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.

How to Shorten a URL for Free in 2025

April 15, 2025 · Guides · 4 min read

Learn how to shorten any URL for free in seconds. Create short, shareable links with click tracking, custom aliases, and QR codes — no signup required.

Long URLs are ugly, hard to share, and break in emails. A free URL shortener like Alias turns any link into a clean, compact short URL you can share anywhere — in under a second.

What Is a URL Shortener?

A URL shortener takes a long web address and replaces it with a short one that redirects to the original. For example, instead of sharing a 200-character Amazon product URL, you can share something like alias.live/my-product. When someone clicks it, they land on the original page instantly.

How to Shorten a URL in 3 Steps

Go to alias.live and paste your long URL into the shortener box on the homepage.
Optionally set a custom alias (e.g. alias.live/summer-sale) instead of a random slug.
Click "Shorten" — your short link is ready to copy and share.

No signup is required for basic shortening. Create a free account to unlock click analytics, link expiry, QR codes, and a full management dashboard.

Why Use Alias to Shorten URLs?

Free forever — no credit card required.
Click analytics: see how many clicks each link gets, where visitors come from, and what device they use.
Custom aliases: brand your short links instead of random characters.
QR code generation: every short link gets an auto-generated QR code you can download.
Link expiry: set an expiration date so links stop working after a campaign ends.
Password protection: add a password to sensitive links.

Where to Use Short URLs

Short URLs are useful anywhere character count matters or long links look unprofessional:

Social media posts (Twitter/X, Instagram bio, LinkedIn)
Email newsletters — long URLs often trigger spam filters
Print materials and business cards
SMS campaigns
QR codes on product packaging or flyers
Presentations and slides

Are Free URL Shorteners Safe?

Reputable URL shorteners like Alias are safe. Your original link is stored securely and the redirect is handled server-side. Alias does not sell your link data or inject ads into the destination page. Always be cautious clicking shortened links from unknown senders — if in doubt, preview the destination first.

Start Shortening Links for Free

Alias is the fastest way to shorten any URL for free. No ads on your links, no limits on basic shortening, and full analytics when you create a free account.

Shorten your first link — it's free