Last updated on 12 May 2026
Nobody likes an url that is too long, especially when it comes to sharing it. Today, people use link shorteners for a multitude of reasons. They can make a long link easier to write and remember. They offer easier-to-use links on social media. They can sometimes make it possible to change the original page without the need to share the link again. Finally, most of the time they offer statistics about the link itself. A recurring need in which the giants of the web have engulfed themselves. There are, however, free and free alternatives. The proof with these three free and free tools to shorten your links.
Table of Contents
Frama.Link
The service is offered by my ardent friends defenders of Framasoft free solutions. Framalink is part of this association's basic toolkit of the irreducibles. Minimalist but effective, Framalink is simple to use. You paste the link to shorten in the form. If necessary, you can choose to customize it. All you have to do is share the link provided with your correspondents. No need to register. You can consult the statistics of your past links by going to the Statistics page but it works with cookies, and therefore is only valid with the browser used to shorten your links.
Link: Framalink
MonUrl.ca
Here is an Urls link shortener that comes from Canada. A ‘courtesy’ of the unavoidable Récit network. It focuses exclusively on the needs for short links in the world of education. Any other use is banned and that is a good thing. Same system as Framalink. You enter your long URL address. You then choose a short address and if it is not already in use, it is yours. In addition, a QR code is automatically generated. Practical. MonUrl also allows you to track your statistics.
Link: MonUrl.ca
Tiny.url
Tiny is one of the venerable elders. Launched in 2002, it is one of the first to anticipate the short-term need when it comes to sharing an URL. His promise for the time being kept: the shortcuts created via his service will never expire. Tiny.url allows you to customize the link created. It also offers, on request, a pop-up system that reveals the destination url when flying over the mouse. Useful to reassure users who are reluctant to click on a link without knowing where they will be driving them. The English interface has aged terribly and the advertising is a bit too conspicuous but Tiny.url is still doing the job.
Link: Tiny.url
English
Very good comment for Tinyurl … It is true that he does the job. Too bad that Google has messed up its goo.gl that worked well.
Personally, I use bitly which allows personalisation but also tracking with the number of clicks on each link and a very well provided interface (with app on Android, which is convenient).
I also use tinyurl but for "single use" links.
For information, the goo.gl links created before the end of the service are still functional.
Thank you for this work and this letter that I consult every time and that I share frequently with colleagues.
I would add an advantage to Tinyurl: the letters of the shortened URL are all in lower case.