Google used to have its own URL shortener called goo.gl, but the service was officially shut down in 2019. Today, Google no longer offers a public URL shortener, so users rely on modern alternatives like QuitURL—an advanced URL shortener and link management platform with tracking, QR codes, branded links, and more.
Understanding Whether Google Still Has a URL Shortener
Google once operated goo.gl, a widely-used and simple URL shortener. It launched in 2009 and quickly became popular among marketers, bloggers, and everyday users who needed short and neat links. However, in 2018 Google announced the shutdown of goo.gl, and by 2019 the service was fully discontinued.
Today, Google recommends using third-party tools for link management needs. That includes platforms like QuitURL, which offer far more functionality than the original goo.gl ever did.
This change matters because people still search for “Google URL shortener” assuming it exists. But since it doesn’t, users often find themselves needing a reliable solution for everything from marketing campaigns to Instagram bios. That’s where modern URL shortener tools step in—especially ones that offer analytics, link customization, branded domains, and more.
Many creators, YouTubers, startups, and small businesses now use advanced link management platforms daily. Whether you’re managing ads, sharing affiliate URLs, or building a clean Link-in-Bio page, having a dependable URL shortener is essential.
Why It Matters
Understanding the status of Google’s URL shortener helps you choose a tool that actually fits today’s link-sharing standards. Short links are no longer just about aesthetics—they’re about tracking, branding, security, and reliability.
Marketers need to know which campaigns perform best. YouTubers want to see where their clicks come from. Startups want clean, professional-looking links. Content creators want a setup that works everywhere—Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, WhatsApp, email, and even offline via QR codes.
Since Google no longer supports goo.gl, businesses need a solution that does more than shorten a URL. Modern tools are expected to provide detailed analytics, mobile optimization, link rotation for A/B tests, and even error-free redirects on custom domains.
QuitURL covers these needs while remaining easy and approachable for beginners. For example, a YouTuber might use QuitURL to track clicks on their video descriptions, while a startup may use branded links with their domain to keep marketing assets consistent.
Is a URL Shortener Important for Me?
If your work involves sharing links online (and honestly, who doesn't?), then yes—a URL shortener is important. Shortened links prevent long URLs from cluttering posts, messages, or ad creatives. But more importantly, they allow you to track performance and understand your audience.
Think of a marketer running Google Ads: a simple short link helps measure which keywords produce actual clicks. A content creator posting to Instagram Stories can track which story performed best via UTM tags. A startup with multiple landing pages can rotate different URLs behind a single short link to test which page converts better.
Even everyday users benefit—creating shareable, clean links for resumes, personal websites, invitations, or documents.
Modern shorteners like QuitURL are designed to handle all these use cases. Whether you're managing one link or hundreds, the right tool makes it ridiculously easy to stay organized and informed.
How QuitURL Helps
QuitURL is an all-in-one URL shortener and link management platform built by Deep Thinkar LLC, focused on simplicity, speed, and reliability. Unlike old-school shorteners, QuitURL offers professional features that marketers, startups, and creators actually need.
Here’s how QuitURL fills the gap Google left behind:
URL Shortener with Branded Links
Create clean, trackable links using your own domain. Branded links look more trustworthy and help maintain brand consistency across campaigns.
Advanced Link Tracking & Analytics
QuitURL provides an intuitive analytics dashboard where you can track:
- Click counts
- Traffic sources
- Locations
- Device types
- Referrers
This lets you understand what content performs best.
Bio Page Builder
Perfect for Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and creators. Build a simple, elegant page that houses all your links. No coding needed.
QR Code Generator
Every short link gets an instant, high-quality QR code. Great for restaurant menus, posters, packaging, events, and offline campaigns.
Link Rotation (A/B Testing)
Run experiments by rotating multiple destination URLs behind one short link. Great for ads, landing page tests, and product promotion.
Security & Reliability
QuitURL links are protected against malicious redirects, supported by strong privacy policies, and backed with 99% uptime so your links always work.
QuitURL basically offers what marketers wished goo.gl eventually would’ve evolved into—but with modern features and better control.
Tips for Marketers and Creators
Short links are powerful, but using them wisely can amplify their impact. Whether you are a solo creator or part of a fast-growing startup, here are some easy ways to get more out of your links.
1. Use Branded Links for Trust
Branded links boost click-through rates and make your content look more professional. Instead of sharing a random link, you can share something like:
yourbrand.com/offer
2. Track Every Campaign
QuitURL’s analytics give you a clear picture of what’s working. For example, a YouTuber can track if more clicks come from video #1 or video #2. A marketer can measure which Facebook ad is driving real engagement.
3. Build a Link-in-Bio Page
Social platforms give you just one bio link. A QuitURL Bio Page helps funnel users to multiple destinations—shop link, YouTube channel, blog, and more—all in one place.
4. Add QR Codes to Offline Materials
If you’re running events, printing flyers, or displaying menus, QR codes make it easy for people to interact with your content instantly.
5. Use Link Rotation for Testing
Test multiple landing pages or offers behind one short link to find the best-performing variant without changing the URL everywhere.
These strategies can help you get more clicks, build trust, and make your content strategy more effective with minimal effort.
Conclusion
Google no longer offers a URL shortener, but modern tools like QuitURL give you far more control, analytics, branding options, and security. Whether you’re a creator, marketer, business owner, or just someone who wants cleaner links, QuitURL has all the features you need.
Ready to create your first short link? Get started at QuitURL.com and manage your links like a pro.
Related FAQs
1. How do I add a link in my Instagram bio?
Go to your Instagram profile → Edit Profile → Website → paste your QuitURL short link or Bio Page URL. Instagram displays it instantly.
2. Can I track clicks on my Instagram bio link?
Yes. With QuitURL, every click on your bio link is tracked, helping you understand where your audience is coming from and which posts drive the most engagement.
3. How do I manage multiple links on Instagram?
Use a QuitURL Bio Page to group all your important links—YouTube, product pages, contact forms, newsletters, and more—under one clean URL.
4. How can I create branded links for my Instagram bio?
QuitURL lets you connect your own custom domain and create branded short links for a professional and trustworthy look.
5. Can I use a QR Code for my Instagram bio link?
Absolutely. QuitURL generates a QR code for any link, perfect for posters, business cards, packaging, or event materials that drive users to your Instagram.