Alias is a free URL shortener with click analytics, custom aliases, link expiry, QR code generation, bulk CSV shortening, link-in-bio pages, a browser extension, and an official TypeScript SDK.

Is Alias free to use?

Yes. Alias offers a free plan with no credit card required. You can shorten links, track clicks, build a link-in-bio page, and use the API at no cost.

Can I create custom short links with Alias?

Yes. Alias lets you set custom aliases for your links, replacing random slugs with branded, memorable short paths such as alias.live/your-brand.

Does Alias track who clicks my links?

Yes. Alias tracks every click with detailed analytics including country, device type, browser, and referrer. This data is available in your dashboard.

Can I shorten multiple URLs at once?

Yes. The Bulk Shortening tool lets you shorten up to 50 URLs in one request. Upload a CSV file or paste a list, then download the results with short URLs and any errors as a CSV.

Does Alias have link-in-bio pages?

Yes. Every Alias account can create a Linktree-style page at alias.live/p/yourname. Add up to 20 links, pick from 6 gradient colour themes, and track clicks on each button individually.

Is there an official SDK or API?

Yes. Alias provides a REST API and an official TypeScript/JavaScript SDK (npm install aliaslive-sdk). The SDK supports ESM and CommonJS, has full type safety, and covers shortening, bulk shortening, and link management with zero runtime dependencies.

Is there a browser extension?

Yes. Alias has a free extension for Chrome and Edge. Right-click any page or link to shorten it instantly. Works in guest mode with no setup, or connect your account for custom slugs saved to your dashboard.

Can I set an expiry date on a short link?

Yes. Alias lets you set an expiration date on any link. Once expired, the link stops redirecting — ideal for time-sensitive campaigns.

How fast are Alias redirects?

Alias redirects are processed in under 50 milliseconds on average, ensuring a seamless experience for anyone clicking your links.

Best URL Shortener for Marketers in 2026: Features That Actually Matter

May 13, 2026 · Marketing · 6 min read

Marketers need more than just a short link. Discover which URL shortener gives you the analytics, bulk tools, and branding features that drive real campaign results.

For marketers, a URL shortener is not just a cosmetic tool — it is a data source. The links you share in emails, ads, and social posts tell you which channels are converting, which audiences are clicking, and which campaigns are working. Here is what to look for in 2026.

1. Click Analytics That Go Beyond the Click Count

A raw click count tells you almost nothing. You need to know where clicks came from (referrer), what country the visitor is in, what device they used, and on which day the clicks spiked. Alias tracks all of this for every link, for free.

Referrer breakdown — which platform or website sent the traffic.
Country breakdown — see which markets are responding.
Device and browser breakdown — optimise for your audience's setup.
Daily click chart — spot campaign momentum and drop-off.

2. Custom Branded Links

Generic short URLs like bit.ly/x7Kp2m look spammy and erode trust. Custom aliases like alias.live/summer-sale reinforce your brand and improve click-through rates. Alias lets you set custom slugs on every link at no cost.

3. Bulk Shortening for Campaign Scale

Email campaigns and social calendars involve dozens of unique links. Alias's bulk shortener lets you upload a CSV of up to 50 URLs — with optional custom slugs — and download the complete results table in one step. No more shortening links one by one at midnight before a launch.

4. Link Expiry for Promotions

Running a flash sale or a time-limited offer? Set an expiry date on the short link. Once the promotion ends, the link stops redirecting automatically. No manual cleanup required.

5. Password Protection for Private Campaigns

For beta launches, internal previews, or gated content, you can add a password to any short link. Only recipients with the password can access the destination.

6. QR Codes for Offline-to-Online Campaigns

Every Alias short link automatically gets a QR code. Download it directly from your dashboard and drop it into print materials, packaging, or event signage. Scans are tracked the same as clicks.

7. Link-in-Bio for Social Media Marketers

Instagram and TikTok only allow one bio link. Alias's built-in link-in-bio page at alias.live/p/yourname lets you list all your campaign links in one place — product pages, sign-up forms, videos, and more — with per-link click tracking.

8. API for Automated Campaigns

Marketing automation platforms, CRMs, and email tools can integrate Alias via the REST API or the official TypeScript SDK. Automatically generate unique short links for each subscriber, embed them in emails, and track click-through rates per contact.

The Cost Question

Bitly charges $35/month for features Alias gives you free. TinyURL has no analytics on the free tier. Rebrandly limits free accounts to 10 links. Alias has none of these restrictions — all features, free, no credit card.

Start shortening links for free