Google’s Goo.gl URL Shortener: What’s Happening?
In 2018, Google made a significant move by announcing the discontinuation of its URL shortener service, goo.gl. This marked the end of new users being able to generate links, based on the assertion that content-sharing behaviors had “evolved”over time.
Timeline of Events
The situation escalated when, in July 2024, Google confirmed a definitive timeline for the cessation of service. The exact date set for the demise of all goo.gl links is August 25, 2025, after which users would encounter 404 errors when attempting to access any of these links. By late 2024, Google began to flag inactive links, informing users through interstitial pages that stated, “This link will no longer work in the near future.”
A Change of Heart
As the deadline approaches, Google has revised its initial stance regarding the goo.gl service. The tech giant will now preserve links that show active engagement, responding to extensive user feedback on the potential impact of deleting these links. This decision comes amidst concerns over link rot, which could affect countless documents, videos, and online content.
Understanding the New Policy
Under the updated guidelines, any goo.gl links that display an interstitial warning page will become inactive after August 25. Conversely, links that do not display this warning will continue to function normally, allowing users to redirect as intended. To verify the status of a specific link, users are encouraged to click on it and assess its current functionality.
The Scale of goo.gl
Reflecting on the popularity of the goo.gl URL shortener, it’s noteworthy that this service has facilitated the creation of approximately 3.6 billion links over the years. The abrupt deletion of these links would have caused serious disruptions for many, including archivists and content creators who rely on preserved online materials.
Alternatives and Challenges Ahead
Moreover, Google’s recommended alternative — Firebase Dynamic Links — is set to be discontinued on the same date, adding another layer of uncertainty for users reliant on this technology.
In summary, while Google had initially intended to retire the goo.gl URL shortener entirely, this recent shift suggests a balanced approach to preserving active links, ultimately aiming to maintain user trust and content accessibility.
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