What is the best link shortening script?
 

I want to create a site to make short URLs for one of my networks (available to the public).

I have seen quite a few scripts available to do this, including http://www.yourls.org.

Anyone have any suggestions or feedback on the topic?

I would rather start things off with the best / most secure script rather than switching later and trying to import the db data.

Thanks for the link. Looks like he is suggesting yourls also. Have you used it yourself?

No I haven't had a chance yet, seems cool though. I can definitely think of some valid uses.

Yeah, I have been looking at it for quite awhile, just now getting around to using it myself. Wanted to see what else was out there before I launched the project though.

Currently I am mainly wanting to open it for public use rather than my affiliate links as he mentioned.

This script has lots of uses, opt in mailing for instance: it is always better to have the sending domain redirect the link rather than use a 3rd party code. Most mailers do this anyway but a management interface offers additional convenience.

Another example would be for blogging, protect yourself from programs that don't pay by using niche based links that can be updated to the best selling current site rather than manual link changes.

Yeah I run a different type of setup for my affiliate links that allows me to change them easily.

If I like it I might implement it to gain the additional features.

Trying it out now for my other project (public link shortening service).

i use bit.ly pro with my own custom domain (jet.li)

as you can see here i use it here

http://twitter.com/iheartwordpress

Just set yourls up. Very easy to do and works great. Bump for good info.

I use this one for a few sites I own: http://www.gentlesource.com/short-url-script/

Word of warning, the script doesn't have that many security features so you really have to be on top of it. So many URL shortening sites get shut down due to so many scammers using them for garbage. I only have one site that I allow public access, the others are only for my use.

Can't think of a particularly good reason to allow public access myself.

True, but I've seen a lot of people looking for a link shortening script to try and cash in on social media traffic.

I've been using www.smurl.me for my twitter posts ...

Very new site, so URLs are VERY SHORT STILL ... 2 or 3 characters

I assume you aren't going the paid route? Is the free version worth it? I assume they would be more secure than yourls anyway.

Yeah I set it up last night as well. No complaints so far. Very easy setup and modifications.

Thanks for the heads up. I will take a look at that one. I figured I would have to combat a bunch of spam and stuff. If it becomes overwhelming I will likely hand the project off to someone else.

I have a "shock site" network. This is simply another way for them to trick their friends into coming to the sites. I am sure lots of spammers will pick up on it also though, hopefully I will be able to combat them. Only time will tell.

Yeah I don't intend to use this in that manner.

Have you compared it to yourls by chance?

ive used yourls, admin area is lacking, nothing compared to bit.ly, but its ok for what its worth.

So the free bit.ly has a lot more features? Unfortunately I already setup and started using yourls on the domain I had planned to use for this project. Then noticed it doesn't even have referral URL data.

I figure rather than getting a plugin coded for this I would rather switch to bit.ly if it offers it. When I went directly to your domain, it forwarded me to bit.ly. Is this what the free version does?

Yourls is good. Another one that you can download for free to make your own custom domain URLs is http://get-shorty.com/

hit me up, i got something to show you in that regards.

Sounds good, hitting you up now. :thumbsup

anyone want to make an offer on ASOBB.COM & AsSeenOnBB.com ??

asobb.com is shorter than tinyurl.com

Actually yourls does display referral URL. For whatever reason it took quite a while to start displaying it.

Looks like bit.ly pro does not allow pornographic content.

Any coders who would be interested in removing all of the yourls branding for me? I have looked through the code quite a bit and can't seem to find what I am looking for.