Creating a Bitly link takes less than a minute and requires only a web address

A Bitly link is a shortened URL that replaces a long web address with a compact one you can share more easily. Instead of sending someone a 100-character link, you send a 20-character Bitly link that points to the same page. Bitly also tracks how many people click your link, where they click from, and when they click — information that helps you understand whether your shared content is reaching people.

You do not need to install software or sign up for a paid plan to create a basic Bitly link. The free version works for most people who want shorter URLs and basic click counts.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to bitly.com, paste your long URL into the box, and click Shorten to get a short link when ready without creating an account.
  • Creating a free Bitly account lets you see how many times each link was clicked and organize your links into folders.
  • You can customize the short code (the part after bitly.com/) to make it memorable, like bitly.com/myproject instead of bitly.com/a1b2c3.
  • Bitly links work the same way as regular links — they open in any browser and work in emails, texts, social media, and documents.

Shorten a link without signing up

Visit bitly.com in your web browser. You will see a text box labeled "Shorten your link" at the top of the page. Paste the full web address you want to shorten into that box — for example, a long product page URL or a document link.

Click the blue Shorten button. Bitly will generate a short link when ready, usually something like bitly.com/a1b2c3. You can copy this link to your clipboard by clicking the copy icon next to it, then paste it anywhere you need it.

This link works right away. You do not need to wait for anything to process or confirm anything by email. The shortened link will redirect to your original URL every time someone clicks it.

Create a free account to track clicks and organize links

If you plan to shorten more than a few links, creating a free Bitly account takes two minutes and gives you access to click tracking and link organization. Click Sign Up at the top of bitly.com, then enter your email address and create a password.

Once you are signed in, every link you shorten is saved to your account dashboard. You can see how many times each link was clicked, what dates the clicks happened on, and what countries the clicks came from. You can also create folders to organize your links by project, campaign, or topic.

Your account dashboard is private — only you can see your links and their click data unless you share a link with someone else.

Customize the short code to make links memorable

By default, Bitly assigns random characters to your short link. If you have a free account, you can change this to something you choose. When you shorten a link, look for the field that shows the generated short code (the part after bitly.com/). Click Edit to change it to something meaningful.

For example, instead of bitly.com/a1b2c3, you could make it bitly.com/spring-sale or bitly.com/project-x. Keep custom codes short and straightforward — they are easier to remember and type. You can use letters, numbers, and hyphens. Bitly will tell you if your chosen code is already taken by someone else.

Custom codes are useful when you are sharing a link in person, on a poster, or in a presentation where someone might need to type it. A memorable code reduces typos and makes your link look more professional.

Share your Bitly link anywhere a regular link works

A Bitly link behaves exactly like any other URL. You can paste it into an email, a text message, a social media post, a document, or a chat. When someone clicks it, they are taken to your original web address. The click is recorded in your Bitly dashboard if you have an account.

Bitly links do not expire. They will continue to work as long as your original web page exists. If the original page goes down or is deleted, the Bitly link will show an error page.

You can share a Bitly link with anyone, and they do not need a Bitly account to click it. The link works in any web browser on any device.

Understanding what Bitly tracks and what it does not

Bitly records the number of clicks, the date and time of each click, and the country where the click came from. It does not record personal information about who clicked your link — Bitly cannot tell you the name or email address of someone who clicked. It also does not track what someone does after they arrive at your destination page.

If you need more detailed tracking — such as knowing which specific people clicked your link or what they did on the destination page — you would need a different tool like Google Analytics or a paid Bitly plan. For most people sharing links in emails, messages, or social media, the free Bitly click count is enough to know whether people are interested.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change a Bitly link after I create it?

You cannot change where a Bitly link points after you create it. If you need to redirect it to a different page, you have to create a new link. You can delete old links from your dashboard if you no longer need them.

What happens if I delete my Bitly account?

If you delete your account, your links will stop working. If you have shared those links with others, they will see an error page when they try to click them. Keep your account active if you have shared links you want to remain working.

Can someone else create a Bitly link to the same URL I shortened?

Yes. If two people shorten the same web address, Bitly may give them the same short link or different ones depending on timing. Both links will work and point to the same destination. The click counts will be combined if they receive the same short code.

Do Bitly links work in all browsers and on mobile phones?

Yes. Bitly links work in any web browser on any device — desktop, tablet, or phone. They work in email clients, text message apps, social media platforms, and anywhere else you can paste a URL.