Self-hosted URL shortener or your own domain on a managed one?
Want your own URL shortener? You can build or self-host one — or get the same control on your own domain without running a server.
People look for a self-hosted, open-source or PHP URL shortener for three reasons: owning the domain, owning the data and not paying per link. Running one yourself means a server, a database, HTTPS certificates, bot filtering, abuse handling, backups and upgrades.
A managed shortener on your own domain gives you the first two with none of the upkeep. This page lays out both paths honestly.
Shorten your link
Free, instant, no ads. A QR code comes with it.
Public shortening is paused while the dedicated short-link domain is being connected. Connect a domain you own to make short links.
Get started- 1,000 links free
- 6 custom domains free
- No credit card
How to do it in three steps
- 1
Decide what you must own
Usually the domain and an export of your data.
- 2
Try the managed route
Connect your domain free and create a few links.
- 3
Compare the effort
Against hosting, securing and maintaining your own server.
What building your own URL shortener involves
A redirect endpoint, a database of codes, collision-free code generation, HTTPS for every domain, analytics that separate bots from people, rate limiting, abuse and malware checks, backups and monitoring. The first version is an afternoon; running it reliably is ongoing work.
What you get without a server
Your own domain, private and password-protected links, export of all links and clicks, an API, and nothing to patch. Daily raw click exports to your own S3 bucket are available on Scale.
Private URL shortener for a company
Teams, roles, SSO and per-link permissions keep internal links private without self-hosting.
Related guides
URL shortener with your own domain
Shorten URLs on a domain you own — with free automatic HTTPS and nothing to host.
URL shortener API
Create and manage short links from your own app with a simple REST API — free to start.
Branded URL shortener
Put your brand in every link — go.yourbrand.com/launch — and turn every click into insight.
Safe and reliable URL shortener
HTTPS on every link, no ads in between, and abuse kept off the platform — so people can trust your short links.
Permanent URL shortener
Short links for things that last — print, packaging, books and signage — that keep working for years.
Start Free — no credit card
The free plan includes 1,000 links, 6 custom domains and 50,000 tracked clicks a month, free forever. Choose a free subdomain from six shared domains. Paid plans start at $4 a month when you outgrow it, and you keep everything you have built.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have my own URL shortener without a server?
Yes — connect your domain here and it becomes your URL shortener.
Is there an open-source URL shortener?
Several exist; they need hosting, HTTPS and maintenance. A managed service on your domain avoids that work.
How do I create my own URL shortener in PHP?
You need a redirect script, a database and HTTPS — or you can use your own domain here for free.
Can I export my data if I leave?
Yes, links and clicks can be exported, and links on your domain move with you.
Is there a private link shortener for teams?
Yes, with teams, roles and SSO.