Google URL Shortener is gone for new links. Here's what changed and what to use now.
Google stopped allowing new goo.gl link creation years ago. Existing users could create and manage goo.gl links until March 30, 2019.
Old dashboard and management access ended, and redirect behavior now varies by link activity after Google's 2025 update. Some goo.gl links may still redirect, while others may no longer work.
For new short links, you should not rely on goo.gl. The practical question is which replacement workflow fits the way you share links now.
What happened to goo.gl?
Google announced the transition away from goo.gl in March 2018. New and anonymous users lost access first in 2018, while existing users could continue creating and managing goo.gl links until March 30, 2019. Google's 2018 announcement explained the move away from the standalone shortener.
Previously created links continued redirecting after link creation and dashboard management ended. In July 2024, Google announced that goo.gl links would no longer be available after August 25, 2025. In August 2025, Google updated that plan and said actively used goo.gl links would continue working. See Google's later update about goo.gl link availability for the 2024/2025 policy change.
What still works and what does not?
It helps to separate link creation, management, and redirects. They are different parts of the old goo.gl workflow.
No longer available
- Creating new goo.gl short links
- Managing or editing old goo.gl links through the dashboard
- Using goo.gl as a reliable workflow for new campaigns
May vary by link
- Some actively used goo.gl links may still redirect
- Some inactive links may no longer work
- Redirect behavior depends on activity and Google's current policy
If an old goo.gl link matters, test it directly. For any new link workflow, use a current URL shortener instead of trying to recreate goo.gl.
What people usually use instead now
Google URL Shortener was not replaced by a single official standalone shortener. People usually choose a replacement based on the job the link needs to do.
Basic free shorteners
Useful for one-off links where the short URL only needs to be short. See the TinyURL-style workflow.
Link-management platforms
Useful when teams need reporting, ownership, and process. See the Bitly-style workflow.
Branded-domain tools
Useful when the short domain itself is part of brand governance. See the Rebrandly-style workflow.
Technical/API tools
Useful when developers own DNS, APIs, routing, or automation. See the Short.io-style workflow.
Lightweight readable-link tools
Useful when a new short link should be readable for campaigns, newsletters, QR codes, or customer messages.
Replacement workflow comparison
Instead of comparing against a discontinued product, compare the replacement workflow you need now.
| Old goo.gl need | Replacement workflow | Typical fit |
|---|---|---|
| Quick one-off short link | Basic free shortener | TinyURL-style workflow |
| Campaign link that should be readable | Lightweight readable-link tool | URLcut.ai-style workflow |
| Team reporting or governance | Link-management platform | Bitly-style workflow |
| Branded domains | Branded-domain infrastructure | Rebrandly-style workflow |
| API, DNS, or custom-domain control | Technical link infrastructure | Short.io-style workflow |
Timeline of the goo.gl shutdown
The key dates behind Google URL Shortener's transition.
Google announced the transition away from goo.gl
Google announced that it would wind down the standalone URL shortener and move users toward other workflows.
New and anonymous users lost access first
People who had not previously used goo.gl could no longer create new links.
Creation and management ended for existing users
Existing users could no longer create or manage goo.gl links after this date.
Previously created redirects continued
Existing goo.gl links continued redirecting after creation and management ended.
Google announced a 2025 availability change
Google announced that goo.gl links would no longer be available after August 25, 2025.
Google updated the redirect plan
Google said actively used goo.gl links would continue working, while some inactive links may no longer work depending on activity and policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Google URL Shortener replacement questions, answered carefully.
What happened to Google URL Shortener?
Google announced the transition away from goo.gl in March 2018. New and anonymous users lost access first, and existing users could create and manage goo.gl links until March 30, 2019.
Can I still create goo.gl links?
No. Google no longer allows new goo.gl link creation. For any new short link workflow, you need to use another URL shortener.
Do old goo.gl links still work?
Some old goo.gl links may still redirect, especially actively used links under Google's updated 2025 policy. Some inactive links may no longer work, so important old links should be tested directly.
What replaced Google URL Shortener?
Google did not replace goo.gl with one standalone public URL shortener. People now choose replacement workflows such as basic free shorteners, link-management platforms, branded-domain tools, technical API tools, or lightweight readable-link tools.
What should I use instead of goo.gl?
Use the replacement workflow that matches the job. TinyURL-style tools fit basic one-off links, Bitly-style tools fit team management, Rebrandly-style tools fit branded domains, Short.io-style tools fit technical workflows, and URLcut.ai fits readable campaign links.
Can I recreate old goo.gl links?
You cannot recreate the same goo.gl short URL. You can create a new short link that points to the same destination, then update campaigns, documents, or QR codes where you control the placement.
Where does URLcut.ai fit as a replacement?
URLcut.ai fits when you need a new readable short link for a campaign, newsletter, QR code, or customer message. It is one lightweight option, not an official Google successor.
Create a readable replacement link
URLcut.ai is one lightweight option when you need a new short link for a campaign, newsletter, QR code, or customer message. Other tools may fit better when you need basic free volume, enterprise governance, branded domains, or technical API control.