In a recent announcement, Google has revealed that its service for creating and managing shortened URLs will no longer be available from next year. This decision comes as a surprise to many users who have relied on Google’s URL shortener service, also known as goo.gl, for years. The move is part of Google’s efforts to streamline and improve its various offerings, and it has provided guidance for users to transition to other URL shortening services.
One of the key reasons cited for this decision is the decline in usage of goo.gl over the years. With the rise of competing URL shortening services and built-in features in popular social media platforms like Twitter, the demand for standalone URL shorteners has decreased. Google has acknowledged this shift in user behavior and is now focusing its resources on other projects that align more closely with its strategic goals.
For current users of goo.gl, Google has laid out a plan to facilitate a smooth transition to alternative services. Starting April 13, 2018, users will no longer be able to create new shortened links using goo.gl. Existing users, however, will still be able to access their analytics data and manage their existing links until March 30, 2019. After that date, all links will continue to redirect to their destination but users will not be able to access the user interface for managing these links.
To aid in the transition process, Google has recommended several alternatives for users looking for a new URL shortening service. One of the suggested alternatives is Firebase Dynamic Links, which offers similar functionality to goo.gl and is designed to work seamlessly with other Google products and services. Bitly and Ow.ly are other popular options that offer robust features and analytics for managing shortened URLs.
It is important for existing users of goo.gl to begin planning their transition to a new URL shortening service soon to avoid any disruption in their workflow. Google has assured users that the process of transitioning to a new service should be relatively straightforward, with options for exporting existing links data and integrating with new platforms.
Overall, Google’s decision to discontinue its URL shortening service reflects the company’s commitment to focusing on core products and services that have the most impact. While the news may come as a disappointment to some users, there are plenty of alternatives available that offer similar features and functionality. By taking proactive steps to transition to a new service, users can ensure that their shortened links continue to work seamlessly even after goo.gl is retired.
