Google’s Announcement On the End of Shortened Links
Google has recently announced that its popular URL shortening service, goo.gl, will be discontinued starting from next year. This decision was made in line with the company’s efforts to streamline its products and focus on more sustainable initiatives. The news has created a buzz among internet users, especially those who have been using goo.gl links for various purposes.
The move is not entirely unexpected, as Google had already halted the creation of new goo.gl links for non-G Suite users in 2018. The service will now be completely shut down on March 30, 2019. This means that all existing goo.gl links will continue to redirect users to the intended websites but users will not be able to create new shortened links using the goo.gl service.
Google has provided users with alternatives to goo.gl links, such as Firebase Dynamic Links (FDL) and Bitly. FDL allows developers to create smart links that dynamically change their behavior based on the user’s platform, location, or installation status. Bitly, on the other hand, is a popular third-party URL shortening service that offers detailed analytics and tracking features for shortened links.
The discontinuation of goo.gl may inconvenience some users who have grown accustomed to using the service for sharing links on social media, email, or other platforms. However, Google’s decision to retire goo.gl is part of its broader strategy to focus on more sustainable and innovative projects that align with the company’s vision for the future.
For users who have been using goo.gl links extensively, it is recommended to start migrating to alternative URL shortening services like Bitly or consider using FDL for more advanced link management capabilities. This will ensure a smooth transition and avoid any disruptions in sharing links across various online channels.
In conclusion, Google’s decision to end its goo.gl URL shortening service marks the end of an era for one of the most popular link shortening services on the internet. While this may be a significant change for users who have relied on goo.gl links in the past, there are viable alternatives available to continue creating and sharing shortened links effectively. Adapting to these changes will be key for users to maintain their online presence and link-sharing practices in the evolving digital landscape.