Google will close its free goog.gl. The service could be used by developers in their applications – while being used for links in the Google ecosystem. The impacted services have a few weeks to turn to an alternative.
Goog.GL was best known so far as a free service allowing Internet users and developers to offer shorter links, easier to share. Google is however in the process of operating a large transition for several years to a new dynamic system with more features. The latter now makes it possible to create links pointing directly to smartphones applications. While automatically detecting if it is an Android device, an iPhone, or if the application is installed or requires being downloaded.
Since 2018, Google has not accepted more new short links goo.gl. This gradually diverted users from its use. As we write these lines, 99% of the links in question did not record any activity in the past month to believe the firm. Consequently, Google announces the imminent stop of the GOO.GL. Internet users and developers who still use some links of this type have little time to spend on alternatives since The taking will be officially disconnected from August 23, 2025.
What are the alternatives to goo.gl links?
The first of the alternatives for the developers is to go to the service of Firebase links – which allows, we told you, much more than to share short links. The service, which is part of the Google ecosystem, allows simple integration to applications. With the added bonus of an AI assistant to facilitate the operation and more broadly the coding and deployment of applications.
For an alternative to goo.gl simpler and the general public, Bit.ly has been popular service for years. It allows you to personalize links, and collect activity statistics which can be very practical. Ow.ly is another popular alternative, integrated into Hootsuite. The service is similar to Bitly, with the possibility of personalizing URL, and analytics features. It can be used for free, but for intensive uses, a subscription is required.
Google specifies counting still use goo.gl links for its own applications and services for a while. This means that you may see it from time to time, after the deadline.
