How to Shorten a URL for Free
Turn a long, messy web address into a clean short link in seconds. Three ways to do it, all free.
A long URL is hard to share, looks untidy in a post or message, and will not fit on printed materials. Shortening it fixes all three. This guide shows three free ways to shorten a URL with ShortifyMe: on the website with no account, with the browser extension, and with a free account that also tracks clicks.
Quick Answer
To shorten a URL for free, go to shortifyme.com, paste your long URL into the box, and click ShortifyMe. Your short link is ready to copy in seconds. No account is required. Creating a free account adds click tracking, a custom back-half, and a dashboard to manage your links.
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Method 1. Shorten a URL on the Website, No Account Needed
This is the fastest way. It works without signing up and takes about ten seconds.
Step 1
Go to shortifyme.com.
Step 2
Find the shortener box on the page. It has a single field for your web address.
Step 3
Paste your long URL into the field.
Step 4
Click the ShortifyMe button.
Step 5
Your short link appears. Use the option to copy it, and it is ready to paste anywhere.
Method 2. Shorten a URL with the Chrome or Edge Extension
The ShortifyMe browser extension shortens the page you are currently viewing without leaving it. It is free and works in Chrome and Edge.
Step 2
Open the extension from your browser toolbar.
Step 3
The extension has two tabs. Select the Short URL tab.
Step 4
Enter the destination URL in the field.
Step 5
Click the shorten URL button.
Step 6
Your short link is generated, ready to copy and share.
Method 3. Shorten a URL with a Free Account, for Tracking and More
A free ShortifyMe account adds three things the no-account methods do not have: click tracking, a custom back-half, and a dashboard to manage your links. The free account includes 10 short links and 5 QR codes each month.
Step 2
After logging in, you land on the Dashboard. In the left navigation, click ShortifyMe Links.
Step 3
On the ShortifyMe Links screen, click the Create a New Short Link button in the top right.
Step 4
Enter your destination URL.
Step 5
Optionally add a title to help you recognize the link later.
Step 6
Leave the domain set to the default, or choose a custom domain if you have one on a paid plan.
Step 7
Optionally enter a custom back-half to make the link memorable. (See the custom URL guide for more.)
Step 8
Click Create New Link.
Step 9
A confirmation appears showing your link is ready, with options to copy it, view its detail, or share it to WhatsApp, Facebook, X, Email, or LinkedIn.
Why Shorten a URL in the First Place
A shortened URL is easier to share, looks more trustworthy, and fits where a long URL cannot, such as printed materials, social posts, and messages with character limits. With a free account, a short link also becomes measurable: you can see how many people clicked it. That turns a link from a simple address into a way to learn what is working in your sharing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can shorten a URL on shortifyme.com with no account and no cost. A free account is also free and adds click tracking and a custom back-half. ShortifyMe never puts ads on your links.
No. The website and the browser extension both shorten URLs without an account. An account is only needed if you want to track clicks, use a custom back-half, or manage your links in a dashboard.
No. ShortifyMe short links stay active indefinitely. The only exception is a link on a custom domain that is later removed from the account.
In guest mode there is a combined limit of 5 links or QR codes per IP address. A free account includes 10 short links and 5 QR codes every month, and the count resets at the start of each month.
No. ShortifyMe never puts ads or redirect pages on any link, on any plan, including guest mode and the free account.
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