Google’s URL shortening service, goo.gl, was once a popular tool for creating short links. However, in 2019, Google announced the shutdown of this service. Now, users who have been utilizing goo.gl links are being warned that these links will cease to function on August 25th, 2025. This news has implications for anyone who has relied on goo.gl for link shortening purposes.
The process leading up to the termination of goo.gl links will begin on August 23rd, 2024. Starting on this date, users clicking on goo.gl links will be redirected to an interstitial page. This page will inform them that the link they are trying to access will no longer work in the near future. Google plans to gradually increase the percentage of links displaying this message as the shutdown deadline approaches.
Developers who have integrated goo.gl links into their websites, applications, or other platforms are urged to take action promptly. Google is advising developers to update all impacted links to prevent disruptions caused by the interstitial page. This proactive approach is crucial to ensure that users are not inconvenienced by broken links after the service is discontinued.
Following the announcement of goo.gl’s shutdown in 2018, Google recommended that developers transition to Firebase Dynamic Links (FDL) as an alternative. However, it is worth noting that FDL has also been deprecated since then. This further emphasizes the importance of promptly updating existing goo.gl links to avoid any potential issues in the future.
The impending end of Google’s URL shortening service, goo.gl, serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of technology and online tools. Users and developers alike must stay informed about changes in services they rely on and take proactive steps to adapt to these changes. By addressing the issue of expiring goo.gl links in a timely manner, individuals and organizations can avoid disruptions and maintain the functionality of their online content.
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