- Google is shutting down its URL shortening service, goo.gl.
- Goo.gl service will be replaced by Firebase Dynamic Links.
- Firebase Dynamic Links are capable of automatically detecting user’s platform and send the user to any location within iOS, Android or web apps.
The Google URL shortening service, goo.gl, will be shutting down as from next month with a complete stop in service by next year. Goo.gl link was first launched by Google in 2009 and is very common on the web, even Keanu Reeves has a URL shortener named in his honor. Fortunately, existing links will continue to work.
By April 13, users who haven’t accessed the site before will be unable to create goo.gl links while those that have already created goo.gl links will have up till March 30, next year before it will be closed. This is a different case for developer projects as they will still have access to the goo.gl site until May 30 this year which will also be cut-off by March 30, next year.
Goo.gl service was launched in 2009 for FeedBurner and the Google Toolbar. Google later upgraded it, being able to now create OR codes and link to iOS and Android applications. The service will be replaced with FDL (Firebase Dynamic Links) as from April 13th. According to Google’s recent post,
“many popular URL shortening services have emerged and the ways people find content on the Internet have also changed dramatically, from primarily desktop web pages to apps, mobile devices, home assistants, and more.”
But Firebase Dynamic Links are no replacement to goo.gl short links and they are of no use to non-developers. Google suggest URL-shortening services Bitly and Ow.ly as alternative for users.
Developers are encouraged to switch over from goo.gl to Firebase Dynamic Links that can automatically detect user’s platform and send the user to any location within iOS, Android or web apps.
