Create Your Own URL Shortener with Short.io for Free

Ever wanted to have your own branded URL shortener? With Short.io, it’s quick, free, and easy! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get you started.

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Preparations

• A domain name
• A device with Internet access

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Getting Started

Step 1: Register and Add Your Domain

1. Visit Short.io, create an account, and log in.
2. Once logged in, click Add Domain and enter your domain address.

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Step 2: Configure DNS Records

After adding your domain, you’ll see two DNS records like these:

| A    | @    | 52.21.33.16 |  
| ---- | ---- | ----------- |  
| A    | @    | 52.2.56.64  |  

• Copy the DNS records and add them to your domain’s DNS settings on your domain registrar’s site (e.g., Namecheap, Cloudflare).
• IMPORTANT: Set the Proxy status to DNS Only mode.

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Step 3: Wait for DNS Propagation

• DNS updates may take up to 2 hours, but it’s often faster.
• To check progress, click REFRESH under Domain Settings on the Short.io dashboard.

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Step 4: Start Creating Short Links

That’s it! You can now create branded short links via the Short.io dashboard. Customize your slugs and start sharing!

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Useful Official Links

• Short.io Chrome Extension: Chrome Web Store link
• Short.io iOS App: App Store link
• Short.io Android App: Google Play link
• Short.io Telegram Bot: Bot link

To integrate the bot with your domain, create a secret API key here.

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Integration with Other Services

1. Integrate with ShareX

Follow these steps to integrate Short.io with ShareX:

1. Copy the configuration below, replacing YOUR SECRET API KEY and YOURDOMAINNAME.COM with your own values:

{  
  "Version": "13.6.1",  
  "Name": "My-URL-Shortener (URL shortener)",  
  "DestinationType": "URLShortener",  
  "RequestMethod": "POST",  
  "RequestURL": "https://api.short.io/links",  
  "Headers": {  
    "Authorization": "YOUR SECRET API KEY"  
  },  
  "Body": "JSON",  
  "Data": "{\n  \"domain\": \"YOURDOMAINNAME.COM\",\n  \"originalURL\": \"$input$\"\n}\n",  
  "URL": "$json:secureShortURL$",  
  "ErrorMessage": "$json:error$"  
}  

2. Open ShareX, go to Custom Uploader Settings, and click Import. Select Import from Clipboard to add the configuration.
3. Now you can shorten links directly from ShareX using your domain—enjoy!

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2. Integrate with Your Own Telegram Bot

Want to go the extra mile? Create a custom Telegram bot hosted on Cloudflare Workers and integrate it with your domain for free. Learn more in the official repository: lekoOwO/short-link-bot.

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Special Thanks

A big shout-out to lekoOwO for contributing with lekoOwO/short-link-bot.

Now, start shortening your URLs with style and take control of your branding! 🎉