In early 2019, Bitly launched a monthly subscription plan to supplement and updated our free and Enterprise account offerings. In June, we added a discounted annual subscription option for this Basic plan. The details of each plan are available on our plan page.
We’ve compiled these questions to help customers who already had Bitly accounts understand the changes:
What is the new subscription plan?
The new Basic plan is listed on our pricing page. As you upgrade, each plan includes more features and higher link limits. Some of the premium features include:
- Redirecting customized links to another destination
- Exporting reports for your link data
- Creating links that land in a mobile app, aka mobile deep links
- Organizing links into campaigns
- Importing links in bulk and adding UTM parameters
How do the changes affect existing free accounts?
The new Free and Basic plans have lower monthly limits than those of our old free account, and users with preexisting free Bitly accounts will have their link limits decreased in 2019. We will email dates and further details to accounts affected by this change.
You can check your current link usage and limits by signing in to your account, selecting your group, and clicking Manage.
Adding custom domains to brand your links will no longer be available to free users.
Why did Bitly add a new paid plan?
Many of our customers told us they would like to have advanced features at an affordable price. Up until recently, all premium features were only offered in an Enterprise plan for larger brands.
By creating the Basic subscription tier, we’re giving the entrepreneurs and smaller brands relying on Bitly a way to choose a plan that’s right for them. This gives you access to more features, higher link limits, and room to upgrade as your business grows.
How do the new Bitly subscriptions work?
Customers with a free Bitly account now have the opportunity to upgrade to the Basic paid plan. When you upgrade to a higher subscription plan, you will have access to more features. You can see what’s included with each plan on our plan page.
How do I upgrade or lower my plan?
You can upgrade your plan or downgrade to a free account at any time by logging into your account, choosing an option on the Account Details page, and entering your credit card information, if needed.
For Enterprise plans, contact us to customize a plan to fit your needs.
How do the changes affect existing customers with Enterprise accounts?
Enterprise accounts are not affected by the new plans.
How will Bitly bill for the Basic plan?
Bitly will charge your credit card once a month--or per year, for annual plans--starting on the day you upgrade your account. You can cancel at any time and continue using Bitly for the remainder of the current billing period. You cannot receive a refund for any unused portion of your subscription.
Is there a free trial?
We do not offer a free trial, but you can cancel your subscription at any time and continue using Bitly for the remainder of the current billing period. You cannot receive a refund for any unused portion of your subscription.
Will customers with free accounts lose data?
The number of links you can create each month will be reduced in 2019 unless you upgrade to a paid plan, but you will not lose any existing data when the new plan takes effect. You will receive an email from Bitly explaining how long you can continue using the old free account limits.
Can customers with a free account upgrade to the Basic plan?
The new Free and Basic plans have lower monthly limits than the old free account, so we'll be sending all free users an email explaining how long you can continue using your free account with the old limits.
You can subscribe to the Basic plan now from the subscription page in your account.
If you choose to upgrade, you can later lower your plan to the new Free plan, with the limits that are lower than those on your original free account.
Which features and limits are available with the Basic plan?
The full details are available on our plan page.
Will Bitly continue to offer a free account?
Yes, we will continue to offer a free account option under the Free plan. This account has lower monthly link limits than the old free account.
Will Bitly issue a refund if I upgrade and then change my mind?
As per our terms of service, Bitly does not issue refunds. You can cancel at any time and continue using Bitly for the remainder of the billing period. You will not receive a refund for any unused portion of your subscription.
Can I pay by check or other forms of payment?
Bitly charges by credit card on a monthly or annual basis for most plans. For Enterprise plans, contact us to discuss customized plan and payment options.
I haven’t been using Bitly. Can I delete my account?
Yes, but keep in mind that all of your data will be permanently deleted. Check out this help article to learn how to delete your account.