Link in Bio vs Custom Short Links: What Creators Should Use in 2026

If you're a creator, you've probably used a "link in bio" tool like Linktree, Stan Store, or Beacons. These platforms solve a real problem: social media only gives you one clickable link, so you need a way to share multiple destinations.

But link-in-bio tools aren't the only solution. Custom short links offer an alternative approach with different trade-offs. In this guide, we'll compare both options so you can choose what's right for your creator business.

Link-in-bio platforms create a simple landing page that hosts multiple links. You add this page URL to your Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter bio, and visitors can click through to your various destinations: YouTube channel, merch store, newsletter signup, latest video, and so on.

Popular link-in-bio tools:

• Linktree
• Stan Store
• Beacons
• Koji
• Tap Bio

These tools typically offer templates, customization options, and basic analytics.

Custom short links (also called branded links or vanity URLs) are shortened URLs that use your own domain. Instead of sharing linktree.com/yourname, you'd share links like yourbrand.link/merch or go.yourname.com/youtube.

With a link management platform like Linkly, you can create unlimited short links, each pointing to a different destination, with detailed tracking on every click.

You need one central hub. If your audience primarily comes from one platform (like Instagram) and you want a single page showing everything you offer, a link-in-bio tool provides this out of the box.

You want built-in monetization. Some platforms like Stan Store integrate payments, tips, and digital product sales directly into the page.

You're just starting out. If you have a small audience and limited technical needs, a simple Linktree gets you running quickly.

You want full control over branding. Using your own domain builds brand recognition and trust. A link like sarahjones.co/shop looks more professional than linktr.ee/sarahjones.

You share links across multiple channels. If you're on TikTok, YouTube, podcasts, email, and more, individual tracked links for each channel tell you exactly where your traffic comes from.

You need advanced analytics. Linkly shows you detailed click data including location, device type, browser, referrer, and timestamps. This helps you understand your audience and optimize your content.

You want to retarget clickers. Add Meta Pixels, Google Ads tags, or TikTok pixels to your links. Build custom audiences from people who clicked your YouTube link, then retarget them with ads for your course launch.

You're running campaigns or affiliate programs. Custom links with UTM parameters integrate cleanly with Google Analytics, giving you campaign-level attribution.

Many successful creators use both:

1. 1Link-in-bio for their main bio link - A central hub for new followers exploring their content
2. 2Custom short links for everything else - Individual tracked links in video descriptions, email signatures, podcast show notes, and Stories/Reels

This way, you get the convenience of a link page while maintaining tracking and branding on your high-value distribution channels.

Here's how to get started with branded links:

You can use a subdomain of your existing website (go.yoursite.com) or register a short domain specifically for links (.link, .co, and .io domains work well). Linkly supports custom domains on all plans.

Set up individual links for:

• Your latest video/content
• Your merch store
• Your email signup
• Your main social profiles
• Specific products or affiliate offers

Use descriptive slugs: /youtube, /merch, /newsletter, /latest

Linkly's analytics show you which links get clicked, when, and by whom. Over time, you'll learn:

• Which platforms drive the most traffic
• What content resonates with your audience
• Which products or offers get the most interest

If you run ads, add your Meta Pixel or other tracking pixels. Every link click builds your retargeting audience, which you can use for future promotions.

A fitness creator with 500K TikTok followers switched from Linktree to custom short links:

Before: One Linktree link in bio. Basic analytics showing total clicks.

After:

• fit.co/tiktok in TikTok bio
• fit.co/youtube in YouTube descriptions
• fit.co/app in podcast show notes
• fit.co/program in email campaigns

Results: She discovered that YouTube drove 3x more conversions to her training program than TikTok, despite TikTok having more clicks. This insight shifted her content strategy and doubled program sales.

Linkly offers features that solve specific creator challenges:

Dynamic QR codes: Create branded QR codes for merch packaging, event booths, or printed materials. Update the destination anytime without reprinting.

Geo redirects: Send international fans to localized storefronts or regional affiliate links.

Expiring links: Create urgency for limited-time offers or early access content.

Link rotators: A/B test different landing pages to optimize conversion rates.

Social previews: Control how your links appear when shared, with custom titles, descriptions, and images.

Link-in-bio tools work fine for basic needs, but creators serious about understanding and growing their audience benefit from the control and analytics that custom short links provide. The best approach often combines both: a link page for discovery, and branded tracked links for your key content and offers.

Ready to level up your link strategy? Get started with Linkly and create branded short links with advanced analytics, retargeting pixels, and full control over your online presence.