Google Is Shuttering Its URL Shortening Service, goo.gl

Google, search engine giants introduced its goo.gl URL shortener in 2009, which came in handy as at that time because the web wasn’t littered with similar services. Since then, many companies have emerged to offer similar functionality. It’s a good thing, because if you did like goo.gl, you’re going to have to find an alternative as the company will shut down the service soon.

The company announced in a blog post, that it’s shuttering its goo.gl URL shortening service on March 30, 2019, paving the way for developers to shift their focus to its Firebase Dynamic Links API. Users and developers have the one-year period to continue using the service. Explained, the company added that  that new users won’t be able to create links through the goo.gl console as of April 13th, but existing users will be able to use it for another year, after which it will be discontinued completely.

Firebase Software Engineer Michael Hermanto says that the company introduced the URL shortener in 2009, and that since then, the ways there been different ways people share their information on web, and lots of additional URLs “shortener” has grown in popularity. He notes that Google is refocusing its efforts by replacing it with Firebase Dynamic Links (FDL), which allow users to redirect to specific locations in iOS, Android or web apps.

As saddening as this closure could be, it will affect lots of users who have used this service since the launch but the fact still remains,  that there are many URL shortener alternatives which make this a minor deal for most. Google recommends moving to Bit.ly or Ow.ly if you want a good alternative, and don’t feel like searching on your own. Both services have become well regarded since their introduction, and offers great services to users who require them.

Fortunately, Google has no intentions to make the millions of goo.gl links out there suddenly become broken after the deadline, so the company has said that they will continue to work – you just won’t be able to create new ones.