In the digital era, making money online has become more accessible than ever. One simple yet effective way to generate income is through URL shorteners that pay users for sharing shortened links. This method is popular among bloggers, social media influencers, affiliate marketers, and anyone looking to monetize their online traffic with minimal effort.
This comprehensive guide explains what URL shorteners are, how you can use them to earn money, the best platforms available, tips for maximizing your earnings, and potential risks to be aware of.
A URL shortener is an online tool that takes a long URL and converts it into a shorter, more manageable link. For example, a long website address like:
https://www.example.com/special-offer/discounts-2025
can be shortened to something like:
https://short.ly/abc123
This makes links easier to share on social media, in messages, or anywhere online.
Some URL shortener services offer a way to earn money by sharing shortened links. When someone clicks your shortened link, they are shown an advertisement before reaching the original destination. The URL shortener platform shares a portion of the advertising revenue with you, the link sharer.
Create an account on a paid URL shortener platform.
Shorten your links using their tool.
Share the shortened links on social media, blogs, forums, or anywhere you have an audience.
Get paid based on the number of clicks and the geographic location of those clicks.
One of the most popular URL shorteners that pays users for link clicks. AdFly offers good rates depending on visitor location.
A reliable platform with competitive payouts and easy-to-use interface.
Not only shortens links but offers additional monetization like content lockers.
Pays for every click on your shortened links with frequent payout options.
A newer platform with competitive CPM rates and fast payments.
Share on High-Traffic Platforms: Use Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube descriptions, and popular forums to increase clicks.
Create Engaging Content: Links attached to valuable or entertaining content get more clicks.
Use Niche Targeting: Focus on specific audiences interested in your shared links for better engagement.
Avoid Spammy Practices: Don’t post links indiscriminately; it can harm your reputation and platform account.
Track Your Links: Use link tracking tools or the platform’s dashboard to monitor performance and focus on what works.
Combine with Affiliate Marketing: Share affiliate links via URL shorteners to earn both affiliate commissions and ad revenue.
Earnings vary widely based on factors like:
Number of clicks
Geographic location of visitors (some countries pay more per click)
Platform payout rates
Generally, CPM (cost per 1,000 clicks) ranges from $1 to $20 depending on the audience. With consistent traffic, earnings can add up nicely over time.
Easy to start with no upfront cost
Requires minimal skills
Flexible and can be done alongside other online activities
Passive income potential if links are widely shared
Earnings per click can be low without large traffic
Risk of annoying users with ads
Some platforms have strict policies and risk banning accounts
Requires constant sharing and traffic generation
Using URL shorteners on forbidden content or spam sites
Posting links without context or value
Violating platform terms which can lead to account suspension
Ignoring payout thresholds and verification steps
Earning money using URL shorteners is a simple and accessible way to monetize your online presence. Whether you are a blogger, influencer, or just someone who likes sharing interesting content, URL shorteners can provide a steady supplemental income. The key to success lies in sharing quality content, targeting the right audience, and consistently monitoring your links’ performance.