Looking for a Google URL Shortener alternative? Here's what to use now
Should I switch from Google URL Shortener?
Google URL Shortener (goo.gl) is no longer available, so switching is not optional. Modern URL shorteners offer readable links, analytics, and faster workflows than goo.gl ever did.
Google URL Shortener was one of the most widely used link shortening tools, but its shutdown left millions of users looking for alternatives.
Compare modern URL shorteners or see what to use instead below.
What happened to Google URL Shortener?
Google URL Shortener (goo.gl) was discontinued. New links stopped working in 2019, and the service was fully shut down in August 2025. Existing links no longer redirect, so users must switch to modern alternatives. Google officially announced the shutdown of goo.gl in March 2018.
What happened to goo.gl?
Google stopped allowing new goo.gl links in 2019 and fully shut down the service in August 2025. Existing links may still redirect, but you can no longer create new short links using Google.
If you used goo.gl before, you now need an alternative to create and manage short links.
Short answer: Google URL Shortener (goo.gl) is discontinued. You can't create new links, so you need an alternative tool to shorten URLs today.
Can I recover old goo.gl links?
Existing goo.gl links still redirect, but you cannot edit or track them. If you need control or analytics, you will need to create new links using a modern URL shortener.
What should I use instead of goo.gl?
If you need a replacement for Google URL Shortener, use a tool that lets you create short links instantly, supports readable slugs, and does not require complicated setup.
If you used goo.gl for quick, no-friction links, switching tools can feel unnecessarily complicated. If you liked how simple goo.gl was, URLcut.ai is one of the closest modern equivalents, without requiring setup or account creation.
What replaced Google URL Shortener?
Google URL Shortener (goo.gl) was not directly replaced by a single tool. Instead, several modern URL shorteners like Bitly, TinyURL, and newer tools now cover link creation, tracking, and customization.
URLcut.ai vs Google URL Shortener
How URLcut.ai compares to what Google offered
| Feature | URLcut.ai
Recommended |
Google Shortener
Discontinued |
|---|---|---|
| Service Status | ✅ Active | ❌ Discontinued |
| Link Creation | ✅ Instant | ❌ Not available |
| Existing Links | ✅ Active and tracked | ⚠️ Still redirect (no new links) |
| Slugs | ✅ AI-assisted readable (optional, editable) | ❌ Random strings only |
| Custom Slugs | ✅ Full control over your short URLs | ⚠️ Limited customization |
| Analytics | ✅ Comprehensive - clicks, location, devices, referrers | ⚠️ Basic analytics (was limited) |
| QR Codes | ✅ Custom colors + logos (Pro) | ❌ Not available |
| Password Protection | ✅ Protect sensitive links | ❌ Not available |
| Link Expiration | ✅ Set expiry dates | ❌ Not available |
| Free Tier | ✅ 10 links + 10 AI suggestions/month | ❌ Service ended |
| Pro Plan | $12/month (early adopter) | Was free (now unavailable) |
Want a clean, readable short link in seconds?
Create your first short link →Can I still use goo.gl?
Existing goo.gl links may still redirect, but Google no longer allows creating new short links.
Why did Google shut down goo.gl?
Google discontinued goo.gl to focus on other products, including Firebase Dynamic Links, instead of maintaining a standalone URL shortener.
Why Did Google Discontinue goo.gl?
The timeline of Google URL Shortener's shutdown
New Users Blocked
Google stopped accepting new users for goo.gl, citing a shift toward Firebase Dynamic Links.
Existing Users Cut Off
Existing users could no longer create new goo.gl links. Only previously created links continued working.
Warning Interstitials
Google added warning pages to goo.gl links with no activity, alerting users of the upcoming shutdown.
Final Shutdown
Inactive goo.gl links stopped working entirely. 3.6 billion active links affected.
AI-Assisted Readable Slugs
Suggestions are generated based on the destination page content and can be reviewed and edited before saving.
❌ Google's Approach
Random & Discontinuedgoo.gl/xY7kQ2Random characters. No meaning. No longer available for new links.
✅ URLcut.ai
Readable & Activeurlcut.ai/summer-sale-50-off
AI-assisted readable slugs (optional, editable).
Readable URLs tend to get higher click-through rates.
Works with ANY URL - Even Messy Tracking Links
Google gave you random characters. URLcut.ai suggests readable alternatives based on the destination content.
Your Short Link
Content-Aware
AI-assisted suggestions based on your destination page. 10 readable slug options to choose from
Instant Results
Get smart suggestions in under 2 seconds. No manual thinking required
Better Performance
Studies show readable URLs get 39% more clicks than random character strings
Simple Pricing, No Surprises
Google was free but discontinued. URLcut.ai offers a free tier and affordable Pro plan.
URLcut.ai Free
Forever free, no credit card
- AI-assisted readable slugs (optional, editable)
- 10 AI suggestions per month
- 10 custom links per month
- Basic analytics (30-day retention)
- Basic QR codes
- No password protection
- Instant redirects
URLcut.ai Pro
Lock in $12/mo forever
- AI-assisted readable slugs (optional, editable)
- Unlimited AI-assisted suggestions
- Unlimited links
- Advanced analytics (unlimited retention)
- Custom QR codes with logos
- Password-protected links
- Instant redirects (no delay)
Google URL Shortener
No longer available
- No page content analysis
- No AI suggestions
- Random strings only
- Basic analytics
- No QR codes
- No password protection
- Service fully shut down August 2025
Switching from Google is Easy
Your questions answered
What happened to my goo.gl links?
Google stopped allowing new goo.gl links in 2019 and fully shut down the service in August 2025. Existing links may still redirect, but Google is no longer maintaining the service.
Can I recreate my old goo.gl links?
You can't restore exact goo.gl links, but you can create new URLcut.ai links for the same destinations. Our AI will suggest even better, more memorable slugs than Google's random strings.
How long does migration take?
About 2 minutes. Sign up, paste a URL, see AI suggestions, and create your first link. Start using URLcut.ai for all new links going forward.
Will I lose my analytics data?
Google's analytics for goo.gl links are gone with the service. URLcut.ai will track all new link analytics with detailed insights on clicks, locations, devices, and referrers.
Is URLcut.ai free like Google was?
URLcut.ai has a generous free tier (10 links + 10 AI suggestions/month). For unlimited links and full features, Pro is just $12/month - worth it for the AI features Google never had.
Is URLcut.ai reliable? Will it shut down?
URLcut.ai is actively developed and growing. We're committed to long-term service - unlike Google, URL shortening is our core product, not a side project to be deprecated.
Do I need an account to create short links?
No. You can create and use short links without signing up.
We Ship Features Every Week
Unlike Google's abandoned service, URLcut.ai is constantly improving.
Recently Shipped
- AI page content analysis
- Smart slug suggestions (10 per link)
- Custom QR codes with colors
- Click analytics dashboard
- Password-protected links
- Link expiration dates
In Development
- Custom domains (BYOD)
- REST API for developers
- QR codes with logo upload
On the Roadmap
- Bulk link creation
- Team collaboration
- Link retargeting pixels
- A/B testing for links
Have a feature request? We actually listen!
Suggest a FeatureJoin Users Who've Made the Switch
Real feedback from Google Shortener switchers
"After Google shut down goo.gl, I tried several alternatives. URLcut.ai's AI suggestions are something none of them offered. Finally, meaningful short links!"
"I used goo.gl for years because it was free and simple. URLcut.ai is just as easy but the AI features make my links so much more professional."
"The analytics are so much better than what Google offered. Plus the AI-suggested slugs actually make sense instead of random characters. Worth every penny."
When you need a goo.gl replacement
- You used goo.gl for quick, no-frills link shortening
- You want a similar experience with modern features added
- You need analytics and tracking that goo.gl never offered
What to prioritize in a replacement
Google URL Shortener may not have a direct successor, but you should look for tools that match its simplicity without the limitations it had.
- Fast setup without technical configuration
- Readable links instead of random character strings
- Built-in click tracking and analytics
Quick Decision Guide
Choose URLcut.ai if you want:
- Readable, branded short links
- AI-assisted readable slugs instead of random strings
- A modern replacement for goo.gl
- Analytics and QR codes included
Consider other options if you:
- Need Firebase Dynamic Links (Google's successor)
- Want to stay within Google ecosystem
- Require deep Google Analytics integration
Google's gone. Here's what to use now.
URLcut.ai lets you create short, readable links in seconds, with AI-assisted slugs (optional, editable).
Try it free - no credit card required. Cancel anytime.