Take control of your links with YOURLS. Self-hosted, customizable, and privacy-focused URL shortening solution.

YOURLS (Your Own URL Shortener) is a free, open-source platform that allows individuals and organizations to create and manage their own URL shortening service. Unlike third-party services like Bitly, YOURLS offers complete control over your data, branding, and functionality by enabling you to host the service on your own domain.​

Key Features

  • Self-Hosting: Deploy YOURLS on your own server, ensuring full control over your data and eliminating reliance on external services.​
  • Custom Branding: Use your own domain for shortened URLs, maintaining brand consistency and trust with your audience.​
  • Detailed Analytics: Track clicks, referrers, and visitor geolocation to gain insights into link performance and audience behavior.​
  • Extensibility: Leverage a robust plugin architecture to add new features and tailor the platform to your specific needs.​
  • Developer-Friendly: Access a comprehensive API for seamless integration with other applications and services.​

Advantages Over Third-Party Services

  • Privacy and Data Ownership: By hosting YOURLS yourself, you retain complete ownership of your data, ensuring privacy and compliance with data protection regulations.​
  • Cost Efficiency: Avoid recurring subscription fees associated with commercial URL shortening services.​
  • Customization: Tailor the platform’s appearance and functionality to align with your brand and operational requirements.​
  • Reliability: Eliminate dependency on third-party services, reducing the risk of service disruptions affecting your links.​

Use Cases

  • Marketing Campaigns: Create branded, trackable links for marketing initiatives, enhancing credibility and click-through rates.​
  • Internal Link Management: Manage and monitor internal links within an organization, facilitating easy access and tracking.​
  • Content Sharing: Simplify the sharing of long URLs on social media platforms, emails, and print materials.​

Getting Started

Setting up YOURLS is straightforward. The platform provides comprehensive documentation to guide you through the installation and configuration process. Once deployed, you can start creating and managing your own shortened URLs immediately.​

For more information and to download YOURLS, visit their official website.​

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This is a growing collection of tools I use, test, and genuinely recommend through JKP.Agency. Some links may be affiliate links - which means if you choose to explore or purchase through them, you’re supporting the time I put into curating and maintaining this list (at no extra cost to you). Your support also helps me continue the work of our nonprofit, the Power of Listening Foundation, which is not affiliated with these tools but deeply aligned with the spirit of care, presence, and contribution. I invite you to explore, discover, and share what serves you best.

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