What are TinyURL, Bit.ly, and Snurl?
Are you using Twitter or another microblogging application? If so, then you've probably seen terms like TinyURL, Bit.ly and Snurl. In fact, they're often used on blogs and Web sites, too. But what do they mean?
They are all free URL shorteners.
What is a URL shortener? In simplest terms, you visit a URL shortener Web site, enter the lengthy URL that you want to shorten (a simple copy and paste does the trick), click on a button with your mouse, and voila -- your lengthy URL is regenerated as a much shorter version (typically around 20 characters or so).
If you use Twitter or another microblogging application like Plurk or Jaiku, where you can only post a maximum of 140-characters, and you haven't been using a URL shortener, then you really have to give one a try. Not only does it save characters, but it can keep the link intact if the actual URL changes, and some URL shortener applications let you track the clicks on your shortened URLs!
If you use a URL shortener already, leave a comment and share your favorite with the About.com Web Logs readers. Be sure to share why you like it!
I use TinyURL all the time. I also like the ability to add your own and/or edit the shortened alpha-numeric URL generated with your own text.
Can I use my tiny URL as a BackLink in other sites?