What Happened to Google’s URL Shortener and how you can move your projects to snick.link
Google's URL shortener, Google URL Shortener (goo.gl), was once a popular tool for shrinking long URLs. However, in April 2018, Google officially discontinued the service, replacing it with Firebase Dynamic Links (FDL). FDL offers more advanced features, particularly focusing on mobile app integration and deep linking, but for many users, it was a significant shift from the simplicity of goo.gl.
Why Did Google Shut It Down?
Shift to Firebase Dynamic Links (FDL): Google wanted to focus on deeper linking technologies that better served mobile-first users and app developers. FDL allows links to work across platforms and apps, improving user experiences on mobile devices.
Lack of Updates and Limited Features: Google URL Shortener lacked the advanced functionalities that many modern URL shorteners now offer, such as detailed analytics, branded links, or customization.
What Does This Mean For You?
Loss of a Simple Tool: If you relied on goo.gl for quick URL shortening, you might have to look for alternatives that offer similar simplicity without requiring technical expertise in app development.
Need for Modern Solutions: Today’s URL shorteners offer much more than just shrinking links. Services like Snick.link provide additional features such as:
- Detailed analytics: Track clicks, locations, and more.
- Branded links: Strengthen your brand by customizing URLs.
- QR codes and landing pages: Provide additional engagement and interaction options for your audience.
While Google’s transition to FDL marked the end of a simple, free tool, it opened up opportunities for new and improved URL shortening services tailored to a wide range of needs—from small businesses to larger enterprises.
How to move all your links to snick.link
All you have to do is export all your links in an excel file and we will do all the work for you. You will log in to your snick.link account and import that excel file.
