Are you wondering what are URL shortener APIs and which are the best ones? Then, this article is for you because here we will tell you everything you need to know and introduce you to the most effective and easiest to use!
If you are a beginner in the world of digital marketing or content creation, there is a tool you should know that is essential to optimise your time and make your content more attractive: the URL shortener APIs.
Let’s start by remembering that an API (Application Programming Interface) are mechanisms that enable two software components to communicate with each other using a set of definitions and protocols. For example, the voice detector you use in Google when you want to perform a search without typing.
So, consequently, a URL shortener API is software that allows you to significantly shorten any link within a few seconds. This can be very useful for example for posting links on Twitter where you are only allowed to write 280 characters.
However, a URL shortener can be used to hide tracking links, make a link more memorable, make a link smaller to print, add branding to a link, run an A/B test, retarget a link for market research, or swap out a link at a later time.
These are not new tools. The first of its kind was created in 2002, when Twitter was rapidly expanding its user base. Ever since, a number of APIs have emerged on the market that have aided in the shortening of links. But more and more user-friendly and highly effective tools are being developed. So here are the best of them.
URL Shortener API
This API generates a short link to any URL in a short period of time. Simply enter the URL you would like to shorten, verifying that you aren’t a robot, and you will be provided with a short link to use wherever you need or desire. The API will notify you whether or not the API call was effective, so you’ll know if the procedure was successful.
URL Shortener API is a tool for generating short links that will save you from having to remember long URLs. You can generate multiple short links from different URLs with a few clicks. Simply enter the link to be reduced. It is available on the Zyla API Hub and you can try it with no need of payment, up to 5,000 API calls a month. This is why we definitely recommend everyone to use it. As a result, this API offers a variety of paid services.
Bitly
Bitly is one of the most reliable link management platforms. By utilizing the Bitly API, you will be able to fully utilize the power of your links via automatically generated link customization, mobile deep linking, and click analytics. It’s alos one of the most integrated URL shortener, with which you can easily adapt many other apps and services. You should be aware, however, that you cannot change the destination URL or generate more than one short link using the same destination URL.
Tiny URL
This API is a service that allows users to shorten URLs. Tiny-URL makes a connection to over 80 other services rather than providing a single URL shortener. The RESTful protocol is used by the API, and replies are formatted in XML, JSON, or TXT. TinyURL now provides users with a full-service link management platform, allowing businesses with big ideas to leverage the power of shortened links. Users can create, manage, track, and develop their brands through link campaigns of all sizes with a TinyURL premium account.
We have already told you what a URL shortener API is and talked about the main features of the best ones available in 2022. Just start trying them and see how they result for you!