Google URL Shortening Service Discontinued
Have you been using the Google URL Shortening Service? I've been using it for a few years now. I've enjoyed having all my shortened link in an easy to find place. I especially like the fact that the Google URL shortened links are so widely and easily used in places like Google+, Social Pilot, and the like.
Link shorteners are a great way to keep track of your links. Having your links shortened also means that you don't have long ugly links.
But all good things must come to an end, right? Yes. It's a total drag. I'm very disappointed that Google has made the decision to discontinue the Google URL Shortening Service. This will come into effect on April 13th, next Friday. If you have been using the link shortener, you can continue to use the service until March 30, 2019. After that the console will be discontinued for good.
Google is recommending other services such as Bit.ly and Ow.ly. Ow.ly is actually part of Hootsuite. So if you are not using Hootsuite, Bit.ly is a good alternative.
Let's hope the other free link shortening services don't quit anytime soon!
Alanna
Recent Comments
19
Google have discontinued a huge number of free services over the years. So much so that I now won't use any Google products any more (except search).
I read this and had forgotten about it. Thanks for the reminder. I wonder what they have up their sleeve.
Hard to know why, Pitofly. Google isn't very good at explaining WHY they do things! :D Alanna
I read this and had forgotten about it. Thanks for the reminder. I wonder what they have up their sleeve.
Hi Alanna!
I use this too. Bummer! I'm sure there will be other sources to help.
Thanks for the notice.
Mark :0)
ughh..that's boring and a very bad move of Google I have to say. I don't know what they are thinking here to be honest, I mean they are using it even within all of their services (YouTube, Google+, Google Maps, Google Calendar, Google Docs etc).
Maybe it means that WE do not have access to it any longer but they do still, or maybe they replace it. In my opinion they should leave it on and ask money for it instead. That way it keeps running and gets paid for.
I once upon a time scripted my own shortener on the nl domain haha.. could start that site up again I guess.
Luckily there are many other services out there.
Maybe Kyle should try to claim wa .com and build a shortener for us ;) (am glad to help out)
Steven
I think a lot of us will be bummed about this move. I know I am. Yes, there are other services out there but that means that a lot of us will be using more than one. CONFUSING! Thanks for stopping by, Steve! Alanna
Thanks for the info. I just had another member try my site and inform me that none of my links were working. I do appreciate timely help like that. Now I get to go through all my links to find out why..
Jerry
Sorry to hear that, Jerry. Hope it doesn't turn out to be too much of a hassle for you. Alanna
Yes. In fact, if you have been using the Google link shortener, you can continue to use the shortener until March 30, 2019. And links will continue to be redirected to their destination. After that, the service will be discontinued.
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hi Alanna,
Thanks for the heads up. Pretty Links is a good alternative, you may want to check it out.
Have a great day!
Hey Tony. Yes. I use Pretty Links as well too. Thanks for stopping by! Alanna