Comparison
A TinyURL alternative that tells you what happened next
TinyURL is great at one thing: turning a long URL into a tiny one. The moment you need to know how many people clicked, from which country, on what device — you need more. Shortly keeps the instant shortening and adds the data.
Shortly vs TinyURL at a glance
| Feature | Shortly | TinyURL |
|---|---|---|
| Shorten without an account | ||
| Click tracking on every link | Paid only | |
| QR code for each link | Basic | |
| Custom slug (vanity URL) | ||
| Link expiration | ||
| Password-protected links | ||
| Your own branded domain | Business plan | Paid tiers |
| REST API for automation | Pro & Business | Paid tiers |
When the tiny-url approach stops working
You're running a campaign
Without click data you can't tell which channel produced the traffic. Shortly breaks clicks down by referrer, device, and country in real time.
You're printing the link
Every Shortly link comes with a downloadable QR code, so the same tracked destination works on flyers, packaging, and slides.
You need the link to stop
Set an expiration date or a password so a limited-time offer can't be shared forever.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good TinyURL alternative?
Shortly by SwiftLink is a TinyURL alternative that keeps the one-click shortening TinyURL is loved for, then adds click tracking, QR codes, link expiration, and password protection. You can shorten a URL without signing up.
Is Shortly free like TinyURL?
Yes. You can shorten links anonymously with no account, and a free account adds 25 tracked links per month with full analytics and QR codes.
Do short links created here expire?
Only if you set an expiry date. By default a Shortly link keeps working indefinitely, and you can add an expiration date per link when you want a campaign URL to stop resolving.
Can I customise the short URL?
Yes — pick your own slug when creating the link, so getswiftlink.world/spring-sale works instead of a random string. On the Business plan you can serve it from your own domain too.
Related reading
Shorten a link right now
Paste a long URL and get a working short link instantly. Create a free account to track clicks.