The second half of the link is always a unique code.
When you create a Bitly link, they redirect to the final destination with a 301.
Things to Know about Bitly Links
- You cannot change the destination of a bitly link once it has been created.
- Bitly links last indefinitely.
- Bitly uses the Base 62 link shortening algorithm to generate links.
- Bitly’s features are limited to link shortening, and basic analytics.
- You cannot redirect based on geolocation.
- Advanced features (like those in Linkly, for example), such as smart redirection, retargeting, Facebook Pixel, and more are not available.
- Bitly links are 21 characters long.
How to Create Bitly Links
Creating short links with Bitly is straightforward. Here's how to do it:
-
Sign up or log in
Visit bitly.com and log in to your account. If you don’t have one, create a free account. -
Access the link creation tool
Once logged in, click the Create button at the top right of the dashboard. -
Enter your long URL
Paste the long URL you want to shorten into the field provided. -
Customize the back-half (optional)
If you’re on a paid plan or your account allows it, you can customize the back-half of the URL to make it more meaningful or brand-relevant. -
Add a title (optional)
You can also add a title for internal tracking purposes. This won’t affect the link itself but can help organize your links. -
Click "Create" or "Save"
Bitly will generate a shortened link, which you can copy and use immediately. -
Track performance
Bitly automatically tracks link clicks and engagement. Navigate to the Links section in your dashboard to view metrics.
Tip: If you want to use your own branded domain (e.g.
lnk.yourbrand.com), Bitly supports custom domains on paid plans.
