Glossary · Internet & Web

URL Shortener

A URL shortener is a service that turns a long web address into a short link that redirects visitors to the original page, often with click tracking.

Updated October 6, 2026

A URL shortener is a service that converts a long web address into a much shorter one. When someone opens the short link, the service responds with a redirect to the original destination.

Why it matters

Short links are easier to share in print, text messages and character-limited posts, and many services add click analytics or custom branded domains. They also hide the destination, which attackers use to disguise phishing and malware links. Another risk is link rot: if the shortening service closes or a link is deleted, every shared copy stops working.

Example

A request to a short link returns a redirect:

GET /abc123 HTTP/1.1
Host: sho.rt

HTTP/1.1 301 Moved Permanently
Location: https://example.com/products/summer-sale?utm_source=newsletter

The browser then follows the Location header to the full address. A redirect checker lets you see that destination without visiting it.

Common mistakes

  • Clicking short links from unknown senders without previewing where they lead.
  • Using a free shortener for permanent printed material, with no guarantee it will exist later.
  • Stacking several redirects, which adds delay and can break tracking.

Get notified when this term updates

Plus occasional practical tips on uptime and monitoring, nothing else. Unsubscribe anytime.

Keep reading

Error fix · Server errorsHTTP 405 Method Not Allowed: Fix GET, POST and OPTIONS ErrorsFix HTTP 405 Method Not Allowed: read the Allow header, correct form and API methods, nginx static POST, Apache limits, CORS preflight and redirect method changes.4 min readGlossary · Internet & WebDeep LinkA deep link is a link that points to a specific page or piece of content inside a website or app, rather than to its home page or start screen.Glossary · Internet & WebPermalinkA permalink is a permanent, stable URL that points to one specific page or post so that it can be bookmarked, shared and cited without the address changing.Glossary · Internet & WebQR Code (Quick Response Code)A QR code is a two-dimensional square barcode that stores data such as a web address and is read by a phone camera, opening the encoded content instantly.Guide · Hosting & CDNFix ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS on a Cloudflare SiteWhy Cloudflare sites hit redirect loops and how to fix them: Flexible SSL with an HTTPS-forcing origin, www rules, CMS URL settings, and conflicting redirect rules.7 min readGuide · Downtime & ErrorsFix 500 Internal Server Error: A Practical Guide for Site OwnersTrack down a 500 Internal Server Error with error logs, .htaccess and PHP checks, permission fixes and WordPress debugging, plus when your host must step in.9 min read

This page is general information written by our editorial team and updated when documentation changes. Servers and providers differ, so test changes safely first. See our editorial policy and disclaimer.