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.

Custom Short Links: Why Branded URLs Get More Clicks

March 20, 2025 · Tips · 5 min read

Custom short links replace random slugs with branded, memorable URLs. Learn how custom aliases improve trust, click rates, and brand recognition.

When you share a link, the URL is part of the first impression. alias.live/summer-sale looks intentional and trustworthy. alias.live/x7kp9q looks like spam. Custom short links let you control what people see before they click.

What Are Custom Short Links?

A custom short link (also called a vanity URL or custom alias) is a short URL where you choose the slug — the part after the domain. Instead of a random character string, you pick a meaningful word or phrase that describes the destination.

With Alias, you can create links like alias.live/download, alias.live/pricing, or alias.live/promo-2025 for free.

Why Custom URLs Get More Clicks

They Look Trustworthy

People are more likely to click a link that tells them where it goes. alias.live/product-guide clearly leads to a product guide. A random slug gives no indication of the destination, and many users hesitate to click unknown URLs.

They Are Easier to Remember

If you verbally share a link in a video, podcast, or presentation, a custom alias is far easier to recall and type than a random string. alias.live/start is something an audience can type from memory.

They Reinforce Your Brand

Every time someone sees alias.live/your-campaign, they see your brand's messaging. Custom links carry context that random slugs never can.

Best Practices for Custom Short Links

Keep it short — 2 to 4 words maximum. alias.live/free-trial beats alias.live/start-your-free-trial-today.
Use hyphens, not underscores — hyphens are easier to read and type.
Be descriptive — alias.live/q3-report tells viewers what to expect.
Avoid special characters — stick to letters, numbers, and hyphens.
Use campaign-specific slugs — alias.live/email-april vs alias.live/twitter-april helps you compare performance per channel.

Custom Links + Analytics

Custom links on Alias come with the same click analytics as all other links — total clicks, country, device, browser, and referrer. Creating campaign-specific custom links (one per channel or audience segment) is one of the simplest ways to measure what drives traffic without needing any analytics integration.

Create Your First Custom Short Link

Custom aliases are available on Alias for free. Create an account, shorten your link, and type your preferred slug in the custom alias field.

Create a custom short link for free