Google URL Shortener links will no longer be available [updated]

Understand how you will be impacted by our decision to turn off the serving portion of Google URL Shortener.

Sumit Chandel, Eldhose Mathokkil Babu
3 min readbeginner
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Overview

The article discusses the discontinuation of the Google URL Shortener service, specifically the goo.gl links, which will no longer be available after August 25, 2025. It highlights the transition plan for users, including the introduction of interstitial pages for affected links and recommendations for transitioning to other URL shorteners.

What You'll Learn

1

How to transition from goo.gl links to another URL shortener

2

Why it's important to check the status of your goo.gl links before August 25, 2025

3

When to expect interstitial pages for existing goo.gl links

Key Questions Answered

What will happen to goo.gl links after August 25, 2025?
After August 25, 2025, all goo.gl links that have shown no activity will be deactivated and will return a 404 response. Users are advised to transition to another URL shortener if they haven't already.
How can I check if my goo.gl link will be retained?
To check if your goo.gl link will be retained, visit the link today. If it redirects you without a message, it will continue to function normally.
What is the purpose of the interstitial page displayed for goo.gl links?
The interstitial page will notify users that the link will no longer be supported after August 25, 2025, and it will help track and adjust affected links as the percentage of links showing this page increases until the shutdown date.
How can I suppress the interstitial page for my goo.gl links?
You can suppress the interstitial page by adding the query parameter 'si=1' to your existing goo.gl links, which may help avoid disruptions in link flow.

Key Statistics & Figures

Percentage of goo.gl links with no activity
More than 99%
This statistic highlights the low usage of existing goo.gl links, indicating that most users may not be affected by the transition.

Key Actionable Insights

1
Start transitioning your goo.gl links to another URL shortener as soon as possible to avoid disruptions.
With the impending deactivation of inactive goo.gl links, transitioning early will ensure that your links remain functional and accessible.
2
Monitor the status of your goo.gl links regularly to prepare for the upcoming changes.
By checking the status of your links, you can identify which ones will be deactivated and take necessary actions to replace them before the deadline.
3
Utilize the interstitial page to track which of your links are affected by the upcoming changes.
As the percentage of links displaying the interstitial page increases, this will provide a clear indication of which links need immediate attention for transition.

Common Pitfalls

1
Failing to check the activity status of your goo.gl links may lead to unexpected disruptions.
If users do not verify which links will be deactivated, they risk losing access to important resources and links that may be embedded in various platforms.