How do I shorten a URL for social media?

To shorten a URL for social media, use a URL shortening service like Bitly, TinyURL, or Rebrandly. Enter your long URL, customize the short link if desired, and copy the shortened version. Short links are easier to share on platforms like Instagram, X, and LinkedIn where character space is limited.

What are UTM parameters and why should I use them?

UTM parameters are tags added to URLs that help track campaign performance in Google Analytics. By adding utm_source, utm_medium, and utm_campaign to your links, you can see exactly which social media posts, email campaigns, or ads drive the most traffic and conversions. This data is essential for optimizing your marketing budget and strategy.

How many characters can I use in an Instagram bio link?

Instagram bio links have no official character limit, but only the first 30-35 characters are visible before truncation. Use a URL shortener or custom domain to create clean, branded links that fit within this visible space. Make sure the visible portion is descriptive enough to encourage clicks.

Do URL shorteners affect SEO?

URL shorteners do not negatively impact SEO when used properly. Search engines follow 301 redirects from short links to your destination page, passing link equity. However, avoid using shortened URLs for internal links on your website—only use them for social media sharing where character space is limited.

Can I track clicks on shortened URLs?

Yes, most URL shortening services (Bitly, Rebrandly, TinyURL) provide click tracking and analytics. You can see total clicks, geographic data, referral sources, and device types. For more detailed tracking, combine shortened URLs with UTM parameters to capture campaign data in Google Analytics.

What is the best URL shortener for social media marketing?

The best URL shorteners for social media marketing include Bitly (most popular, robust analytics), Rebrandly (custom branded domains), and TinyURL (simple, no account required). For social media managers, choose a shortener that offers click tracking, custom domains, and UTM parameter preservation to maximize your marketing insights.

Free Tool

Free URL Shortener & Link Preview Tool

Build trackable URLs with UTM parameters and preview how they appear on Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and more.

No actual shortening service (requires backend), but helps you format, track, and preview your social media links.

Build & Format Your Link

Your URL *

Enter the full URL you want to track and share

Quick UTM Templates

UTM Source

UTM Medium

UTM Campaign

UTM Content (Optional)

Generate a QR Code for Your Link

Create a scannable QR code for your URL to use on print materials, business cards, and social media posts.

What is a URL Shortener?

A URL shortener is a tool that converts long URLs into shorter, more manageable links. Short URLs are essential for social media marketing where character space is limited—especially on platforms like Instagram (bio links), X, and TikTok.

While this tool doesn't actually shorten URLs (that requires a backend service), it helps you format links with UTM tracking parameters, preview how they'll appear on different platforms, and prepare them for shortening services like Bitly, Rebrandly, or TinyURL.

Why Use UTM Parameters in Your Links?

Track Campaign Performance

See exactly which social posts, email campaigns, or ads drive the most traffic and conversions in Google Analytics.

Optimize Marketing Budget

Identify which platforms and campaigns generate the best ROI so you can allocate budget more effectively with AI-powered content.

Test Different Strategies

A/B test different CTAs, headlines, and content formats by tracking utm_content parameter performance.

Prove Marketing ROI

Show stakeholders exactly which marketing efforts contribute to revenue and business goals.

Link Formatting Tips by Platform

Instagram Bio Links

Keep visible portion under 30 characters. Use branded short domains (yourbrand.co/offer) instead of generic shorteners. Consider link-in-bio tools like Linktree or PostEverywhere's bio link feature for multiple links.

X (Twitter) Posts

X automatically shortens URLs to 23 characters (t.co links). UTM parameters are preserved through the redirect. Don't waste characters manually shortening—X does it for you.

LinkedIn Posts

Keep links concise (under 50 chars visible). LinkedIn preview cards pull from Open Graph tags, so use our OG Image Checker to verify previews before posting.

TikTok Bio

TikTok bios allow up to 80 characters. Use trackable short links to measure traffic from TikTok. Schedule TikTok content and update bio links regularly.

Best URL Shorteners for Social Media

Bitly

Most popular URL shortener with robust click tracking, custom domains, and QR code generation. Free plan includes 10 branded links/month.

Rebrandly

Best for branded short links (yourbrand.co/offer). Includes UTM builder, deep linking, and retargeting pixels. Ideal for agencies and enterprises.

TinyURL

Simple, no-frills URL shortener. No account required. Great for one-off links but lacks advanced tracking features.

Recommended Resources

→ Google Analytics UTM Tracking Guide → URL Shortener Best Practices → Our Free UTM Link Builder → QR Code Generator for Links

How to Use the URL Shortener & Link Preview Tool

Enter your URL

Paste your destination URL and optionally add UTM parameters to track performance in Google Analytics.

Preview across platforms

See how your link will appear on Instagram, X, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Facebook—including character truncation.

Copy and shorten

Copy your formatted URL and paste it into Bitly, Rebrandly, or TinyURL to create a trackable short link.

URL Shortener & Link Preview Tool FAQ

More Free Tools

QR Code Generator

Create QR codes for your links

UTM Link Builder

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OG Image Checker

Test social media previews

Username Checker

Check social handle availability

Hashtag Generator

Generate trending hashtags

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