A URL shortener is a tool that takes a long URL (uniform resource locator) and creates a shorter version of it that redirects to the original URL when clicked. There are several reasons why people use URL shorteners:
Shorter links are easier to share: Social media platforms like Twitter have character limits, which can make it challenging to share long links. By using a URL shortener, you can create a shorter link that takes up less space and is easier to share.
Analytics tracking: URL shorteners often come with built-in analytics that track how many people clicked on the link, where they came from, and other useful data.
Aesthetics: Long URLs can look cluttered and unappealing in marketing materials. A shorter, more concise URL can be more visually appealing.
Hide the original URL: Some people use URL shorteners to hide the original URL for security or privacy reasons.
To create a URL shortener, you would need to create a script or software that takes the original URL, generates a unique short URL, and creates a redirect from the short URL to the original URL. There are also several third-party URL shortener services that you can use instead of creating your own.
Here is an overview of the currently most popular URL shorteners: