Have you ever wanted to send a message to a friend by including a link to a web page and then realize that the latter was longer than the entire text? Some URLs can be too long which makes them difficult to manage. Fortunately, there are several websites whose purpose is to turn these types of links into short URLs, which can be easily inserted into emails, posts, messages or any other online content format. Short URLs are especially useful when you want to share a link via social networking platforms.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Use Bitly
Step 1. Log in to the Bitly website
To do this, use the URL "www. Bitly.com". The main page is essential, in fact it consists of a large text field followed by some additional information that describes the services provided by Bitly.
Step 2. Create a short URL
To do this, simply copy the link you want to shorten and paste it into the text field on the main page of the site, then press the "Shorten" button. Bitly will immediately process your request by automatically displaying the shortened version of the link provided on the screen. The short URL will appear in the same text field where you pasted the original link.
Step 3. Copy the new URL where you want to use it
When processing is complete, the "Shorten" button will automatically turn into the "Copy" button, allowing you to copy the new link with a simple mouse click.
Step 4. Register on Bitly (optional step) in order to take advantage of the features offered by the service
The free Bitly account allows you to customize links making them unique, to share them on multiple devices and platforms, as well as to keep track of their use by analyzing the traffic generated.
- Customizing your own short URLs is very simple. After the creation of a new shortened link, you will be automatically directed to the editing page which will allow you to customize part of the link and give it the title you want. If you want to access the URL customization section again, you can do so by simply selecting the pencil icon.
- Bitly offers free accounts the ability to copy or share their short URLs. These functions are available at the top of the "Edit" panel, next to the links placed on your personal page.
- Paid accounts allow you to create links with specific features for mobile devices, to use comprehensive analytical data, to create a brand that identifies URLs and to create and manage a sophisticated marketing campaign.
Method 2 of 2: Use TinyURL
Step 1. Log in to the TinyURL website
To do this, you can use the URL "www.tinyurl.com". You will be greeted by a welcome message followed by two text fields positioned in the center of the page.
Step 2. Create a short URL
To proceed, simply paste the original link into the "Enter a long URL to make tiny" text field, then hit the "Make TinyURL!" placed on the right. You will be redirected to a new page where you will find the new shortened URL, along with the "Preview" version of the original link.
- If the original link contains any syntax errors (for example a space), after pressing the "Make TinyURL!" Button, TinyURL will show you the options with which to correct these problems.
- You may need to customize the new URL with text that better describes the functionality of the link in question. To do this, you can enter a description in the "Custom alias (optional)" text field before pressing the "Make TinyURL!" Button.
Step 3. Create a button for direct access to the service offered by TinyURL, then place it on the toolbar of your internet browser
This is an optional step, but can further simplify and speed up the process of creating a short URL. To take advantage of this function, press the "Make Toolbar Button" located in the menu located on the left of the main page of the TinyURL site. At this point you just have to follow the instructions that appear on the screen and drag the link provided on the toolbar of your browser. After performing this step, you can create a short URL of the currently displayed web page by simply pressing the TinyURL button on the toolbar of your browser.
- Depending on the configuration settings selected, your browser toolbar may not currently be visible. To view it, access the "View" menu, then choose "Show toolbar".
- If you cannot or do not want to place the direct link to the TinyURL service on the browser toolbar, you can drag it to the favorites bar.
