# URL shortening

A lot of communication that takes place online nowadays contains **links**. Links are used to assist and expedite users and customers to exactly the right places on the web where they can access the resources they need.

**Long URLs** in promotional messages, instructions, and notifications can appear untrustworthy and discourage users from clicking. Research shows that users are **less likely** to engage with links that are lengthy or contain many parameters, as these often look like spam.

With **URL shortening**, the system automatically generates a shorter, more reliable-looking URL that directs users to the same destination. Infobip can shorten URLs **completely** or **partially**, allowing you to keep a recognizable brand domain in the link. This increases user trust and click-through rates.

URL shortening also helps you:

- **Track user engagement** by measuring which users click your links. This data helps you improve your communication strategy.
- **Reduce message length**, which helps you stay within character limits and avoid splitting messages. This can lower your messaging costs and prevent users from receiving multiple fragmented messages.

You can use URL shortening in the following ways:

- [Flow](https://www.infobip.com/docs/url-shortening/url-shortening-in-flow)
- [Answers](https://www.infobip.com/docs/url-shortening/enable-shortening-in-answers)
- [Broadcast](https://www.infobip.com/docs/url-shortening/url-shortening-in-broadcast)
- [API](https://www.infobip.com/docs/url-shortening/url-shortening-over-api)

## Features

Auto-shorten URLs

Automatically reduce original long URLs to 23 characters, with tracking included.

Tracking and insights

Track all URL clicks and performance (with tracking enabled), including clicks, times, devices, and OS.

Real-time notifications

Receive real-time notifications for clicks via webhook using the API.

Custom shortened URLs

Keep a recognizable subdomain brand in a shortened URL to increase clickability.

Shorten further

Remove the protocol `https://` or `http://` prefix from the shortened link.

## Available channels

- [SMS](https://www.infobip.com/docs/sms)
- [Email](https://www.infobip.com/docs/email)
- [Viber](https://www.infobip.com/docs/viber)
- [WhatsApp](https://www.infobip.com/docs/whatsapp/reports#url-shortening-and-click-tracking)
- [Zalo](https://www.infobip.com/docs/zalo)

Note
You must have **SMS** enabled, **at minimum**, to be able to use this functionality. If you do not have SMS in your product catalog, the URL shortening app will not be visible. Contact your dedicated account manager or [Support](mailto:support@infobip.com) for further assistance.

## How URL shortening works

For URL shortening, there are two options:

1. **Default** - shorten a URL using a domain provided by Infobip
2. **Custom** - use your own subdomain so the shortened URL will have a recognizable company or brand

### Default URL shortening [#default-url-shortening-how-url-shortening-works]

When using the **default** option, your URL is processed in Infobip and assigned a shorter URL made up of **23 characters**. The first part of the URL consists of the standard protocol and the domain, and the remaining characters are a string of numbers that contain the tracking information.

Shortened URLs are automatically generated and allocated at random, and this means that you cannot choose your own shortened URL.

The shortened URL will contain one of the following domains:

- `cka.nu`
- `eeg.nu`
- `eej.nu`
- `hhp.nu`
- `pgn.nu`
- `qyy.nu`
- `rrj.nu`
- `rzz.nu`
- `wwk.nu`
- `wws.nu`
- `zgz.nu`
- `eej.at`
- `qyy.at`
- `rzz.at`
- `qyy.be`
- `xxr.be`
- `kkq.cz`
- `yyp.cz`
- `ooq.im`
- `rrq.im`
- `ttq.im`
- `ooq.vc`
- `ycc.vc`
- `ttz.vg`
- `yyp.ch`

#### Example

For example, this message:

`To find out more on messaging go to https://www.infobip.com/messaging`

Will be shortened to:

`To find out more on messaging go to https://rrj.nu/x5T3jd2Y`

### Custom URL shortening [#custom-domain-option-how-url-shortening-works]

For SMS, you can shorten a URL with the **custom** option. Use subdomains only for custom URL shortening.

Your URL is processed in Infobip and assigned a shorter URL but with your subdomain untouched.

#### Example

For example, a message that includes a URL using the `https://blog.mybrand.com` subdomain:

`To find out more on messaging go to https://blog.mybrand.com/messaging/very-long-url-never-stops`

Will be shortened to:

`To find out more on messaging go to https://blog.mybrand.com/hS18xzBe`

The first part of the URL consists of the standard protocol and your subdomain, and the remaining characters are a string of numbers that contain the tracking information.

Note
Primary domains are not recommended for branded, custom URLs.

### Track URL clicks [#track-url-clicks-how-url-shortening-works]

You can track URL clicks on both the **Default** and **Custom** options.

See [URL tracking](https://www.infobip.com/docs/url-shortening/tracking) for details about tracking URLs.

### Shorten further [#shorten-further-how-url-shortening-works]

You can also remove the protocol `https://` or `http://` prefix from the shortened link.

#### Example

For example, this message:

`To find out more on messaging go to https://docs.mybrand.com/messaging/too-long-to-read`

Will be shortened and https removed to:

`To find out more on messaging go to docs.mybrand.com/x5T3jd2Y`

The prefix shortening is available on both **Default** and **Custom** options.

Note
Shortened URLs expire **after 90 days**.