Here's a detailed step-by-step guide on how to set up your own URL shortener using YOURLS (Your Own URL Shortener) 🚀🔗.
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your Own URL Shortener
1. Why Create Your Own URL Shortener?
Before we dive into the setup, here’s why having a self-hosted shortener is beneficial:
✅ Branding – Use a custom short domain like myshort.link instead of bit.ly/xyz123.
✅ Full Control – Own your data and prevent third-party tracking.
✅ Analytics – Get detailed insights on clicks, referrers, and locations.
✅ Ad-Free – Unlike free services, you won’t have to deal with ads or spam.
Now, let’s set up your own URL shortener in a few simple steps. 🚀
2. Requirements to Set Up a URL Shortener
Before starting, make sure you have:
1️⃣ A Short Domain Name – Buy a short and catchy domain like mysite.link.
2️⃣ Web Hosting – A server to host your URL shortener (e.g., Bluehost, SiteGround, Hostinger).
3️⃣ PHP & MySQL Support – Required for running YOURLS (most hosting services include this).
📌 Pro Tip: If you don’t have a domain, you can buy one from Namecheap, GoDaddy, or Google Domains.
3. How to Install YOURLS (Your Own URL Shortener)
Now, let’s install and configure YOURLS.
Step 1: Download YOURLS
1️⃣ Go to the YOURLS GitHub repository.
2️⃣ Click on "Code" → "Download ZIP".
3️⃣ Extract the ZIP file to your local computer.
Step 2: Upload YOURLS to Your Server
1️⃣ Connect to your web server using FTP (e.g., FileZilla) or your hosting's file manager.
2️⃣ Upload the YOURLS files to your website’s directory (e.g., public_html).
Step 3: Create a Database for YOURLS
1️⃣ Log in to cPanel or your web hosting dashboard.
2️⃣ Open MySQL Databases.
3️⃣ Click Create a New Database (e.g., yourls_db).
4️⃣ Create a MySQL User and assign it to the database with full privileges.
📌 Note: Save your database name, username, and password – you’ll need them later.
Step 4: Configure YOURLS Settings
1️⃣ Locate the user/config-sample.php file in the YOURLS folder.
2️⃣ Rename it to config.php.
3️⃣ Open config.php and update these details:
define('YOURLS_DB_USER', 'your_database_username');
define('YOURLS_DB_PASS', 'your_database_password');
define('YOURLS_DB_NAME', 'yourls_db');
define('YOURLS_SITE', 'https://yourshortdomain.com');
define('YOURLS_HOURS_OFFSET', 0);
define('YOURLS_UNIQUE_URLS', true);
define('YOURLS_PRIVATE', true); // Keep it private or make it public
4️⃣ Save the file and upload it back to your server.
Step 5: Install YOURLS
1️⃣ Open your browser and go to:
https://yourshortdomain.com/admin/install.php
2️⃣ Click "Install YOURLS".
3️⃣ If everything is correct, you’ll see a "Success" message.
🎉 Congrats! Your URL shortener is now installed!
4. How to Use Your Custom URL Shortener
Once YOURLS is installed, you can start shortening links:
1️⃣ Log in to https://yourshortdomain.com/admin/.
2️⃣ Enter a long URL (e.g., https://example.com/special-offer).
3️⃣ Click "Shorten" – You’ll get a short link like https://yourshortdomain.com/abc123.
🔹 YOURLS will track clicks, referrers, and locations for each shortened link.
5. Customizing YOURLS (Optional)
🔹 Set Up a Custom Short URL Format
Modify config.php to use custom short URLs:
define('YOURLS_URL_CONVERT', 36); // Uses alphanumeric short codes
🔹 Add Google Analytics Tracking
You can append UTM parameters to track visits in Google Analytics:
https://yourshortdomain.com/abc123?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=sale
🔹 Enable API for Automated Short Links
If you want to integrate YOURLS with WordPress, Zapier, or social media automation, enable its API:
1️⃣ Log in to YOURLS Admin Panel.
2️⃣ Go to "Tools" → "API".
3️⃣ Copy your API Key to use it in automation tools.
6. Best Practices for Managing Your URL Shortener
✅ Use HTTPS – Install an SSL certificate (via Let's Encrypt) to secure links.
✅ Enable Click Analytics – Track link clicks in the YOURLS dashboard.
✅ Create a Backup – Regularly backup your database and config files.
✅ Prevent Spam – Set YOURLS_PRIVATE to true in config.php to avoid public abuse.
7. FAQs About Setting Up a URL Shortener
🤔 Can I use YOURLS for free?
Yes! YOURLS is open-source and 100% free to use.
🤔 Can I track analytics with YOURLS?
Absolutely! YOURLS provides click analytics, referrer tracking, and location data.
🤔 What’s the best hosting for YOURLS?
For best performance, use:
- 🔹 Hostinger (affordable & fast)
- 🔹 SiteGround (secure & reliable)
- 🔹 Bluehost (great for beginners)
🤔 Can I create branded short links with YOURLS?
Yes! Simply register a short domain name like mysite.link and set it up with YOURLS.
🤔 How do I monetize my short links?
If you want to earn money from short links, try:
- 🚀 Placing Google Ads on redirect pages.
- 🚀 Using AdFly or Shorte.st for monetized links.
- 🚀 Driving traffic to affiliate products with shortened URLs.
8. Final Thoughts: Should You Create Your Own URL Shortener?
✅ If you want control over your short links, setting up YOURLS is a great option.
✅ It’s free, secure, and customizable, unlike third-party services like Bitly or TinyURL.
✅ With analytics, tracking, and branding options, it’s perfect for bloggers, marketers, and businesses.
🚀 Now it’s your turn! Set up YOURLS and start shortening links today!
👉 Found this guide useful? Share it with others! Got questions? Drop them in the comments! 😊