to see the destination of a short link before clicking on it.
- Access the history of your created links.
Benefits:
- Save space and time by creating short links without manually plugging in every long URL.
- Create and share links from any webpage with the browser toolbar.
- Avoid malicious or unwanted links with the preview feature.
- Keep track of your created links with the history feature.
Drawbacks:
- The free service is limited to 100 links per day and does not provide analytics or tracking.
- The custom alias feature is not guaranteed and may be taken by someone else.
- The short links are not branded or personalized.
#8. OSlash
OSlash is a URL shortener that allows you to create short links with custom keywords and emojis. It also provides analytics, integrations, and social sharing. It is best for users who want to create fun and memorable links with their links.
Features:
- Create short links with OSlash’s domain or your own custom domain.
- Add custom keywords and emojis to your short links.
- Track and measure the performance of your links, such as clicks, views, sources, devices, locations, etc.
- Integrate with over 10 apps and platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, WordPress, Mailchimp, etc.
- Use the social sharing feature to share your links on social media platforms.
Benefits:
- Increase your engagement and interaction with your links and emojis.
- Build your brand awareness and trust with your links and keywords.
- Learn and improve your link performance with data and insights.
- Automate your link creation and sharing with integrations and social sharing.
Drawbacks:
- The free plan is limited to 1,000 clicks per month and one custom domain.
- The paid plans are relatively expensive, starting from $19 per month.
- The emojis may not work on some websites or platforms, due to security or compatibility issues.
#9. Foxly
Foxly is a URL shortener that allows you to create short links with QR codes and landing pages. It also provides analytics, integrations, and templates. It is best for users who want to create engaging and interactive links with their links.
Features:
- Create short links with Foxly’s domain or your own custom domain.
- Add QR codes to your links for easy scanning and sharing.
- Create landing pages for your links with templates and a drag-and-drop editor.
- Track and measure the performance of your links, such as clicks, views, conversions, sources, devices, locations, etc.
- Integrate with over 10 apps and platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, WordPress, Mailchimp, etc.
- Use browser extensions or API to create and share links from any device.
Benefits:
- Increase your engagement and interaction with your links and QR codes.
- Build your brand awareness and trust with your links and landing pages.
- Save time and effort by creating and sharing links from any device.
- Learn and improve your link performance with data and insights.
- Create landing pages for your links with templates and an editor.
Drawbacks:
- The free plan is limited to 500 clicks per month and one custom domain.
- The paid plans are relatively expensive, starting from $29 per month.
- The landing pages may not work on some websites or platforms, due to security or compatibility issues.
#10.Lnnkin
Lnnkin is a URL shortener that allows you to create short links with unlimited clicks and redirects. It also provides analytics, integrations, and bulk actions. It is best for users who want to create unlimited and flexible links with their links.
Features:
- Create short links with Lnnkin’s domain or your own custom domain.
- Add unlimited clicks and redirects to your short links.
- Track and measure the performance of your links, such as clicks, views, sources, devices, locations, etc.
- Integrate with over 10 apps and platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, WordPress, Mailchimp, etc.
- Use the bulk actions feature to create, edit, or delete multiple links at once.
Benefits:
- Increase your flexibility and scalability with your links and unlimited clicks and redirects.
- Build your brand awareness and trust with your links and custom domains.
- Learn and improve your link performance with data and insights.
- Automate your link creation and management with integrations and bulk actions.
Drawbacks:
- The free plan is limited to 100 links per month and one custom domain.
- The paid plans are relatively expensive, starting from $49 per month.
- The unlimited clicks and redirects may not work on some websites or platforms, due to security or compatibility issues.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about URL shorteners and their answers:
What is the best URL Shortener for 2024?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as different URL shorteners have different features and benefits, depending on your needs and preferences. However, some of the most popular and widely used URL shorteners are Linkye.net, Bitly, Rebrandly, TinyURL, BL.INK, Geniuslink, BudURL, URL Shortener by Zapier, OSlash, Foxly, and Linkye.net. You can try them out and see which one suits you best.
How do URL shorteners make money?
URL shorteners make money by offering different pricing plans for different levels of service and functionality. Some URL shorteners also make money by displaying ads on their websites or redirect pages, or by taking a commission from affiliate marketing. Some URL shorteners also offer a free service for basic or limited use, and a paid service for more advanced or unlimited use.
Are URL shorteners safe?
URL shorteners are generally safe, as long as they have a strong security and privacy policy, and they protect your links and data from hackers, spammers, and malware. However, some URL shorteners may not be safe, as they may contain malicious or unwanted links, or they may expose your personal or sensitive information. Therefore, you should always check the full URL before clicking on a shortened link, and use a reputable and reliable URL shortener service.
How do I create a custom URL shortener?
To create a custom URL shortener, you need to have your own domain name and a URL shortening service that allows you to use it. You can either use a self-hosted URL shortening software, such as YOURLS, or a third-party URL shortening service, such as Linkye or BL.INK. You can then configure your domain name and your URL shortening service, and start creating and managing your custom short links.
Conclusion
In this article, we have explained what a URL shortener is and why it is useful for online marketing, social media, and other purposes. We have also shown you how to choose the best URL shortener for your needs and provided you with a list of the best 10 URL shorteners in 2024. Thank you for reading and happy URL shortening! ????
Published on: 2/14/24, 5:20 PM