Getting started with the Shortly API
Create short links programmatically with our REST API. This guide covers authentication, creating links, and best practices.
The Shortly API lets you create and manage short links from any backend or script. It is perfect for automating workflows, integrating with no-code tools, and building custom dashboards.
First, create an API key in your dashboard under API Keys. We store the key as a SHA-256 hash, so copy it immediately because you will not see it again.
Send the key in the Authorization header as a Bearer token. Then POST to /api/public/v1/links with the original URL and optional fields like custom_slug, utm_source, and expires_at.
The API returns the short link and slug. Use it in your app, emails, or automation. Rate limits apply based on your plan, so keep an eye on usage.
For bulk creation, add a small delay between requests or contact us about higher limits. For production, monitor your key usage and rotate keys if a team member leaves.
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