The Ultimate Guide to Shortening Links for Instagram [+9 Best Instagram Link Shorteners]

Created on 10 September, 2023 • 1,173 views • 15 minutes read

In this guide, we'll dive deep into the world of link shorteners, explore why they're awesome for Instagram, and introduce you to the ten best ones in 2023.

Hey there, Instagram enthusiasts! 📸

Did you know that shortened links, on average, receive a 34% more click-through rate than their longer counterparts on platforms like Instagram? 

It's true, and the rise of Instagram's popularity has made it essential for users, especially businesses, influencers, and content creators, to make the most of every clickable opportunity available. This is where the magic of shortened links comes into play.

Instagram is about keeping things stylish and straightforward, and those lengthy URLs can be a real party crasher. While content remains king, the presentation cannot be overlooked. 

Enter the world of link shorteners! They make them short, sweet, and ready to fit perfectly in your Instagram bio, posts, or stories.

But wait, there's more! These handy tools don't just shorten the links; they also let you peek into some exciting stuff. Like, who clicked on your link? When did they click? And from where? 🌍

So, buckle up and get ready for a journey to make your Instagram links cooler and smarter! 🚀

Why Shorten Links for Instagram?

Instagram restricts hyperlinking within post captions. Unlike Facebook or Twitter, where URLs can be freely shared in posts, Instagram permits a single clickable link within a user's bio section. 

Let's see why shortening links becomes invaluable on Instagram.

• It Makes the Most of Limited Space: Instagram bios have character limits. Imagine using a link like https://www.my-fashion-store.com/new-arrivals-spring-2023. It's quite long, right? A shorter version, like link.co/spring23, looks cleaner, saves space, and still leads to the desired destination.

A blogger promoting multiple brands can efficiently use this short-link strategy to switch between promotions without overhauling the entire bio.

• Maintains a Clean Look: Instagram is all about visuals. A short, neat link enhances the professional appearance of your profile, making it more inviting to followers.
• Tracking and Analytics: Many link-shortening tools provide data or analytical insights beyond aesthetics. So, if you're advertising a product, you can track the number of clicks, identify peak hours, or even understand which regions are more interested. Thus, an online store can adjust its ad campaign based on when most users click their link.
• Building Trust & Increased Engagement: The trustworthiness of a link plays a role in whether a user will click on it. A link reading https://shop.now/bestdeal will likely inspire more confidence and intrigue than https://shop.xyz.com/item123456.
• Flexibility: The dynamic nature of shortened links is an often-overlooked advantage. Consider a brand that rotates its promotions weekly. Instead of constantly editing their Instagram bio, they can update the destination of the shortened link, ensuring a seamless experience for their followers. For example, a book club might update the link to the latest book review weekly, ensuring followers always find fresh content.

Link shortening for Instagram is not merely a trend; it's a strategic move to maximize user engagement and ensure followers have an efficient and optimized browsing experience.

How to Shorten a Link for Instagram Bio

• Pick Your Tool: Before you can turn a pumpkin into a carriage (or a long link into a short one), you need the right magic wand. Many link shorteners are out there, but we'll talk about the top 10 later. For now, remember: choose one that feels right for you, is easy to use, and has those magic glasses (analytics) we discussed earlier. 

For this example, let's use Bitly.

• Go to the Website: Navigate to the Bitly homepage. No need for an account unless you want to track the link metrics.
• Paste Your Link: Once on the site, you'll spot a bar that says "Shorten your link." Here, paste the lengthy URL you want to shorten.

If your original link is https://www.my-online-store.com/sale-items, once pasted and shortened, Bitly might transform it into something like bit.ly/3a2Bcd4.

• Customize (Optional): Some tools, like Bitly, allow you to personalize the link's ending. Instead of a random character sequence, you could have bit.ly/MyStoreSale.
• Copy & Use: Your link is shortened🎉. Now, simply copy it and pop it onto your Instagram. If it's for your bio, go to 'Edit Profile' and place it in the 'Website' box. For posts, add it to your caption. For stories, use the 'Swipe Up' feature or sticker options.
• Track & Analyze (Optional): If you have an account with your shortening tool, you can revisit the website to see how many times your link has been clicked, providing valuable insights.

Remember, it's not just about aesthetics. Short links are user-friendly, trackable, and versatile, making them a smart choice for optimizing their Instagram bio.

9 Best Link Shorteners for Instagram in 2023

Here is a list of the ten best Instagram link shorteners in 2023, along with their brief overview, key features, pricing, and pros/cons:

1.   Bit.ly: 

Bit.ly is a link management platform that allows users to shorten links and track their content while obtaining relevant data and information about each click generated.

It also allows users to create customized brand links, links for smartphones, campaign management and statistics, and the creation of QR codes. 

Bit.ly's pricing starts at $39/month. 

Why choose? 

·      Easy to use and setup

·      Free version available

·      Customizable URLs

·      Branded link shortening

·      Hosted links

·      Integrated analytics for clicks and referrals

2.   Tiny.cc:

Tiny.cc is a URL shortener software that delivers smart links for the smart domain. Links can be simply based on words and ready to share through SMS. 

Pricing starts at $39/month.

Why choose? 

·      Secured; 

·      Commercial URL platform; 

·      Promote your name. 

3. Bl.ink:

BLINK is an Enterprise Link Management platform that allows users to create short, branded links. It also provides analytics to track engagement, attribution, and participation across internal and external campaigns. It manages, monitors, and measures these links to create a safe, secure, and compliant connection between brands and their audiences. It also allows brands to create memorable and measurable engagements with every click. 

Pricing starts at $99/month.

Why choose? 

· Availability of Click tracking

· Awesome reports and analytics

· Integration of APIs and third-party solutions

· Call to action feature available for all shortened link 

· Free plan available with 1,000 clicks

· Easy to use

· Social media integration

4.   Sniply:

It is a powerful yet simple social media marketing tool that shortens links in seconds. It also helps you overlay personalized messages on any content, thus allowing you to include more irresistible calls to action in every link you share. It has many great features that help improve every aspect of online advertising. 

Pricing starts at $29/month.

Why choose? 

· Click tracking available

· Easy to use

· Social media integration

5.   Short.io:

Short.io is a URL shortener that allows users to create custom-branded short links using their domain name. 

Pricing starts at $20/month.

Why choose? 

·      Custom-branded short links using your own domain name Customizable URLs

·      Branded link shortening

·      Integrated analytics for clicks and referrals

6.   Ow.ly:

Ow.ly is a URL shortener that allows users to shorten URLs, track clicks, and share files on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc., all from one place.

Pricing starts at $49/month.

Why choose? 

·      Easy to use

·      Social media integration

7.   Superlinktree.com:

Superlinktree.com is a platform which, besides link shortening services, provides several features absolutely for free such as:

• Bio link pages: You can easily create your own unique & highly customizable bio link page.

• QR Codes: Fully featured QR code generator system with easy-to-use templates.

• Built-in analytics: Easy to understand, detailed & comprehensive analytics for all your links.

·       Countries & cities

·       Referrers & UTMs

·       Devices & operating systems

·       Browsers, Languages

With SuperLinkTree, You can:

• Generate dynamic, advanced & downloadable links to files.
• Create dynamic digital contact cards, tracked & downloadable.
• Connect your own domain or use their predefined ones.
• Use a set of 140 useful web tools as a bonus.

Pricing- Totally Free

Why choose? 

·       Scheduling & expiration limits

·       Country, device & language targeting

·       A/B Rotation

·       Password protection, sensitive content warning

8.   Cutt.ly:

Cutt.ly is a URL shortener that allows users to create custom-branded short links using their own domain name or Cutt.ly domain name. 

Pricing starts at $4/month.

Why choose? 

· Custom-branded short links using your own domain name or Cutt.ly domain name

· Customizable URLs

· Branded link shortening

· Integrated analytics for clicks and referrals

Shorten Your Link with SuperLinkTree for 100% Free

9. Rebrandly:

Rebrandly is a URL shortener allowing users to create custom-branded short links using their domain or Rebrandly domain name. 

Pricing starts at $29/month.

Why choose? 

· Custom-branded short links using your own domain name or Rebrandly domain name

· Customizable URLs

· Branded link shortening

· Integrated analytics for clicks and referrals

Key Features to Look for in an Instagram Link Shortener

• User-friendly Interface: One of the foremost features to prioritize is the ease of use and intuitive navigation. It shouldn't take hours to figure out how to shorten a link. For instance, a prominent platform like Bit.ly offers a simple paste-and-shorten process, making it straightforward for users of all technical levels.
• Advanced Analytics: A good link shortener should provide insights beyond just the number of clicks. It should offer data on geolocation, the source of the click, and even the type of device used. Such insights can be invaluable in tailoring your Instagram strategy. 
• Custom URL Options: Branding is crucial in today's digital landscape. A link shortener with custom URL options allows businesses to maintain brand consistency across all platforms. This not only looks more professional but also reinforces brand trust. For example, Rebrandly allows users to use custom domains for their shortened URLs.
• Security Features: With the increasing threat of cyber-attacks, ensuring that your shortened links are safe from tampering is paramount. A reputable link shortener should have robust security features to deter malicious entities, ensuring users' links aren't redirected to unwanted sites.
• Mobile Optimization: With most users accessing Instagram via mobile, the link shortener must be optimized for mobile devices. This ensures that links open seamlessly and analytics are accurate regardless of the device.
• Cost-Effectiveness: While many link shorteners offer free versions, it's vital to understand their pricing models. Ensure you're getting value for money, especially if you're considering premium features. Evaluate the balance between cost and the suite of features provided to ensure it aligns with your business needs.

By prioritizing these features, brands and influencers can effectively harness the power of link shortening, elevating their Instagram marketing strategies to new heights.

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Common Pitfalls and Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-branding Your URL: A custom URL shortener is essential to balance branding and clarity. While having your brand name in the URL can enhance brand visibility, making the link excessively long or complex can defeat its purpose. For example, instead of "BrandNameSpecialSummerSale2023," opt for "BrandNameSummer23." This way, you're keeping it branded yet concise, making it user-friendly and memorable.
• Ignoring Analytics: One primary benefit of link shorteners is their wealth of analytics. Bypassing these analytics means you're missing valuable insights into your audience's behaviour. Regularly check data such as click-through rates, geolocation, and referral sources. These can guide future marketing strategies and help identify what resonates with your audience.
• Forgetting to Test Links: Always test your shortened links across different devices and browsers before publishing them. Broken or misdirected links can harm your brand's reputation and cause potential losses in conversions. A simple click can ensure your audience reaches the intended destination without hiccups.
• Risks of Untrustworthy Shorteners: Using lesser-known or non-reputable link shorteners can be risky. There have been instances where such tools redirected users to malicious sites or led to link rot (where the shortened link no longer works). Choosing a reliable and well-established link-shortening service is essential to prevent such issues and safeguard your brand's integrity.

By being aware of these common shortfalls and taking proactive steps to avoid them, marketers can maximize the benefits of using Instagram link shorteners and drive successful campaigns.

Integrating Link Shorteners with Other Instagram Tools

• Link in Bio Tools: Instagram users, especially businesses and influencers, are often restricted by the platform's one-link bio limitation. Tools like Linktree and bio.fm have emerged to deal with this, allowing users to showcase multiple links within one main link. When combining these with link shorteners, users can create clean, branded URLs that lead followers to a landing page with multiple links. For example, instead of having a long and complex URL, brands can utilize a short and personalized link like "BrandNameLinks.com," which, when clicked, showcases multiple call-to-action links on a single page.
• Try SuperLinkTree: 100% Free Link-in-Bio Tool [ Also URL Shortner & QR Code]
  
• Instagram Analytics Tools: Link shorteners often come with analytics features, providing data on click-through rates, user locations, and device types. By syncing these data with Instagram's native analytics, brands can comprehensively understand their audience's behaviour. This fusion can assist in tailoring content and strategy to the most engaged segments of their audience.
• Automation and Marketing Integration: Link shorteners are not standalone tools. They fit seamlessly into larger marketing campaigns. For instance, if a brand runs an email marketing campaign and an Instagram ad campaign simultaneously, link shorteners can track which source generated more traffic. Additionally, automation tools can schedule posts with these shortened links, ensuring timely promotion and maximizing reach.

Businesses and individuals can streamline their operations by integrating link shorteners with various Instagram tools, gaining deeper insights into audience behaviour, and enhancing overall engagement.

Final Thought:

The versatility and benefits of link shorteners are not confined to Instagram alone. They play a fundamental role in social media marketing, enhancing user experience and providing actionable metrics. 

Now that you're armed with this knowledge:

• Test different link shorteners to find your perfect match.
• Experiment with various link names and see what enchants your followers the most.
• Keep an eye on your analytics and adapt. If one potion isn't working, brew a new one!

🌟 Remember, Instagram isn't just about sharing pictures or stories; it's about connecting, enchanting, and building your fairy tale. 

If you have not yet explored the advantages of link shorteners, try to observe their benefits. If you use any link shorteners, share your experiences or any queries in the comments below.

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FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions related to link shorteners:

1.   What is a URL shortener? A URL shortener is an online tool that creates a short, unique URL that will redirect to the specific website of your choice. It helps you to cut short your tedious-looking links into a click-worthy one. You can even customize them by adding custom phrases to add more relevance. It can also provide a micro context to your link's content.

2.   Why should I use a URL shortener? There are several reasons why you should use a URL shortener:

• Long links can look suspicious and clunky, taking up most character limits on social media platforms.
• A custom URL shortener lets you brand your links and helps you spread the word about your brand.
• It helps track the performance of your links, which gives you information about who, when, where, how many, and other metrics that can help you calculate your campaign's ROI and understand how you can improve them.

3.   How do I use a URL shortener? Using a URL shortener is easy. You just need to copy the long link that you want to shorten and paste it into the URL shortener tool. The tool will then generate a shortened link to copy and share.

4.   Are there any downsides to using a URL shortener? One downside of using a URL shortener is that it can be harmful if the link is untrustworthy or leads to spammy content. Therefore, it's important to use trusted and reliable URL shorteners.

5.   How do I choose the right URL shortener for my needs? When choosing a URL shortener, consider factors such as pricing, features, ease of use, customization options, analytics, and security.

6.   Can I customize my shortened URLs? Yes, most URL shorteners allow you to customize your shortened URLs by adding custom phrases or using your own domain name.

7.   How much does it cost to use a URL shortener? The cost of using a URL shortener depends on the tool you choose and the features you need. Some tools offer free plans with limited features. At the same time, others offer paid plans which come with more advanced features.

8.   Are there any free URL shorteners available? Several free URL shorteners are available, such as Bit.ly, TinyURL, Ow.ly by Hootsuite, Cutt.ly, etc.

9.   Can I track the performance of my shortened links? Yes, most URL shorteners offer analytics and tracking features that help you track the performance of your shortened links.

10. Is it safe to use a URL shortener? Yes, it's safe to use a trusted and reliable URL shortener.

Try SuperLinkTree: 100% Free Link-in-Bio Tool [ Also URL Shortner & QR Code]