Best URL Shorteners for Journalists & Reporters
Journalists and reporters need to share news quickly and efficiently. Whether it's on Twitter, WhatsApp, Telegram, or email newsletters, short links help make content more accessible and professional.
Below are some of the best URL shorteners that journalists can use for fast sharing, tracking, and branding.
1. Bitly (Best for Custom Short Links)
✅ Why use it?
- Allows customized URLs (e.g.,
bit.ly/breakingnews2025). - Provides detailed click tracking and analytics.
- Used by major news agencies like CNN and BBC.
💰 Free Plan: Yes (limited analytics)
💰 Paid Plan: Starts at $8/month
2. TinyURL (Best for Quick & Free Shortening)
✅ Why use it?
- No signup required – fast and simple.
- Permanent short links that never expire.
- Good for breaking news and live reporting.
💰 Free Plan: Yes (unlimited links)
💰 Paid Plan: Starts at $9.99/month for analytics
3. Rebrandly (Best for Branded Links)
✅ Why use it?
- Allows branded short domains (e.g.,
nyt.ms,cnn.it). - Helps build trust and increases clicks.
- Great for email newsletters and social media sharing.
💰 Free Plan: Yes (with limits)
💰 Paid Plan: Starts at $12/month
4. Aftergreenv (Best for Tracking & SEO)
✅ Why use it?
- Provides detailed analytics for each link.
- Helps track reader engagement in real time.
- Ideal for journalists who want data-driven insights.
💰 Free Plan: Available
💰 Paid Plan: Custom pricing
5. Ow.ly (Hootsuite) (Best for Social Media Sharing)
✅ Why use it?
- Integrated with Hootsuite, making it perfect for scheduling posts.
- Team collaboration for news agencies.
- Supports image and video previews.
💰 Free Plan: Only with Hootsuite
💰 Paid Plan: Included in Hootsuite subscriptions (from $99/month)
Which URL Shortener Should You Use?
| Purpose | Best Shortener |
|---|---|
| Fast, free, & simple | TinyURL |
| Custom, branded links | Rebrandly |
| Detailed tracking | Bitly |
| SEO-friendly & analytics | Aftergreenv |
| Social media integration | Ow.ly (Hootsuite) |
Final Thoughts
For journalists and reporters, speed and reliability are key. Using a trusted URL shortener can help make news-sharing more effective, improve click rates, and keep track of audience engagement.
Choose the best tool based on your needs and workflow—whether it's for fast reporting, branded links, or tracking analytics.