Google made an announcement in a blog post that the time has finally come to shut down its URL shortening service, goo.gl. This means that all links in the https://goo.gl/* format will no longer work after August 25th, 2025. Users who have been utilizing this service in the past need to be aware of this impending change.
To prepare for the shutdown, Google will start displaying an interstitial page on August 23rd, 2024, for goo.gl links. This page will notify users that the link will soon become obsolete and will no longer work. Initially, only a percentage of existing links will show this message, but as the deadline approaches, more and more links will be affected.
Encouragement to Developers
Developers are strongly encouraged to update any impacted links as soon as possible. The interstitial page may cause disruptions to link redirections, so it is crucial to take action promptly. Google had previously advised developers to migrate to Firebase Dynamic Links (FDL) back in 2018, as an alternative to goo.gl. However, FDL has also been deprecated since then.
For individuals who have been using goo.gl to shorten URLs, it is important to start updating any links that are still active. This will prevent any potential disruptions in the future when the service is officially discontinued. It is recommended to switch to other URL shortening services or adopt a different approach for sharing links.
The end of goo.gl signifies a significant change in how users will be able to share links. Google’s decision to shut down this service will have implications for developers and individuals who have been relying on it. It is crucial to take the necessary steps to update and migrate any existing links to avoid any disruptions in the future. Stay informed and be proactive in handling this transition away from goo.gl.
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