URL shortener API
Create and manage short links from your own app with a simple REST API — free to start.
The REST API creates, reads, updates and deletes short links, domains and folders, and returns click statistics. It is included on the free plan, with 1,000 links created through the API.
Authenticate with an API key, send JSON, get JSON back. An OpenAPI description, code samples and SDKs are in the developer docs.
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
- 5 custom domains free
- No credit card
How to do it in three steps
- 1
Create an API key
In Integrations & API, choose the scope: everything, one domain, read-only or create-only.
- 2
Send a request
POST /api/links with {"originalURL": "https://…"} and your key as a Bearer token.
- 3
Use the short URL
The response contains the short link, its id and its QR code.
Bulk and automation
Create up to 1,000 links in one request with the bulk endpoint. Webhooks (Starter) push every click to your server as it happens.
Keys you can safely share
Public, create-only and domain-scoped keys let a browser extension or a partner create links without seeing anything else. Rate limits are sent in response headers.
Let AI assistants shorten links
The MCP server lets Claude, ChatGPT and other assistants create links and read analytics with your key.
Related guides
Bulk URL shortener
Shorten hundreds of links at once — from a CSV file, a spreadsheet or the API.
URL shortener with analytics
See who clicks your links — where they are, what device they use and where they came from — free.
Google URL shortener (goo.gl) alternative
goo.gl no longer creates links — here is a free, drop-in replacement with your own domain and an API.
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.
Firebase Dynamic Links alternative
Firebase Dynamic Links shut down on 25 August 2025. Replace them with short links that send each device to the right place.
Start Free — no credit card
The free plan includes 1,000 links, 5 custom domains and 50,000 tracked clicks a month, free forever. Paid plans start at $4 a month when you outgrow it, and you keep everything you have built.
Frequently asked questions
Is the URL shortener API free?
Yes. The API is on every plan; the free plan includes 1,000 links created through it.
How do I authenticate?
Send your API key as "Authorization: Bearer " or in the x-api-key header.
Is there a rate limit?
Yes; the current limit and remaining requests are returned in X-RateLimit headers, and a 429 includes Retry-After.
Can I create links in bulk through the API?
Yes, up to 1,000 links per bulk request.
Is there a Google URL shortener API replacement?
Yes — this API does what the old goo.gl API did, on your own domain, with analytics.