Do you want to send someone a link, but find the link is too long than the message can send? Some URL addresses are long and difficult to read. Fortunately, there are several websites that allow you to shorten these addresses to shortened URLs to make embedding them into emails, messages, or other online content more easily. Short URLs help you, especially when you want to share links to various social media.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Using Bitly
Step 1. Visit the Bitly website
You can easily access it at www. Bitly.com. After that, you will see a large text field followed by additional information about the services available on Bitly.
Step 2. Create a short URL
Copy and paste the long URL into the text field next to the “Shorten” button. Once pasted, Bitly will automatically shorten the link and display the result of the shortening in the column where you previously added the original link.
Step 3. Copy the new link and paste it anywhere
The “Shorten” button will automatically become a “Copy” button so you can copy new links with one click.
Step 4. Create a Bitly account (optional) to get additional functionality or features
With a free Bitly account, you can modify your own links, share them across multiple devices and platforms, and track performance based on analytics.
- You can modify the short URL easily. After creating a new link, it will automatically take you to the editing tab where you can customize the back of the link to a custom URL and add a title if you wish. If you need to re-access the editing features, simply click the tab marked with the pencil icon.
- Bitly also gives account holders the option of copying and sharing short URLs for free. These features are at the top of the “Edit” pane and next to the link you choose on the personal user page.
- With an upgraded (paid) account, you can create links with specific functionality for mobile devices, use broader data analytics, advertise URLs, or create and manage advanced marketing promotions.
Method 2 of 2: Using TinyURL
Step 1. Visit the TinyURL website
You can access it at tinyurl.com. After logging into the site, you'll see a welcome message and a few text fields in the middle of the page.
Step 2. Create a short URL
Enter the original web address into the field labeled "Enter a long URL to make tiny". Once the link is copied and pasted into the field, click the " Make TinyURL! " button to the right of it. You will be taken to a new page with a shortened URL and an alternative “preview” version of the corresponding URL.
- If there is an error in the original URL (eg spaces), TinyURL will present several corrected options after you press the " Make TinyURL! " button.
- You can modify the short URL with words that better reflect the link in question. Enter the desired word in the field labeled " Custom alias (optional) " before clicking the " Make TinyURL! " button.
Step 3. Add a TinyURL button on the toolbar for easy access to features
This process is optional and will add a new button on the browser link toolbar. These buttons can speed up the URL shortening process. Click the "Make Toolbar Button" button on the menu on the left side of the main page. After that, follow the instructions by dragging the specific link to the toolbar. Now you can create a short URL for the page you are currently browsing by clicking the new button in the toolbar.
- The link toolbar may not be displayed at this time in the browser window, depending on browser preferences. To display it, select the “View” menu from the browser menu and click “Toolbars” for the bar to appear.
- If you can't place the link in the toolbar or want to put it as a bookmark, drag the link to the “Favorites” or bookmarks folder (“Bookmarks”) for easy access. This process can save anyone time using Bitly for business purposes.
