Google URL Shortener for YouTube

Published on September 20, 2023

In the fast-paced world of online content, every second counts. That's why having a reliable URL shortener is essential for creators and marketers alike. And when it comes to sharing YouTube videos, Google's URL shortener is the go-to tool.

With Google's URL shortener, you can transform those long and cumbersome YouTube links into sleek and concise URLs that are easier to share and remember. Whether you're promoting your latest video on social media or sending it via email, a short URL is much more user-friendly and visually appealing.

Made specifically for YouTube, this URL shortener is optimized for the platform's unique needs and requirements. It seamlessly integrates with your YouTube account, allowing you to create custom short links for each of your videos. Plus, with Google's robust analytics, you'll gain valuable insights into how your short links are performing, helping you make data-driven decisions for your YouTube channel.

What is Google URL Shortener?

The Google URL Shortener is a free service provided by Google that allows you to shorten long URLs into more manageable and shareable links. It is a simple tool that takes a long URL and generates a shorter, more concise version. This can be very helpful when sharing links on platforms with character restrictions, such as Twitter, or when you want to make your URL more visually appealing.

The Google URL Shortener also provides some additional features, such as tracking the number of clicks on your shortened links and providing analytics data. This allows you to measure the success of your links and gain insights into how people are interacting with them. The service also automatically generates a QR code for your shortened link, making it easy to share it on printed materials or with mobile users.

In order to use the Google URL Shortener, you simply need to paste your long URL into the provided box and click the "Shorten URL" button. The service will then generate a unique short link that you can copy and use to share your content. You can also customize the ending of your short link for branding purposes, if desired.

Overall, the Google URL Shortener is a convenient and user-friendly tool that allows you to create shorter, more memorable links for your online content.

How Does Google URL Shortener Work?

Google URL Shortener is a service provided by Google that allows you to create shorter, more manageable links for your YouTube videos. It works by taking a long, complicated URL and converting it into a shorter, more concise URL that is easier to share and remember.

When you use the Google URL Shortener for your YouTube videos, it takes the original URL and generates a unique, shortened link. This link redirects to your original video, so when someone clicks on it, they are directed to your YouTube video as if they had clicked on the original, longer URL.

Not only does the Google URL Shortener create shorter links, but it also provides you with analytics and statistics about the performance of your shortened links. You can track the number of clicks, the referrers, and the countries where the clicks are coming from.

Using the Google URL Shortener for your YouTube videos is a great way to make your links more user-friendly and shareable. It eliminates the need for long, complex URLs and allows you to share your videos with ease. Whether you're promoting your videos on social media or sending them in an email, the Google URL Shortener is a valuable tool for any YouTube creator.

Why Use Google URL Shortener for YouTube?

When it comes to sharing videos on YouTube, it is important to have a clean and concise URL that is easy to remember and share. This is where the Google URL Shortener for YouTube comes into play. By using this service, you can create short and customized URLs that are perfect for sharing on social media, emails, and websites.

With Google URL Shortener, you can create URLs that are easy to type and remember. Instead of long and complex URLs that contain random numbers and letters, you can create URLs that are simple and meaningful. This not only makes it easier for your audience to remember, but also improves the overall user experience.

In addition to creating short and memorable URLs, Google URL Shortener also offers analytic features. You can track the performance of your links, including the number of clicks, geographic location of the visitors, and referral sources. This valuable data allows you to measure the success of your marketing campaigns and make informed decisions to optimize your outreach efforts.

Moreover, Google URL Shortener for YouTube also provides security features. By using this service, you can protect your links from being easily manipulated or tampered with. This is particularly important for businesses and individuals who want to ensure the integrity and authenticity of their links.

In conclusion, the Google URL Shortener for YouTube is a powerful tool that offers convenience, customization, analytics, and security. Whether you are a content creator, marketer, or simply someone who wants to share videos, using this service can greatly enhance your online presence and make your URLs more accessible and memorable to your audience.

Benefits of Using Google URL Shortener for YouTube

When it comes to sharing YouTube links, using a URL shortener can provide several benefits. Google's URL shortener is a great option to consider, especially in combination with YouTube.

1. Simplifies Link Sharing

With Google URL shortener, you can convert a long and complex YouTube link into a concise and user-friendly one. This makes it easier for users to share links via email, social media, or any other online platform.

2. Increases Click-through Rates

Short links are visually appealing and more likely to attract clicks compared to long and messy ones. By using a URL shortener, your YouTube links become more clickable and engaging, which can lead to higher click-through rates and better overall engagement.

3. Enables Tracking and Analytics

Google URL shortener offers built-in tracking and analytics features, which allow you to monitor the performance of your YouTube links. You can gather data on clicks, regions, devices, and other valuable insights to optimize your video marketing strategy.

4. Provides Customization Options

With Google URL shortener, you have the flexibility to customize your short links. You can add branding elements, keywords, or any other relevant information to make the link more descriptive and memorable.

In conclusion, using Google URL shortener for YouTube offers various benefits such as simplifying link sharing, increasing click-through rates, enabling tracking and analytics, and providing customization options. By utilizing this powerful tool, you can enhance the effectiveness of your YouTube marketing efforts and improve overall audience engagement.

Step 1: Accessing Google URL Shortener

To create short links for your YouTube videos using Google URL Shortener, you first need to access the Google URL Shortener service. This service, provided by Google, allows you to shorten long URLs into shorter, more manageable ones.

To access Google URL Shortener, open a web browser and navigate to the Google URL Shortener website. You can do this by typing "Google URL Shortener" into a search engine, or by typing "goo.gl" directly into your browser's address bar.

Once you're on the Google URL Shortener website, you will see a text box where you can enter the long URL you want to shorten. This long URL should be the address of your YouTube video that you want to create a short link for.

After entering the long URL, click on the "Shorten URL" button. Google URL Shortener will then generate a short link for you, which you can easily copy and share with others.

By following these steps, you can easily access Google URL Shortener and begin creating short links for your YouTube videos.

Step 2: Logging in to Your Google Account

To use the Google URL Shortener for YouTube, you need to log in to your Google account. This is necessary to access the services provided by Google, including the URL shortening feature.

If you don't have a Google account, you can easily create one by visiting the Google account signup page. Once you have created your account, you can proceed to the next step.

Once logged in, you will have access to all the features and services that Google provides, such as Gmail, Google Drive, and of course, the Google URL shortener for YouTube.

Logging in to your Google account is important as it allows you to manage and track the short links you create using the Google URL shortener for YouTube. This way, you can easily view statistics and monitor the performance of your shortened links.

Note: If you're already logged in to your Google account, you can skip this step and proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Navigating to the URL Shortener Tool

After signing in to your Google account, you can easily access the URL Shortener tool provided by Google. To do so, follow these simple steps:

Step 1:

Open your preferred web browser and navigate to www.google.com.

Step 2:

In the search bar, type "Google URL Shortener for YouTube" and hit enter.

You will see a list of relevant results related to the URL shortener tool.

Step 3:

Click on the link that says "URL Shortener by Google". This will take you to the official URL Shortener page.

Alternatively, you can directly navigate to the URL Shortener page by typing "goo.gl" in the web browser's address bar and hitting enter.

Now you are ready to begin creating short links for your YouTube videos using the powerful URL shortening tool provided by Google.

Step 4: Pasting the YouTube Video URL

To create a shortened link for your YouTube video using the Google URL shortener, you first need to copy the URL of the video you want to shorten. Here's how you can do it:

1.

Go to the YouTube website and locate the video you want to share.

YouTube screenshot

2.

Click on the video to open it and then click on the address bar at the top of your browser to highlight the URL.

Address bar screenshot

3.

Right-click on the highlighted URL and select "Copy" from the drop-down menu.

Copy URL screenshot

4.

Return to the Google URL shortener tool and place your cursor in the field labeled "Paste your URL here".

Google URL shortener screenshot

5.

Right-click in the field and select "Paste" from the drop-down menu. Alternatively, you can press "Ctrl + V" on your keyboard to paste the URL.

Paste URL screenshot

6.

Click on the "Shorten URL" button to generate your shortened link.

Shorten URL button screenshot

Once you've followed these steps, your YouTube video URL will be shortened using the Google URL shortener, making it easier to share with others.

Step 5: Generating a Short Link

Once you have created your YouTube video, it's time to generate a short link using the Google URL Shortener. This tool allows you to create compact and easy-to-share URLs for your videos.

To generate a short link for your YouTube video, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Google URL Shortener website.
  2. Click on the "Shorten URL" button.
  3. Copy the URL of your YouTube video.
  4. Paste the URL into the provided field.
  5. Click on the "Shorten URL" button again.
  6. Wait for the tool to generate a short link.
  7. Once the short link is generated, it will be displayed on the screen.
  8. Copy the generated short link by clicking on the "Copy" button.

With the generated short link, you can easily share your YouTube video with others. Whether you want to send it via email, share it on social media, or embed it on a website, the short link makes it convenient for others to access your video.

Google URL Shortener for YouTube is a useful tool for creators who want to make their video links more concise and memorable. It simplifies the sharing process and helps drive more traffic to your YouTube channel. Give it a try and see the difference it makes!

Step 6: Copying the Short Link

Once you have shortened the URL using the Google URL shortener for YouTube, you can copy the short link and use it wherever you need.

To copy the short link, follow these steps:

  1. Click on the "Copy" button next to the shortened URL.
  2. An alert message will appear confirming that the link has been copied to your clipboard.

Now, you can paste the short link wherever you need it - whether it's sharing it on social media, sending it via email, or embedding it on a website.

Remember that the short link created by the Google URL shortener for YouTube is much smaller and more manageable than the original YouTube link. This makes it easier to share and remember.

Tip: If you ever need to access the short link again in the future, you can always go back to the Google URL shortener for YouTube and retrieve it from your saved URLs.

Step 7: Sharing the Short Link

Now that you have successfully shortened your YouTube URL using the Google URL Shortener, it's time to share it with others. Sharing the short link is as easy as copying and pasting it into any platform where you want to share your YouTube video.

Whether you want to share it on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or send it to your friends and family via email or instant messaging apps, the process remains the same. Simply select the generated short link and choose the "Copy" option.

Sharing on Social Media

If you want to share the short link on social media platforms, log in to your account and navigate to the desired platform. Create a new post or compose a message, and then paste the copied short link into the text field. You can add a description or hashtag to enhance your post's visibility and reach. Finally, click on the "Post" or "Send" button to share the shortened YouTube link with your followers or friends.

Sharing via Email or Instant Messaging Apps

If you prefer to share the short link via email or instant messaging apps, open your email client or messaging app and create a new message or conversation. Paste the copied short link into the message body and add any additional text if needed. Finally, click on the "Send" button to share the YouTube video link with the recipient.

Remember, the short link created using the Google URL Shortener is concise and easy to remember, making it convenient for anyone to access your YouTube video quickly. Enjoy sharing your videos with others using this efficient shortening service provided by Google!

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

If you are using the Google URL Shortener for YouTube, you may come across some common problems. Here are a few troubleshooting tips to help you resolve these issues:

Problem Possible Solution
The shortened URL is not redirecting properly Make sure you have entered the correct URL. Double-check for any typos or mistakes.
The shortened URL is not working on mobile devices Check if the shortened URL is compatible with mobile devices. Some URL shorteners may not work properly on certain platforms.
The shortened URL is not working in certain browsers Verify if the shortened URL is supported by the specific browser you are using. Some browsers may have restrictions on URL shorteners.
The shortened URL is not redirecting at all Contact the support team of the URL shortener service you are using for assistance. It could be a technical issue on their end.
The shortened URL is not providing accurate click statistics Ensure that the URL shortener service you are using offers reliable analytics and tracking. Consider using a different service if the data is consistently inaccurate.

If you encounter any other problems while using the Google URL Shortener for YouTube, it is advisable to reach out to the support team or seek help from online forums. They can provide further guidance to help resolve the issue specific to your situation.

How to Track the Performance of Your Short Links

Google's URL shortener for YouTube provides a convenient way to create shortened links for your YouTube videos. But how can you track the performance of these short links? With the help of Google's analytics tools, you can gain valuable insights into the effectiveness of your short links.

1. Google Analytics

To track the performance of your short links, you can integrate them with Google Analytics. This powerful tool allows you to monitor various metrics, such as the number of clicks, the source of the traffic, and the conversion rate. By adding custom UTM parameters to your short links, you can track the performance of specific campaigns or sources.

2. Link Click Analysis

Another way to track the performance of your short links is by analyzing click data. Google's URL shortener provides basic analytics on the number of clicks for each shortened link. By visiting the "Short Link Details" page in Google's URL shortener interface, you can see the total number of clicks, as well as the number of clicks over time.

You can also export the click data as a CSV file and perform further analysis using spreadsheet software or other data analysis tools. This can help you identify trends, spot areas for improvement, and measure the success of your short link campaigns.

3. Conversion Tracking

If your goal is to drive conversions with your short links, you can set up conversion tracking using Google Ads or other advertising platforms. By defining conversion actions and adding conversion tracking tags to your landing pages, you can track the number of conversions generated by your short links. This allows you to measure the return on investment (ROI) of your short link campaigns and optimize your marketing efforts.

In conclusion, tracking the performance of your short links is essential to understanding their impact and optimizing your marketing strategies. Whether you use Google Analytics, analyze click data, or set up conversion tracking, monitoring the effectiveness of your short links will provide valuable insights for improving your campaigns and driving better results.

Monitoring Clicks and Engagement

After creating a short URL using Google URL Shortener for YouTube, one of the key aspects that you may want to monitor is the number of clicks that your link receives. This information can give you valuable insights into the effectiveness of your marketing strategies or the popularity of your YouTube content.

To keep track of the clicks on your shortened URL, you can use Google Analytics, an invaluable tool for analyzing website traffic. By adding a tracking code to your website or YouTube channel, you can access data on the number of clicks, the geographical location of the users, the devices they are using, and other relevant metrics.

Additionally, Google URL Shortener for YouTube allows you to monitor the engagement generated by your links. This includes not only the number of clicks but also how users interact with your content after clicking the link. For example, you can track the amount of time users spend on your YouTube video or if they share it with others.

By monitoring clicks and engagement, you can gain insights into the success of your YouTube marketing campaign and make data-driven decisions to improve your results. It is crucial to regularly review the analytics and adjust your strategies accordingly to optimize your content and reach your target audience effectively.

Viewing Click Data

Once you have created a shortened URL using the Google URL Shortener, you can view the click data for that URL. This data provides valuable insights into how your URL is performing and can help you track the success of your marketing efforts.

To view the click data, you need to sign in to your Google account and go to the Google URL Shortener dashboard. From there, you can navigate to the "Analytics" section, where you will find detailed information about the clicks on your shortened URLs.

The Analytics section displays metrics such as the total number of clicks, the countries where the clicks originated, the referrers that brought the clicks, and the platforms on which the clicks occurred. This data will give you a clear picture of how your URL is being accessed and by whom.

In addition to these basic metrics, the Google URL Shortener also allows you to create custom tags for your URLs, which enable you to track the performance of specific campaigns or marketing channels. By assigning tags to your URLs, you can easily filter and analyze the click data for each tag, giving you more precise insights into the effectiveness of your marketing efforts.

Metric Description
Total Clicks The total number of clicks on the shortened URL.
Clicks by Country The countries where the clicks originated from.
Referrers The websites or applications that brought the clicks.
Platforms The platforms (desktop, mobile, tablet) on which the clicks occurred.

By regularly reviewing the click data for your Google URL Shortener links, you can gain valuable insights into the performance and effectiveness of your URLs, allowing you to make data-driven decisions and optimize your marketing strategies.

Customizing Short Links

With the Google URL Shortener for YouTube, you have the ability to customize your short links to make them more meaningful and memorable. This can be particularly useful if you want to share your videos or playlists with others.

When creating a short link using the Google URL Shortener, you can choose a custom alias that reflects the content of your YouTube video or playlist. For example, if you have a video about cooking pasta, you could choose the alias "cookingpasta" for your short link.

Customizing your short links can also help with branding and making your YouTube content more recognizable. By using a consistent naming convention or incorporating your channel name or keywords into your short links, you can create a cohesive and professional image for your brand.

Benefits of Customized Short Links

There are several benefits to customizing your short links:

  • Improved memorability: Customized short links are easier to remember and share with others.
  • Enhanced branding: By incorporating your channel name or keywords into your short links, you can reinforce your brand identity.
  • Increased click-through rates: When people see a short link that is related to the content they are interested in, they are more likely to click on it.

How to Create a Customized Short Link

To create a customized short link with the Google URL Shortener for YouTube, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the Google URL Shortener website.
  2. Sign in with your Google account.
  3. Enter the YouTube video or playlist URL that you want to shorten.
  4. Click on the "Customize" button next to the generated short link.
  5. Enter your desired custom alias in the provided field.
  6. Click on the "Create" button to generate your customized short link.

Remember to choose a custom alias that is relevant and easy to remember. Avoid using special characters or spaces in your custom alias, as this may cause issues with the functionality of the short link.

By customizing your short links with Google's URL Shortener for YouTube, you can create meaningful and memorable links that enhance your brand and improve the user experience for your viewers and subscribers.

Using Google URL Shortener with Other Platforms

If you're not only using YouTube, but also other platforms for sharing content, you can still benefit from the Google URL Shortener. This tool is not limited to YouTube, and can be used with a variety of URLs, making it versatile for all your sharing needs.

Whether you're sharing a webpage, a blog post, or a social media update, using the Google URL Shortener can make your links more concise and visually appealing. Instead of sharing long and messy URLs, you can create short links that are easy to remember and share.

Here's how you can use the Google URL Shortener with other platforms:

  1. Copy the URL: First, you need to copy the URL of the content you want to share. This can be the URL of a webpage, a blog post, or a social media update.
  2. Visit the Google URL Shortener: Open a new tab and visit the Google URL Shortener website. You can easily find it by searching for "Google URL Shortener" in your favorite search engine.
  3. Paste and shorten: Once you're on the Google URL Shortener website, paste the URL you copied earlier into the designated field. Then, click on the "Shorten URL" button to generate a shortened version of the link.
  4. Copy the shortened URL: After the Google URL Shortener has generated the shortened link, you can simply click on the "Copy" button to copy the URL to your clipboard.
  5. Share the shortened URL: Now, you can go back to the platform you want to share the content on, and paste the shortened URL wherever you need it. Whether it's in an email, a social media post, or a chat message, the shortened URL will make your content more easily accessible to others.

Remember, the Google URL Shortener can be used with any type of URL, not just those from YouTube. So, whether you're sharing videos, articles, or any other type of online content, this tool can be a valuable asset to make your links more user-friendly and manageable.

Using the Google URL Shortener with other platforms is quick and straightforward, so give it a try and make your shared links more efficient!

Best Practices for Using Google URL Shortener

When it comes to using the Google URL Shortener tool for YouTube links, there are a few best practices to consider. Following these practices can help you optimize your URL shortening process and improve the overall user experience:

1. Keep URLs concise and relevant

When creating a shortened URL using Google URL Shortener, it is important to keep it concise and relevant. Make sure the URL accurately reflects the content of the YouTube video or webpage it is linking to. This helps users understand what to expect when they click on the shortened link.

2. Customize URLs for branding purposes

Google URL Shortener allows you to customize the shortened links with your own domain or brand name. This can enhance your brand visibility and make your links more trustworthy. Customizing URLs also helps users recognize your content and reinforces your brand identity.

For example, instead of using a generic shortened URL like "goo.gl/abcd123", you can create a custom URL like "yourbrand.com/video123". This not only looks more professional but also helps users remember your brand.

3. Track and analyze URL performance

One of the biggest advantages of using the Google URL Shortener is the ability to track and analyze the performance of your shortened links. Google provides detailed analytics data that can help you understand how your links are performing, including the number of clicks, referrers, and geographic location of your audience.

By regularly monitoring these analytics, you can gain valuable insights into your audience's behavior, identify trends, and make informed decisions to optimize your marketing strategies.

In conclusion, using the Google URL Shortener for YouTube links comes with various benefits. By following these best practices, you can ensure that your shortened URLs are concise, branded, and optimized for tracking and analysis. Implement these practices to enhance your user experience and maximize the effectiveness of your YouTube marketing efforts.

Are There Any Alternatives to Google URL Shortener?

In the world of URL shorteners, Google's URL Shortener was a popular choice for many. However, with Google discontinuing this service, users are now searching for alternatives. Luckily, there are several other URL shortener services available that can effectively replace Google's offering.

One popular alternative to Google URL Shortener is Bitly. Bitly offers a simple and user-friendly platform to create short URLs. It provides advanced analytics and tracking features, allowing users to monitor the performance of their URLs.

Another option is Ow.ly, which is powered by Hootsuite. Ow.ly offers similar features to Google URL Shortener, including click tracking and analytics. It also seamlessly integrates with Hootsuite's social media management tools, making it a convenient choice for marketers.

Other alternatives to consider:

  • TinyURL
  • Rebrandly
  • buff.ly
  • is.gd

When choosing an alternative to Google URL Shortener, it is important to consider factors such as reliability, ease of use, analytics, and integration options. Each of the mentioned alternatives has its own unique features and advantages, so it's worth exploring them to find the best fit for your needs.

URL Shortener Service Advantages Analytics
Bitly Easy to use, advanced analytics Yes
Ow.ly Integration with Hootsuite, click tracking Yes
TinyURL Simple, reliable No
Rebrandly Custom branding options Yes
buff.ly Integration with Buffer, social media scheduling Yes
is.gd Simple, no-nonsense No

Overall, while Google URL Shortener may no longer be available, there are plenty of other reliable and feature-rich alternatives to choose from. Whether you need advanced analytics, integration with other platforms, or simply a simple and straightforward solution, you're sure to find a suitable URL shortener among the available options.

Q&A:

What is Google URL Shortener for YouTube?

Google URL Shortener for YouTube is a tool that allows users to create shorter, more manageable links for their YouTube videos.

Why would I want to use a URL shortener for my YouTube videos?

Using a URL shortener can make your YouTube video links easier to share, remember, and track. It can also help to increase click-through rates and make your links more visually appealing.

How do I create a short link for my YouTube video using Google URL Shortener?

To create a short link for your YouTube video using Google URL Shortener, you need to visit the Google URL Shortener website and paste your YouTube video link into the provided field. Then, click the "Shorten URL" button to generate the shortened link.

Can I customize the shortened URL created by Google URL Shortener for YouTube?

No, unfortunately Google URL Shortener does not offer the option to customize the shortened URL. The tool generates a random combination of letters and numbers that cannot be modified.

Are there any alternatives to Google URL Shortener for YouTube?

Yes, there are several alternative URL shorteners available for YouTube videos, such as Bitly, TinyURL, and Ow.ly. These tools offer similar functionalities and can be used to create short links for your YouTube videos.

Can I create short links for my YouTube videos using Google URL Shortener?

Yes, you can create short links for your YouTube videos using Google URL Shortener. It allows you to create a shorter and more memorable link that you can easily share with others.

How do I create a short link for my YouTube video using Google URL Shortener?

To create a short link for your YouTube video, you first need to go to the Google URL Shortener website. Then, paste the long URL of your YouTube video into the provided box and click the "Shorten URL" button. The website will generate a short link for your video, which you can copy and share.

What are the benefits of using short links for YouTube videos?

Using short links for YouTube videos offers several benefits. Firstly, short links are easier to remember and share with others. Secondly, they can be customized to reflect the content of your video or your personal brand. Lastly, short links can help to track and analyze the performance of your videos by providing click data.

Are short links created using Google URL Shortener for YouTube permanent?

No, short links created using Google URL Shortener for YouTube are not permanent. Google announced that the service will be discontinued on March 30, 2019. However, existing short links will continue to redirect to the intended YouTube video after this date.

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