Google is shutting down its goo.gl URL shortener

Google has offered its own URL shortener since 2009 in the form of goo.gl. The site has multiple advantages, allowing users to create easily sharable short links and track the number of clicks. Unfortunately, the service will shutting down soon in favor of ‘Firebase Dynamic Links'.

Over the weekend, Google updated the goo.gl website with the following notice: “Starting March 30, 2018, we will be turning down support for goo.gl URL shortener. From April 13, 2018 only existing users will be able to create short links on the goo.gl console.”

Users of goo.gl have until April 2019 to view their analytics and download them. All existing shortlinks will continue to work after the service shuts down.

To replace goo.gl, Google is introducing dynamic links, which will allow links to be individually tweaked depending on who is clicking it and what device they are using. These links will work within apps and on web pages across desktop and mobile.

With goo.gl now winding down into sunset mode, users will either have to transition over to Firebase Dynamic Links, or utilize other shorteners like Bit.ly or Ow.ly.

KitGuru Says: We use goo.gl frequently for sharing content on our social media channels. With that in mind, it is a shame to see the service go.

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