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Self-Hosting Shlink: URL Shortener with Analytics

Shlink is a self-hosted URL shortener. Custom domains, QR codes, visit tracking, and API — your own bit.ly.

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What Is Shlink?


Shlink is a self-hosted URL shortener. Create short links with your own domain, track visits, and generate QR codes.


Features


URL Shortening

  • Custom slugs
  • Auto-generated short codes
  • Custom domains
  • QR code generation
  • Forward query parameters

    • Analytics

  • Visit counting
  • Referrer tracking
  • Location (country, city)
  • Device and browser
  • Bot detection
  • Date range filtering

    • Advanced

  • REST API (full functionality)
  • Tags for organization
  • Maximum visits limit
  • Expiration dates
  • Redirect rules (per device, per location)
  • Import from Bitly

    • Management

  • Web client (Shlink Web Client)
  • CLI tool
  • API for automation

    • Shlink vs YOURLS vs Bitly


  • Shlink: Best API, modern, PHP
  • YOURLS: Simpler, plugin ecosystem, PHP
  • Bitly: SaaS, most features, free tier limited

    • Deployment


    1. Deploy Shlink on TinyPod

    2. Configure your short domain

    3. Deploy Shlink Web Client

    4. Start creating short links


    Resources: 1 CPU, 256 MB RAM.


    Shlink gives you Bitly-level URL shortening under your own domain. The analytics are comprehensive and the API enables automation.