Google’s Shortened Links Will Stop Working Next Year

If you ever used Google’s URL shortening service goo.gl before it was shut down in 2019, be warned — those links will stop working on August 25th, 2025. Google announced in a blog post that “the time has come to turn off the serving portion of Google URL Shortener” and that any links in the https://goo.gl/* format will respond with a 404 error next year.

Ahead of the shutdown, goo.gl links will start showing an interstitial page on August 23rd, 2024, notifying users that “this link will no longer work in the near future.” This message will initially appear for a “percentage of existing links,” which will increase as the deadline draws closer. Google is encouraging developers to update impacted links as soon as possible, as this interstitial page may cause disruptions to link redirections.

The interstitial page that will appear on goo.gl links after August 23rd. Image: Google

The End of an Era

Google’s URL shortening service, goo.gl, was once a popular tool for condensing lengthy web addresses into manageable links. Launched in 2009, goo.gl allowed users to create shortened URLs that were easier to share and track. However, Google announced the shutdown of the service in 2018, encouraging developers to migrate to Firebase Dynamic Links (FDL). Ironically, FDL has also since been deprecated, leaving developers to seek alternative URL shortening solutions.

Impact on Users and Developers

The discontinuation of goo.gl links will impact countless users and developers who have relied on the service for years. Websites, social media posts, emails, and other digital communications containing goo.gl links will no longer direct users to their intended destinations. Instead, these links will lead to a 404 error page, indicating that the page is not found.

Google’s decision to introduce an interstitial page starting August 23rd, 2024, aims to provide a transitional period for users and developers. This page will alert visitors that the link they are trying to access will soon be unavailable, offering a grace period to update or replace the affected URLs.

What You Need to Do

For those who have used goo.gl links in their content, it’s crucial to take action before the August 2025 deadline. Here are some steps to consider:

1. Identify and Update Links: Review your content to identify any goo.gl links and update them with new URLs. Consider using alternative URL shortening services like Bitly or TinyURL.

2. Communicate with Users: Inform your audience about the upcoming changes and provide updated links to ensure they can still access your content.

3. Automate the Process: If you have numerous goo.gl links, consider using automation tools or scripts to streamline the process of updating your URLs.

Looking Forward

As Google phases out its URL shortening service, the focus shifts to finding reliable alternatives. The market offers various URL shortening services that provide similar functionalities, such as link tracking, customization, and analytics. It’s an opportunity for developers and users to explore new tools and adapt to the evolving digital landscape.

The discontinuation of goo.gl links marks the end of an era for a service that once played a pivotal role in the way we share and manage links online. While the transition may pose challenges, it also opens the door for innovation and the adoption of more advanced URL management solutions.

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