This feature is available with some paid plans
Quick Answer: Use Bitly's bulk upload feature to create multiple short links at once by filling out a CSV or XLSX template and uploading it to your account. You can also set link expiration dates and generate QR Codes as part of the same upload.
In this article, learn how to:
Preparing the template for bulk link shortening
To get started, download our template:
Make sure you don't change any of the column names or remove any columns.
Only one column is required:
| Column | Required? | What to enter |
| Long URL | Yes | The destination URL you want to shorten |
The following columns are optional:
| Column | What it does | Format / notes |
| Custom Backhalf | Sets a custom ending for your short link | Alphanumeric, no spaces |
| Tags | Applies tags to the link for organization | Separate multiple tags with commas |
| Link Title | Sets the display name of the link in Bitly | Plain text |
| UTM Parameters | Appends tracking parameters to your destination URL | Standard UTM format |
| Expiration NEW | Sets the date and time when the link stops redirecting automatically | ISO 8601: 2026-12-31T23:59:59+0000 |
When the expiration date and time you set is reached, the link will automatically stop redirecting. Leave this column empty if you don't want the link to expire.
If you don't use one or more optional columns, clear the sample content in those cells but leave the column headers unchanged.
When you're done, save the file as a .csv or .xlsx file. When using an Excel file, only the first sheet will be processed.
Shortening links in bulk
Once your file is saved, follow these steps to shorten your links.
- Log in to your Bitly account.
- Click Create new and select Link.
- Click bulk upload.
- Drag and drop your file into the field or click Browse files to search for it.
- Choose if you want to also generate attached QR Codes with the toggle.
- If you have a custom domain, choose whether to use it or bit.ly from the dropdown.
- Click Submit file.
- Check your email inbox for an update on your upload. Depending on the size of your file, it could take from minutes to hours to process your links.
- Click the link in the email to view your new links in Bitly.
If you get an email indicating a problem with your upload, correct any errors and follow the steps above to try again. See How do I troubleshoot bulk upload errors?
You can also check the status of an upload and download the results from your account settings. Visit How do I check the status of a bulk shortening CSV file? for instructions.
Frequently asked questions
What format should I use for the Expiration column?
Use ISO 8601 format: 2026-12-31T23:59:59+0000. This represents the date, time, and UTC offset. Make sure to match this format exactly — incorrect formatting will cause an upload error.
What happens when a link reaches its expiration date?
The link will stop redirecting automatically. Anyone who clicks the link after the expiration date will not be sent to the destination URL.
Can I set expiration dates when generating QR Codes in the same upload?
Yes. If you use the QR Code toggle during upload, the expiration date you set in the Expiration column will apply to the associated link.
Can I redirect existing Bitly links in bulk?
Yes. See How do I redirect links in bulk? for instructions on using the Current Bitly Short Link column to update existing links.