An API is a way to pass data from one system or app to another. Hundreds of thousands of people send information through Bitly's API every day.
We've updated our API to V4 (version 4), with improved speed, stability and security, and it's important that you're connecting to Bitly using this latest version.
How do you know if you're using the latest version of the API, V4
The biggest clue would be if you’re asked to enter a Bitly API key to connect to Bitly. API keys are a method used in the old versions of the API and are no longer supported in V4. Instead, V4 uses OAuth access tokens.
To find out which version of the API you’re using, you'd have to ask the people who built your integration.
What to do if you've built your own integration
- First, make sure you've set your default API group via your Bitly profile settings.
- If you worked with a developer to build your own integration, work with your technical contacts to make sure you're using API V4. Up-to-date information is available on our developer site, dev.bitly.com.
- You can also view our Bitly Expert Webinar, Migrating to API V4.
What to do if you use a product with its own Bitly integration
If you're using a product like Dynamic Signal, Pardot, Sprinklr, or others that have "plugged into" Bitly.
- First, make sure you've set your default API group via your Bitly profile settings.
- Check our list of known products from companies that have reported they'll be updated. Bitly has contacted all known companies using the old API, but if you don't see your product on the list, check in with the vendor directly and send them a link to this page.
When a product updates to API V4, the vendor will put your existing connection through an OAuth flow, which will give them an access token to use for all future calls. That's tech talk for: You shouldn't have to do another thing when the system is updated for you.
If your software provider does not update to V4, your integration will stop working, and you will need to log into your Bitly account to shorten links and view your metrics.
What will happen on September 14?
During the month before September 14, outdated connections using V4 will be intermittently disrupted to bring attention to the changing endpoints. At this time, these connections will include all but the /shorten endpoint.
Check the schedule for more details about these brownout periods.
On September 14, 2020, Bitly connections utilizing a pre-V4 version of the API will cease to function.