Google URL Shortener Shutdown: What You Need to Know
Created on 8 September, 2024 • 52 views • 2 minutes read
What Happened to Google’s URL Shortener and What It Means for You
Earlier this week, Google announced that it will be discontinuing its URL Shortener service (goo.gl) by August 25, 2025. This gives users a year to transition their links to a new service, or risk having their shortened URLs become inactive. The shutdown could affect millions of users, with potentially billions of links becoming inaccessible.
Key Dates: What You Should Know
Starting on August 23, 2024, all goo.gl links will display an interstitial page notifying users of the upcoming shutdown. This means that if you are still using a Google shortened link, it might stop working properly, which could result in broken links and lost traffic.
When Does the Service Stop Completely?
Google’s plan to phase out goo.gl began in 2018 when they introduced Firebase Dynamic Links as a replacement. From August 23, 2024, the interstitial page will appear, and by August 25, 2025, goo.gl links will completely cease to work.
How to Transition Your Links
If you have existing goo.gl links, it’s highly recommended to switch to a reliable alternative like Olinke. Here’s how you can do that in five easy steps:
- Audit all the goo.gl links you are currently using across your website, social media, and emails.
- Create a Olinke account. Choose a plan that fits your needs—our free plan is a great place to start.
- Start generating new shortened links in Olinke. Just paste your original URL, customize it if needed, and click Create.
- Replace your old goo.gl links with your new Olinke links.
- Track the performance of your new links using Olinke’s analytics to measure traffic and engagement.
Why Did Google Shut Down Its URL Shortener?
Google hasn’t given detailed reasons for the discontinuation, but maintaining such a large-scale service comes with many challenges. These include security risks, privacy concerns, and the increasing complexity of managing user data, especially with stricter data privacy laws worldwide.
In their 2018 announcement, Google highlighted that the way people access online content has evolved, shifting from desktop webpages to mobile apps and smart devices. This change in user behavior likely contributed to their decision to move away from the goo.gl service.
Why Olinke Is the Best Alternative
Olinke has been a leader in the URL shortening space for over a decade, serving hundreds of thousands of businesses worldwide. With over 256 million links and QR codes created each month, Olinke offers proven reliability, security, and customization options that meet the needs of modern link management.
Advanced Features and Customization
Olinke offers a variety of tools to help businesses and individuals manage and optimize their links, including:
- Branded links with custom domains
- UTM parameters for tracking campaigns
- Bulk shortening for managing multiple URLs at once
- Link redirection options
- Robust API and integrations
Additionally, Olinke’s analytics provide valuable insights into your audience, allowing you to track clicks, device usage, and geographic data in real-time.
Take Action Before It’s Too Late
While you still have time before Google officially discontinues its URL shortening service in 2025, it’s a good idea to transition now. By switching to Olinke, you’ll not only keep your links active but also gain access to powerful tools that can help you manage and analyze your traffic more effectively.
So, why wait? Start your transition to Olinke today and ensure your links are ready for the future!