Switching from Bitly to Linkly
Bitly is a link shortening service. If you're looking to move your links from Bitly to Linkly, you can do so by exporting your links from Bitly as a CSV file and then importing them into Linkly.
Why Switch from Bitly?
In 2025, Bitly began showing interstitial ads on all links created on the free plan. Users who click a free-plan Bitly link now see an advertisement before being redirected to the destination. Linkly does not show ads on any of your links, regardless of your plan.
How to Import Links from Bitly
Log in to Bitly.
Go to the Links page.
Set the date range and filters to include the links you want to export.
Click Export and choose an email address to receive the CSV file.
The export can take up to 30 minutes for large numbers of links.
Open the CSV file you receive by email.
Log in to Linkly.
Go to Links and click Import.
Upload the CSV file and map the columns to the correct fields.
Click Import to complete the process.
Need Help with a Large Migration?
If you have a large number of links or custom domains to migrate, our team can help manage the transition for you. Contact us and we'll work with you to make sure everything is moved over smoothly.
Things to Know When Switching from Bitly
- Your existing Bitly short links (bit.ly URLs) will continue to work on Bitly. Linkly will create new short links for each imported destination URL.
- If you downgrade your Bitly paid plan, be aware that Bitly now shows ads on free-plan links. Switching to Linkly avoids this entirely.
- Custom domains you own: If you registered your own domain and pointed it at Bitly, you can simply update your DNS to point it at Linkly instead. Contact us and we'll help with the switchover.
- Bitly's complimentary domain: If Bitly gave you a free domain as part of your plan, that domain cannot be transferred — Bitly owns it and will stop renewing it if you downgrade. You'll need to register a new domain or use one you already own.
- We recommend testing a small batch of links first to make sure everything looks right before importing the full set.
Bitly Import FAQs
Will my existing Bitly links stop working?
No. Your existing bit.ly short links will continue to work on Bitly. When you import into Linkly, new short links are created pointing to the same destinations.
Does Bitly show ads on links?
Yes. Since 2025, Bitly shows interstitial ads on all links created on the free plan. Users see an advertisement before being redirected. Linkly never shows ads on your links.
Can I move my custom domain from Bitly to Linkly?
If you own the domain and registered it yourself, yes — just update your DNS records to point to Linkly. If your domain was provided for free by Bitly as part of your plan, it cannot be transferred. Bitly owns those domains and will stop renewing them if you downgrade. In that case, you'll need to register a new domain.
How many links can I import?
There's no hard limit. You can upload a CSV file of any size. If you have a very large number of links and need assistance, contact us and we'll help manage the migration.
What if I need help migrating?
If you have a lot of links or domains, our team can help manage the migration for you. Just get in touch via our contact page and we'll take care of it.