You can create Bitly links in three ways: use the Quick Create on your homepage (fastest), click Create new → Link in your dashboard, or use the Bitly.com homepage without signing in. All methods let you paste a long URL and get a shortened link instantly.
This article explains how to create shortened links using Bitly's web app and homepage.
Before You Start
When you shorten a link in Bitly, you also get to take advantage of our advanced link-shortening features, like customizing your short URL, using UTMs, creating a QR Code, and more.
To create a link in Bitly, you need to be logged in to your account. If you don't have an account, visit our pricing page to view our free and paid plans and to select the one that's right for you.
This article includes instructions for shortening links within the Bitly web app or on the Bitly.com homepage:
Quick create (fastest option)
If you already have a Bitly account, you can create links using Quick create on the home page.
- Log in to your Bitly account.
- Click Home in the left sidebar. Quick create is at the top of the home page
- Select Short link.
- Choose the domain you want to use from the dropdown.
- Enter your destination URL.
- Select if you'd like to also create a QR Code for this link.
- Click Create your link.
Your link is now ready to copy and share!
In your Bitly account
If you already have a Bitly account, follow these steps to create links.
To shorten a link in Bitly:
- Log in to your Bitly account.
- Click Create new in the top-left corner and select Link. You can also press b on your keyboard as a shortcut.
- Enter your destination URL.
- If you have a paid subscription with a custom domain, select your domain or use bit.ly from the dropdown.
- Enter a custom back-half to make your link more unique. Your limit for custom back-halves depends on your plan. Optionally, add a title to make your link easier to find later on.
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Toggle the QR Code option to create a Bitly Code for this link.
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Toggle the add to a Bitly Page option to add this link to a Bitly Page. If you have multiple pages, select which one to use for this link and input the Button Label. After you create the link, head over to your page to publish it.
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If you have UTM parameters for your link, toggle the switch and enter your UTMs in the relevant fields. These parameters are added to the long link before we short it.
With our higher paid plans, you can save this new UTM parameter or select one you've previously saved.
- If you would like your link to expire at a certain time, toggle the Link Expiration switch. Set the time and date you would like your link and or QR Code to expire. Learn more about link and QR Code expiration, here.
- Click Create your link.
Your link is now ready to copy and share!
Want to know what else you can do with your links? Visit Bitly Links to learn more.
Create without signing up
You can create a Bitly link from the Bitly.com homepage without having an account. This is great for trying Bitly before signing up, but you'll need to create an account afterward to access analytics and manage your link.
- Enter your destination URL, then click Get your link for free.
- To create your account, enter your email address and a strong password. Click Continue with Google to sign up with your Google account.
Your link is now ready to be shared! Visit our pricing page to learn what you get with your new free Bitly account and to view your upgrade options.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a keyboard shortcut to create a Bitly Link?
Yes! Click b or l & Enter/Return on your keyboard to quickly create a Bitly Link.
What's the character limit for Bitly Links?
The character limit for a custom back-half is 255 characters. Visit What characters are supported when customizing links? to check which characters are allowed.
What's the character limit for long URLs?
Bitly can shorten URLs up to 2,048 characters in length. This includes all punctuation. This limit applies to links you use for QR Codes and buttons on Bitly Pages, too.