In early 2019, Bitly launched a monthly subscription plan option and updated our free and Enterprise account offerings. In June, 2019, we added discounted annual subscription options as well. The details of each plan are available on our pricing page.
We’ve compiled these questions to help customers who already had Bitly accounts understand the changes:
Where can I see the new subscription plans?
New plans are listed on our pricing page. As you upgrade, each plan includes more features and higher link limits. Some of the paid-plan features include:
- Redirecting 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.
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. Before these updates, all paid-plan features were only offered in an Enterprise plan for larger brands.
By creating more subscription tiers, we’re giving the entrepreneurs and smaller brands relying on Bitly a way to choose a plan that’s right for them. This gives everyone 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 a paid plan. When you upgrade, you will have access to more features. You can see what’s included with each plan on our pricing page.
How do I upgrade or lower my plan?
You can upgrade or downgrade your plan at any time by logging into your account and choosing an option from your available plans.
For Enterprise plans, contact us to customize a plan to fit your needs.
How will Bitly bill for the these plans?
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.
Which features and limits are available with each plan?
The full details are available on our pricing 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 original 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.
Changes to accounts created in 2019 or earlier
How did the changes affect customers with Enterprise accounts?
Enterprise accounts were not affected by the new plans.
How did the changes affect free accounts?
The new plans have lower monthly limits than those of our original free account, and users with established free accounts had their link limits decreased in 2019. We contacted users with details about the changes.
You can check your current link usage and limits by signing in to your account, clicking the profile menu, and selecting Account Settings.
Free users can no longer create custom branded links and add new custom domains to Bitly.
Will users who already had free accounts lose data?
No, your link data is safe and won't be lost. The number of links you can create each month was reduced, and we've reached out with information about how long you'll have access to those original account limits. You can view each plan's new limits on the pricing page.
Can users with these established free accounts continue to create custom branded links?
All free accounts will not be able to create custom branded links or add a custom domain, even if the account was created in 2019 or earlier. Custom branded links created prior to the cutoff will continue to work as long as the domain's DNS is set up for Bitly. Any established custom domains can remain attached to the account, but new custom domains cannot be added.
Can users with a free account upgrade?
Yes, you can log in to your account and select from the available plans.
The new plans have lower monthly limits than the original free account. We contacted users with details about these changes.
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.
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.