Google’s Shortened Links Will Stop Working Next Year
Google has announced that its popular URL shortening service, goo.gl, will be discontinued starting from next year. This news comes as a surprise to many users who have been utilizing the service for a variety of purposes over the years. The decision to shut down goo.gl is part of Google’s effort to streamline its services and focus on improving its core products.
One of the primary reasons cited by Google for the discontinuation of goo.gl is the decline in usage of the service. With the rise of other URL shortening services such as Bitly and TinyURL, the demand for goo.gl has decreased significantly. Google has acknowledged the changing landscape of the internet and is choosing to invest its resources in more relevant areas.
For users who have been relying on goo.gl to shorten their URLs, Google has assured that existing shortened links will continue to function after the service is discontinued. However, users will no longer be able to create new goo.gl links after March 30, 2019. This means that those who have been using goo.gl for link management will need to find alternative solutions before the deadline.
Google has recommended that users switch to Firebase Dynamic Links, which offers similar functionality to goo.gl. Firebase Dynamic Links allow users to create short links that automatically detect the user’s platform and route them to the appropriate destination. This can be particularly useful for developers who want to create seamless experiences for users across different devices.
Despite the discontinuation of goo.gl, Google is committed to providing support for its users during the transition period. The company has promised to maintain the goo.gl console for existing users until March 30, 2019, giving them the opportunity to export their link data and move to other services. Google has also provided a detailed guide on how to migrate from goo.gl to Firebase Dynamic Links, ensuring a smooth transition for users.
In conclusion, Google’s decision to discontinue goo.gl reflects the company’s strategic focus on enhancing its core products and services. While the news may come as a disappointment to some users, Google is taking proactive steps to assist users in transitioning to alternative solutions. By offering support and guidance throughout the process, Google is demonstrating its commitment to providing a seamless experience for its users even as it evolves its product offerings.