URL Shortener APIs
Nearly every shortener here needs an API key and runs on a freemium plan, and most bundle click analytics and QR codes. Bitly and TinyURL create and manage branded links, Rebrandly centers on links under your own custom domain, and Cutt.ly adds custom aliases and expiration rules. RedirHub is aimed at managing and monitoring redirects rather than sharing short links.
| API | Pricing | Auth | Format | Free tier | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BitlyShortens URLs, generates QR codes, and reports click analytics on branded links. Utilities › URL Shortener | Freemium | API key | JSON | <100/day | Live |
Bly.toShortens URLs with custom domains, QR codes, and click/scan analytics via a credit-based REST API. Utilities › URL Shortener | Freemium | API key | JSON | — | Untested |
Cutt.lyShortens URLs with custom aliases, expiration rules, and click analytics via a key-based API. Utilities › URL Shortener | Freemium | API key | JSON | — | Live |
Git.ioGitHub's now-closed URL shortener; short links created before 2022 still redirect to github.com/github.io. Utilities › URL Shortener | Free | None | JSON | — | Deprecated |
Lix.liShortens URLs, generates QR codes, and reports click analytics by geography and device. Utilities › URL Shortener | Freemium | API key | JSON | <100/day | Live |
RebrandlyCreates and manages branded short links on a custom domain, with click tracking and QR codes. Utilities › URL Shortener | Freemium | API key | JSON | <100/day | Live |
RedirHubProgrammatic redirect and branded-link management: create, update and monitor via REST API. Utilities › URL Shortener | Freemium | API key | JSON | — | Live |
TinyURL APICreates and manages branded short links with click analytics via a token-based REST API. Utilities › URL Shortener | Freemium | API key | JSON | — | Untested |
UrlBaeCreates branded short links, dynamic QR codes and bio pages with click analytics and A/B rotation. Utilities › URL Shortener | Freemium | API key | JSON | <100/day | Live |
BitlyFreemiumLive
Shortens URLs, generates QR codes, and reports click analytics on branded links.
API key · JSON
<100/day
MCP server
Bly.toFreemiumUntested
Shortens URLs with custom domains, QR codes, and click/scan analytics via a credit-based REST API.
API key · JSON
—
llms.txt
Cutt.lyFreemiumLive
Shortens URLs with custom aliases, expiration rules, and click analytics via a key-based API.
API key · JSON
—
llms.txt
Git.ioFreeDeprecated
GitHub's now-closed URL shortener; short links created before 2022 still redirect to github.com/github.io.
None · JSON
—
no machine-readable spec
Lix.liFreemiumLive
Shortens URLs, generates QR codes, and reports click analytics by geography and device.
API key · JSON
<100/day
no machine-readable spec
RebrandlyFreemiumLive
Creates and manages branded short links on a custom domain, with click tracking and QR codes.
API key · JSON
<100/day
llms.txt
RedirHubFreemiumLive
Programmatic redirect and branded-link management: create, update and monitor via REST API.
API key · JSON
—
llms.txt
TinyURL APIFreemiumUntested
Creates and manages branded short links with click analytics via a token-based REST API.
API key · JSON
—
no machine-readable spec
UrlBaeFreemiumLive
Creates branded short links, dynamic QR codes and bio pages with click analytics and A/B rotation.
API key · JSON
<100/day
llms.txt
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Choosing a URL Shortener API
Is there a free URL Shortener API?
Yes. Bitly, TinyURL API, Rebrandly, Bly.to, Cutt.ly and 3 others have a free tier alongside paid plans.
Which URL Shortener APIs work without an API key?
All of them need a key or account. Bitly, TinyURL API, Rebrandly, Bly.to, Cutt.ly and 3 others give one out free when you sign up.
Can I use URL Shortener APIs in a commercial project?
Bly.to and Lix.li permit commercial use. UrlBae restricts it, for example to non-commercial or attributed use, so read the terms first.
Which URL Shortener APIs work with AI agents?
Bitly has an MCP server, so an AI agent can call it directly.
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