When at conferences and other learning events, I see lots of people using a variety of different URL Shorteners and QR Code creators. Β I started to wonder… which is the best? Β Here’s a chart to help you decide…
After the chart, my conclusions and thoughts…
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QR Codes | π | π | π | π |
Customize Links | π | π | π | π |
Stores your shortened URLs | π | π | π | π |
See URL use Statistics | πΒ (their analytics are richer) | π | π | π |
Edit destination link after creation? | π | π | π | π |
Edit shortened link after creation? | π | π | π | π |
IFTTT Integration? | π | π | π | π |
Chrome Extension or Bookmarklet? | Both | Both | Bookmarklet | Bookmarklet (also some unofficial Chrome Extensions) |
Mobile App? | iOS & Android | Unofficial ones on Android & iOS | π | π |
Option to Preview Links to make sure theyβre safe? | π (add a + to the end of the link) | π (add + to the end of the link | π (add an = sign to the end of the tiny.cc link) | π (add βpreviewβ in front of tiny.url) |
Subdirectory forwarding? | π | π | π | π |
My Conclusion:Β Years ago, I used TinyURL, but it clearly now is the inferior option. Β Most people use Goo.gl, but I think it’s clear that it’s the 3rd best of this crew (no link customization!? Β Really, Google!?).
The decision comes down to Bitly or TinyCC. Β Based on the chart above, I think that TinyCC gets the edge. Β However, I’ve been a Bitly user for a few years and I love their interface & analytics. Β I’m not sure if I can quit Bitly. Β However, if you’re a QR Code person (I’m not) – TinyCC is the clear winner.
If you notice something inaccurate in this post or the chart above – please comment below or message me @JakeMillerTech so that I can fix it!