YouTube URL Shortener: How to Shorten and Share Video Links
If you’re sharing YouTube videos online, using a YouTube URL shortener can make your links cleaner, easier to manage, and trackable. Whether you're a content creator, marketer, or educator, shortening your video links helps increase engagement and professionalism.
In this guide, we'll walk through why and how to shorten YouTube URLs, and how Linkly makes it effortless.
Why Use a YouTube URL Shortener?
YouTube URLs can be long and cluttered—especially if you add timestamps, tracking codes, or UTM parameters. A YouTube URL shortener offers several advantages:
- ✅ Makes links look cleaner and more shareable
- ✅ Tracks clicks, geolocation, devices, and referral sources
- ✅ Enables retargeting with tracking pixels
- ✅ Allows use of custom domains for branded links
- ✅ Helps avoid spam filters in emails and messages
Linkly provides a robust platform for shortening, tracking, and managing your YouTube links with advanced analytics and customization.
How to Shorten a YouTube Link with Linkly
Using Linkly as your YouTube URL shortener is simple and powerful. Here’s how:
- Copy your YouTube URL (e.g.,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyz123abc) - Log in to Linkly
- Paste the link into the Linkly dashboard
- Optionally, add:
- UTM parameters (use this guide)
- A Facebook or Google Pixel for retargeting (guide)
- A custom domain or vanity URL (how-to)
- Click Create Link
- Copy and share your new, shortened URL
Your short YouTube link might look like:
https://yourbrand.co/video1
Benefits of Linkly for YouTube Sharing
Unlike basic URL shorteners, Linkly offers features designed for creators and marketers:
🔗 Custom Domains & Vanity URLs
Brand your links using your own domain, making them more trustworthy and professional. Learn more here.
📊 Click Tracking & Analytics
See exactly how many people clicked, when, where, and from which devices. Full breakdowns are available in your dashboard or exportable as CSV.
🎯 Retargeting Integration
Add tracking pixels from Facebook, Google, Twitter, and more—turn viewers into warm audiences. Read how.
📱 QR Codes for YouTube Videos
Generate scannable QR codes for your YouTube links—ideal for print and real-world sharing. Learn more.
🤖 Zapier Integration
Automate link creation and tracking with Zapier. Perfect for teams and recurring tasks.
Pro Tip: Customize Social Media Previews
When sharing a YouTube link, you might want to control the thumbnail, title, and description shown on platforms like Facebook or X. With Linkly, you can customize social previews to increase clicks and impressions.
Free Plan for Creators
Just getting started? Linkly’s free plan includes up to 1,000 clicks per month, unlimited shortened links, and essential features—making it ideal for growing YouTubers and small teams.
Conclusion: Make Your YouTube Links Work Harder
A YouTube URL shortener isn’t just about shortening links—it’s about optimizing how your videos are shared, tracked, and monetized. Whether you want to track performance, retarget viewers, or just keep things tidy, Linkly makes it easy.
Ready to enhance your YouTube link sharing strategy?
Get started with Linkly today and unlock powerful tools for link tracking, customization, and automation.
