What is a Link Shortener?
A link shortener is a free online tool that converts a long, hard-to-share URL into a short and easy one.
For example, https://www.example.com/very/long/link can become bit.ly/abc123.
Short links are easier to share on social media, email, or SMS and sometimes include click tracking.
How to Use a Link Shortener
Using a link shortener is simple. Copy your long URL, paste it into the shortener tool, and click the “shorten” button. The tool gives you a new short link instantly. You can then share this link anywhere. Some services also let you customize the ending text of the link or track how many times it was clicked.
10 Best Link Shortener Websites
Bitly
Bitly is one of the most popular URL shorteners. It offers free link shortening plus premium features like branded links,
analytics, and campaign management. A simple example is turning example.com/my-link into https://bit.ly/41rc5Ut.
Perfect for marketers and businesses who need to track engagement. Free and paid plans are available.
TinyURL
TinyURL has been around since 2002 and is trusted for making short links quickly without sign-up. You can also customize the ending word of the link. Example: https://tinyurl.com/3fa8u5vj. It is a fast, no-login solution, perfect for personal use and sharing quick links anywhere.
Rebrandly
Rebrandly allows businesses to create branded short links using their own custom domain. For example, https://rebrand.ly/pdyy. It also includes analytics and team collaboration features. This makes it a great choice for companies that want brand visibility while sharing links across campaigns.
n9cl
n9cl offers unlimited URL shortening with advanced analytics, QR code support, and API access. An example short link looks like https://n9.cl/2lxln. It is often used by businesses that need both short links and real-time tracking of visitors across different channels.
t.ly
t.ly is a super-simple tool for making tiny links instantly. It lets you create short links like https://t.ly/UVd3C without registration. You can also create a custom short code if you prefer. Great for quick sharing without any extra features.
IC.CX
IC.CX is a professional link management platform. It provides smart short links with click analytics and integration with business tools. For example, https://lc.cx/DzW8up. Ideal for teams that want advanced tracking and collaboration while using shortened URLs.
bitly.cx
bitly.cx lets you use your own domain name to make branded links. It also offers link tracking, geo-targeting, and API integration. Example: https://bitly.cx/zPC0. Very useful for businesses who want full control and branding over their links.
Cutt.ly
Cutt.ly is a free and easy shortener that provides link shortening, tracking, and QR code creation. Example: <https://cutt.ly/XrKz5Tfi. It’s designed for individuals and small businesses that want a lightweight yet useful tool for managing URLs.
Shorte.st
Shorte.st not only shortens links but also lets you earn money by sharing them. Example: bit.ly/xyz123. It’s often used by bloggers and content creators who want to monetize their links while keeping them easy to share online.
soo.gd
soo.gd is a minimal and free link shortener that requires no account. It lets you create short, clean URLs like http://bit.ly/4fSGLUN. Simple, fast, and ideal for users who want no-fuss short links without signing up for a service.