7 Best URL Shortener APIs to Use in 2024
In an age where brevity and accessibility make information stand out, URL shorteners have become an essential tool. URL shorteners simplify and manage long URLs to make them easier to share and keep up with social media character limitations. Many developers even use URL shortener APIs (Application Programming Interface) to seamlessly integrate link-shortening functionality into their applications, websites, or services.
So if you’re in search of the right URL-shortening service that provides an API for your website or app, we’ve got you covered. While many of you may be familiar with popular link-shortening services such as TinyURL, there are many other TinyURL creator
Top 7 URL Shortener APIs
URL shortener APIs can be a valuable resource for developers looking to integrate URL-shortening functionality into their applications or services. The following list includes the most trusted, reliable, and innovative URL shortener APIs:
1. Rebrandly API
“Your Brand on Your Links”
With Rebrandly, you can use a custom domain name to create short URLs. You can register a domain name directly with Rebrandly and start shortening all your links in minutes without any technical knowledge.
With 20,000+ developers already using Rebrandly, it’s the most trusted platform by developers looking to use short URLs with their own domain on their apps. For more on the differences between short links and links containing your domain, check out this short video.
Main features
- Branded Short Domains: Customize your links with brand names, ensuring every URL carries your unique signature.
- Comprehensive Link Analytics: Gauge the performance of your shared links, understand audience interaction, and tweak your outreach strategies based on real-time data.
- Developer-friendly API: Integrate link management and shortening functionalities directly into your existing applications or workflows. This flexible API allows for bespoke integration, catering to a range of business needs.
- Easy-to-use Interface: Whether you’re a seasoned developer or a marketing newbie, Rebrandly’s design ensures you can navigate and utilize all its features with ease.
- Domain Management: Secure and manage custom domains for your branded links, all under one unified platform.
- Collaboration Tools: Work seamlessly with your team, share access, and manage user roles, ensuring everyone’s on the same page.
Overview
- Pros: Great tool if you want to share links that contain your brand (dedicated domain name); Free; Simple to use.
- Cons: Most advanced features and large-scale link creation require paid plans.
Check out the Rebrandly API page for more information.
2. Bitly API
“Unleash the power of the link”
Bitly is a well-known URL shortener API, with millions of shortened links. This TinyURL creator boasts some basic analytics features along with the ability to create deep links.
Main features
- Basic Analytics: Track link performance.
- Deep Links: Create links that direct to specific app screens.
Overview
- Pros: Widely integrated with various apps and services.
- Cons: Limited link editing capabilities; API restrictions for commercial use.
3. Yourls API
“Your Own URL Shortener”
Yourls is a small set of PHP scripts that allow you to run your own URL-shortening service. Keep in mind that Yourls has to be installed on your server and it can be difficult to maintain. Also, the tool is not scalable unless you have a dedicated team of engineers focused on this project as well as many servers.
Main features
- Analytics: Good analytics capabilities with historical click reports, visitors’ geo-location, and referrers tracking.
- Free to use: Yourls is open-source and completely free to use with no strings attached.
- Extensibility: Comes with a terrific plugin architecture and dozens of plugins so you can make it work exactly as needed.
Overview
- Pros: Can be installed on your server; Completely free.
- Cons: Requires ongoing hosting and maintenance costs; Difficult to scale for larger traffic.
4. Owly API
“Make your links manageable.”
Owly (also known as Ow.ly) is a short URL generator created by Hootsuite. The Owly API provides a straightforward way to incorporate link shortening into your website or service.
Main features
- Basic Analytics: Track link performance.
- Custom Branded URLs: Shorten links and turn them into custom vanity URLs.
- Basic Reporting: Generate reports showing traffic and clicks from Ow.ly links.
Overview
- Pros: Free; Simple to use; Integrated within HootSuite.
- Cons: Limited features; Only available to Hootsuite Enterprise users.
To learn more about how to use Owly API, check out the Owly API reference page.
5. Short.io
“Get the most out of every link you share.”
Short.io is a URL shortener that lets you create branded short links using your own domain.
Main features
- Real-Time Tracking: You can use Short.io to track the performance of your branded URLs in real-time.
- Advanced Analytics: You also get a detailed analytics report with metrics broken down by device, operating system, location, and more.
Overview
- Pros: Comprehensive features and analytics.
- Cons: Complex user interface; may be difficult to navigate for less technical users.
Check out the Short.io API page for more information.
6. Sniply API
“The call to action for your links”
Sniply is a TinyURL creator that lets you add a custom call-to-action to shared web links to engage your audience better.
Main features
- Custom Call-to-Action: Add CTAs to shared links.
- Retargeting & Analytics: Engage and analyze audience interactions.
Overview
- Pros: Boost conversion rates and brand visibility.
- Cons: Free version limitations; Restrictions on major platforms.
7. Cuttly API
“Simplify your links, track & manage them.”
Cuttly is a link management and URL-shortening platform with branding capabilities.
Main features
- Branded URLs: Customize your short links for better branding.
- Link Organization: Group your links and manage them for easier tracking.
- QR Code Generator: Create custom QR codes for your links.
Overview
- Pros: Detailed analytics; Free URL shortener.
- Cons: Limited enterprise-level features.
Check out the Cuttly API Page for more information.
FAQs
The following are the most frequently asked questions about the best free URL shortener APIs for short links:
Can I shorten a URL for free?
Yes, you can create short links for free using powerful API services. These APIs offer different features and functions that you can use to shorten long URLs without any cost.
How do I shorten a URL using API?
To shorten a URL using an API, you can utilize a URL shortener API service, such as Rebrandly. These services offer APIs that allow you to programmatically submit a long URL and receive a shortened version in response. Typically, you’ll need to make an HTTP POST or GET request to the API endpoint, passing your long URL as a parameter. The API will then return the shortened URL that you can use in your application or share with others.
How do I get a free URL?
To get a free URL, you can use a free domain registration service or a subdomain service. Sign up with one of these services, follow their registration process, and choose an available URL. Keep in mind that free domains may come with certain limitations or restrictions, and they might not be as customizable or professional as paid domain options.
Which is the best URL shortener?
One of the best URL shorteners is Rebrandly. Rebrandly offers a user-friendly interface, customizable short links, detailed analytics, and the ability to use your custom domain. It’s a popular choice for businesses and marketers looking to brand their links and track their performance effectively. However, the “best” URL shortener can vary depending on your specific needs, so it’s essential to consider your requirements before choosing one.
What is a Tiny URL creator?
A Tiny URL creator is another name for a link shortener, which lets you create a shorter version of long URLs. The term “Tiny URL creator” is mainly used after one of the leading link shortening platforms, TinyURL.
What is the best Owly alternative?
Owly is a link shortening tool from Hootsuite, which is available only to Hootsuite Enterprise users. A good alternative is Rebrandly, which is available to everyone.
