Long URLs are ugly, hard to share, and impossible to read aloud. Shortening one takes about ten seconds and gives you a clean, trackable link. Here's exactly how — and how to choose a shortener that won't overcharge you.
What "shortening a URL" does
A URL shortener stores your long address and gives you a short code that redirects to it. Instead of a 120-character link you share something like lynkily.com/aB3xY. The short link forwards visitors to the original page and counts every click.
Step by step (free)
- Copy your long link — a product page, form, video or doc.
- Open the link creator and paste it in.
- Create the short link — lynkily generates a short code and a matching QR code instantly.
- Share it in a bio, email, slide, or as a printed QR.
- Track it — your dashboard shows clicks, devices and locations.
Tips for better short links
- Use a custom name so the link is memorable (e.g.
/summer-sale). - Add a QR code for posters, packaging and slides — it's automatic.
- Set an expiry for time-limited campaigns, or a password for private links.
- Add UTM tags to see which channel drives clicks.
Which shortener should you use?
The free tools differ a lot on price and features once you want analytics or a bio page:
| What you get | lynkily | Bitly | Linkly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free plan | 50 links/mo, no ads | 5 links/mo + ads | 100 links, 500 clicks/mo cap |
| Cheapest paid plan | $5/mo | ~$35/mo | ~$15/mo |
| Link-in-bio | ✅ included | Limited / paid | ❌ none |
| Full analytics from | $5/mo | ~$35/mo | paid tiers |
lynkily's free plan covers 50 links a month with no ads, and paid plans start at just $5/month — see the pricing page.