For years, Bitly.com has been the go-to URL shortening service, providing a quick and efficient way to share links. However, with its latest update, Bitly is undermining the very convenience that made it so popular, resulting in a frustrating experience for users.
Bitly’s New Preview Page
Starting in March 2025, when users click a Bitly link or scan a Bitly QR code, they will first be redirected to a preview page before reaching the actual destination. Bitly claims this page will provide link information and may even display advertisements.
The new Bitly design includes an ad in the top left corner and a link preview on the right.
This change disrupts the seamless experience users expect by adding an unnecessary extra step before reaching their content. When someone clicks a shortened link, they anticipate immediate access, but Bitly’s preview page disrupts that expectation. Instead of instantly reaching their destination, users must go through an additional click, one that slows the process and will likely lead many to abandon the link altogether.
Are There Alternatives to Bitly?
Fortunately, several URL shortening services still offer a straightforward experience without intrusive preview pages or forced ads.
- ShortURL and TinyURL allow users to shorten links quickly without unnecessary interruptions.
- These alternatives provide a more user-friendly experience for those unhappy with Bitly’s changes
Final Thoughts
Bitly’s decision to introduce a preview page with ads is a major misstep. For users who rely on fast, efficient link-sharing, this update is a step backward.
The added click, potential advertising, and forced premium upgrades make Bitly less appealing. Instead of keeping things simple, Bitly has made sharing links more complicated, frustrating, and costly.
In short, Bitly has taken something simple and effective and made it unnecessarily complex, frustrating, and costly.
For many users, it’s time to move on and choose alternatives that prioritise convenience over monetisation.
