How to Create Tiny URLs
URL shortening has been practiced for years; in fact, the original tiny URL service, tinyurl.com, launched in 2002. However, the popularity of tiny URLs did not explode until the social-networking site Twitter took off. Because of the limited number of characters allowed in a "tweet" (Twitter message), tiny URLs became a popular way to share links with others. Of course, tiny URLs have plenty of uses besides Twitter. Shortening a URL is considered good Netiquette when posting in forums or sending emails; particularly if the original URL is very long. Getting started with tiny URLs is easy; it's also free.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Highlight the web address you want to turn into a tiny URL. Click and drag your mouse across the complete URL to highlight it. Right-click and select "Copy."
-
2
Navigate to the website you want to use to create your tiny URL. The original provider is tinyurl, but many other services will help you create tiny URLs, including tiny.cc and bit.ly. These three websites provide the service for free.
-
-
3
Right-click and select "Paste" to paste the long URL into the shortened URL creation box. Click "Create" or "Shorten," depending on your choice of provider.
-
4
Copy or write down your tiny URL when it's displayed. Send others the tiny URL to share the Web link with them.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you are using Mozilla Firefox, you can download a Firefox add-on that allows you to create tiny URLs from your browser with a single click (see Resources).
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images
