Major Update to Bitly

Bitly recently announced a major update that will affect anyone using its free URL shortening or QR code generation services. Starting in March 2025, when users click on a Bitly short link or scan a Bitly-generated QR code, they may first encounter a preview page before being redirected to the destination URL. This preview page will display information about the link destination and may also include advertisements.

This change is significant for businesses and marketers who have relied on Bitly’s free services for years. If you’ve ever created a Bitly short link or QR code and printed it on marketing materials, vehicle wraps or advertisements, this update impacts you.

WHY THIS MATTERS

For years, Bitly has been a go-to tool for businesses looking to create short URLs and QR codes with built-in analytics. The simplicity and effectiveness of Bitly’s free plan made it a popular choice, especially for businesses that only needed to manage a handful of links.

?As a marketing and advertising agency, Grapevine understands the importance of reliable and affordable short links and QR codes. We create and manage dozens of them every month across social media, printed materials, and branded campaigns. With Bitly’s new ad-supported model, it’s essential to explore alternative solutions.

Read about the changes here: https://grapeinc.com/bitly-serving-ads-on-free-accounts/