Google Announces Shutdown of Goo.gl URL Shortener

Google has announced the closure of its URL shortening service, goo.gl. While the service is still currently active, starting April 18, only registered users will be able to shorten links through the goo.gl account console.

Key Dates and Details

• Registered users can view URL analytics data and download information about their short links in CSV format until March 30, 2019, when Google plans to permanently shut down the service.
• Developers can sign up for the goo.gl API until May 30, 2018, and continue using the API until March 30, 2019.

According to Google representatives, existing goo.gl short links will continue to redirect to their destinations even after the shutdown date. Google has decided to close the service in favor of Firebase Dynamic Links (FDL).

Transition to Firebase Dynamic Links

“FDL are smart URLs that allow you to direct existing and potential users to any location within your iOS, Android, or web app […] URL Shortener was a great tool that we are proud of. But we are looking to the future and we like the possibilities of Firebase Dynamic Links, especially when it comes to dynamic platform and link discovery,” Google stated.

Google will not automatically redirect existing goo.gl links to the Firebase console. Users will need to export their short links and import them into Firebase manually. Additionally, users can export links created with other URL shortening services such as Bit.ly, Ow.ly, and others.