Top Alternatives to Bitly for Link Shortening and Tracking in 2021

Published on July 27, 2023

Bitly is a popular and widely used URL shortening service that allows users to condense long, cumbersome web addresses into short, manageable links. However, it is not the only player in the game. There are several other competitors in the market that offer similar services. In this article, we will explore some of the top alternatives to Bitly.

One of the most popular competitors of Bitly is cutt.ly. It offers a user-friendly interface and allows users to customize their shortened URLs. With cutt.ly, you can track the number of clicks on your links and analyze the data to gain valuable insights.

Sniply is another notable competitor in the URL shortening space. This service not only shortens your links but also allows you to add call-to-action messages and lead generation forms to any page you share. It's a great tool for marketers looking to drive traffic and generate leads.

If you're looking for a URL shortening service that is backed by a well-known brand, consider buff.ly. It is a product of Buffer, a popular social media management platform. With buff.ly, you can schedule your posts, analyze the performance of your links, and integrate with other Buffer features.

For those who prefer simplicity and ease of use, tinyurl is a great option. It allows you to quickly shorten your URLs without any complicated settings or customization options. It's perfect for casual users who just want to share links without any fuss.

is.gd is a minimalistic and straightforward URL shortening service. It doesn't offer any advanced features or analytics, but if you're just looking to shorten your links and nothing else, it gets the job done efficiently.

Rebrandly is another popular URL shortening service that offers advanced customization options. With Rebrandly, you can create branded links that reflect your brand identity and strengthen your online presence. It also provides detailed analytics and tracking tools.

Ow.ly is the URL shortening service offered by Hootsuite, a popular social media management platform. If you are already using Hootsuite for managing your social media accounts, Ow.ly can be a convenient choice as it seamlessly integrates with Hootsuite's features.

Lastly, there's goo.gl. This URL shortening service is provided by Google and offers a simple and reliable way to shorten your links. It provides real-time analytics and allows you to track the performance of your links across various platforms.

In conclusion, while Bitly is a widely used URL shortening service, there are several alternatives available in the market that offer similar or even more advanced features. Whether you're looking for customization options, advanced analytics, or simplicity, there's an alternative to Bitly that caters to your specific needs.

Google URL Shortener

Google URL Shortener, also known as goo.gl, is one of the popular competitors of Bitly for shortening URLs. It offers a user-friendly interface with easy-to-use features. One of the advantages of using Google URL Shortener is that it provides detailed analytics on the shortened links, allowing users to track the performance and engagement of their URLs.

Key Features:

  • Link Tracking: Google URL Shortener enables users to track and analyze the performance of their shortened links. It provides insights such as the number of clicks, referrers, and geographic location of the users.
  • Custom Short Links: Users can create custom short links using their own domain through the rebrandly integration. This helps in branding and creating a recognizable link for specific campaigns or businesses.
  • API Access: Google URL Shortener allows users to integrate its features and functionalities into their own applications or websites through the API. This enables developers to create custom solutions and enhance the capabilities of the URL shortening service.
  • QR Code Generation: With Google URL Shortener, users can generate QR codes for their shortened links. This makes it convenient for offline marketing or sharing links on physical media.

Although Google URL Shortener offers comprehensive features, it has been deprecated by Google. The service is no longer available for new users, but existing users can still access and use their shortened links. However, users looking for alternative URL shortening services can explore other options such as cutt.ly, sniply, is.gd, ow.ly, clickmeter, and rebrandly. Each of these services has its own unique features and may suit different needs and preferences.

Conclusion

Google URL Shortener, or goo.gl, was a popular choice for shortening URLs and tracking their performance. However, with its deprecation, users are encouraged to explore other alternatives such as cutt.ly, sniply, is.gd, ow.ly, clickmeter, rebrandly, and tinyurl. It's important to consider the specific needs and features required while choosing the right URL shortening service.

TinyURL

TinyURL is a popular URL shortening service that allows users to create shorter, more manageable links. With over millions of users worldwide, TinyURL has gained a strong reputation for its simplicity and reliability.

Features

Customizable Links: TinyURL offers users the ability to customize their shortened URLs with their own chosen keywords. This makes the links more meaningful and memorable.

Link Tracking: With TinyURL, users have access to detailed analytics and insights about their shortened links. This enables users to track the performance of their links and gain valuable insights into their audience's behavior.

Comparison with Other Services

TinyURL stands out from its competitors like Sniply, is.gd, Rebrandly, ClickMeter, Ow.ly, goo.gl, and Cutt.ly in several ways:

  • Easy-to-Use Interface: TinyURL offers a simple and straightforward user interface, making it easy for users to shorten their links with just a few clicks.
  • Wide Range of Customization Options: Unlike some of its competitors, TinyURL allows users to fully customize their shortened URLs, giving them complete control over their branding and link appearance.
  • Reliability and Trust: TinyURL has a proven track record of delivering stable and reliable service, making it a trusted choice for businesses and individuals alike.

Overall, TinyURL is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and feature-rich URL shortening service. Whether you need to share links on social media, track clicks, or personalize your URLs, TinyURL has you covered.

Ow.ly

Ow.ly is a popular URL shortening tool that is part of the Hootsuite platform. Hootsuite is a social media management tool used by businesses and individuals to streamline their social media activities. Ow.ly allows users to shorten URLs and track the performance of their links.

Like its competitors such as rebrandly, sniply, tinyurl, goo.gl, clickmeter, is.gd, and buff.ly, Ow.ly provides an easy way to shorten long and cumbersome URLs. With just a few clicks, users can generate shorter and more manageable links that are easier to share and track.

Ow.ly also offers additional features such as link customization, link analytics, and link management. Users can customize their shortened links with their own branded domain, making the links more professional and trustworthy. The link analytics feature allows users to track and measure the performance of their links, providing valuable insights into click-through rates, geographic locations of users, and more. The link management feature allows users to organize and categorize their links for easier tracking and management.

One advantage of Ow.ly over its competitors is its integration with the Hootsuite platform. Hootsuite users have the convenience of using Ow.ly directly within the Hootsuite dashboard, eliminating the need to switch between different tools and platforms.

In conclusion, Ow.ly is a powerful URL shortening tool that offers a range of features to help users shorten and track their URLs. With its integration with the Hootsuite platform and its additional customization and analytics features, Ow.ly is a great choice for businesses and individuals looking to streamline their social media activities and optimize their link management.

Bit.do

Bit.do is another popular URL shortening service that allows users to create shorter, more user-friendly URLs. Like Bitly, Bit.do offers a range of features to enhance the URL shortening experience.

With Bit.do, you can customize your shortened URLs with your own keywords, making them more memorable and easy to share. The service also provides analytics, allowing you to track the performance of your links and gain insights into your audience.

Bit.do also offers support for multiple domains, enabling you to use your own custom domain for URL shortening. This can help maintain your brand identity and create a more professional appearance for your links.

In addition to Bit.do, there are several other popular URL shortening services available. Some of the well-known competitors include ow.ly, clickmeter, buff.ly, rebrandly, cutt.ly, goo.gl, sniply, and is.gd. Each of these services offers unique features and benefits, so it's worth exploring them to find the one that best fits your needs.

is.gd

is.gd is another popular URL shortening service. It offers a simple and straightforward way to shorten long URLs into shorter and more manageable ones. With is.gd, users can easily create custom links that are easy to remember and share with others.

The service provides analytics and tracking features, allowing users to monitor the performance of their shortened links. This can be valuable for businesses and marketers who want to track the success of their campaigns or content.

is.gd also offers a bookmarklet that allows users to quickly shorten URLs without leaving their current webpage. This makes the process even more convenient and efficient.

Compared to other URL shortening services like cutt.ly, tinyurl, clickmeter, rebrandly, buff.ly, goo.gl, and ow.ly, is.gd stands out for its simplicity and ease of use. It does not offer as many advanced features as some of its competitors, but for users who prioritize simplicity and efficiency, is.gd is a great option to consider.

Overall, is.gd provides a reliable and user-friendly solution for shortening URLs and tracking their performance. Whether you are a business owner, marketer, or casual internet user, is.gd can help you create shorter, more manageable links that are easy to share and track.

Soo.gd

Soo.gd is a URL shortening service that offers a simple and straightforward way to shorten long URLs. While it may not be as well-known as some of its competitors, such as Bitly, Soo.gd offers a reliable and efficient solution for shortening URLs.

Like other URL shorteners, Soo.gd allows users to create shortened links that are easier to share and remember. It offers a clean and minimalistic interface, making it easy for users to quickly shorten their URLs without any unnecessary distractions.

One of the standout features of Soo.gd is its ability to track the performance of shortened URLs. Users can see detailed analytics such as the number of clicks, geographical location of visitors, and referral sources. This data can be extremely valuable for marketers or anyone looking to track the success of their links.

Soo.gd also offers a custom alias feature, allowing users to create a personalized URL that reflects their brand or content. This can be particularly useful for businesses or individuals looking to create a cohesive online presence.

While Soo.gd may not have the same level of brand recognition as some of its competitors like cutt.ly, rebrandly, or buff.ly, it still provides a reliable and efficient service for shortening URLs.

Overall, Soo.gd is a solid choice for those looking for a straightforward and efficient URL shortening service. It offers the essential features needed to shorten and track the performance of URLs, making it a great alternative to more well-known competitors like goo.gl, clickmeter, or is.gd.

Rebrandly

Rebrandly is a URL shortening service that offers a range of features and capabilities for businesses and individuals looking to create custom, branded short links. With Rebrandly, users can create unique, memorable short links that reflect their brand or message.

Rebrandly offers a sleek and user-friendly interface that makes it easy to create, manage, and track short links. Users can customize their short links with their own domain name, creating a professional and cohesive brand experience for their audience.

Rebrandly also offers advanced analytics and tracking capabilities, allowing users to monitor the performance of their short links. This includes data on click-through rates, geographic location of clicks, and device types used to access the links.

Compared to other URL shortening services such as buff.ly, cutt.ly, and tinyurl, Rebrandly stands out for its focus on branding and customization. While these other services offer basic link shortening functionality, Rebrandly goes the extra mile by allowing users to fully customize their links with their own domain name.

In addition to its branding capabilities, Rebrandly also offers integration with various other tools and platforms. Users can easily integrate their short links with social media platforms, marketing automation tools, and analytics platforms such as Sniply, ClickMeter, and Google Analytics.

Overall, Rebrandly is a powerful and versatile URL shortening service that provides users with extensive branding options and advanced tracking capabilities. Whether you're a small business looking to enhance your online presence or an individual looking to create personalized short links, Rebrandly is a great choice.

Clkim

Clkim is another top competitor in the URL shortening market. Like Bitly, Clkim offers easy-to-use tools for shortening URLs and tracking click data. One of the key features of Clkim is its custom domain option, allowing users to create branded short URLs using their own domain. This can be especially useful for businesses looking to maintain a consistent brand presence.

With Clkim, users have access to detailed analytics and tracking for their shortened links, including information on clicks, conversions, and engagement. Clkim also offers advanced retargeting capabilities, allowing users to display customized ads to people who have already clicked on their links.

While Clkim may not be as well-known as some of its competitors like Bitly, it offers a range of features and tools that make it a strong contender in the URL shortening market. Some other popular alternatives to Clkim include ow.ly, tinyurl, clickmeter, rebrandly, cutt.ly, is.gd, goo.gl, and buff.ly.

In summary, Clkim is a powerful URL shortening tool that offers customization options, in-depth analytics, and retargeting capabilities. Whether you are an individual looking to track link clicks or a business seeking to enhance brand visibility, Clkim is definitely worth considering as an alternative to Bitly and other competitors.

Polr

Polr is another popular URL shortening service that offers a range of features. It allows users to create short, customized URLs for their links. With Polr, you can easily shorten your URLs and share them across different platforms.

Like Bitly, Polr provides detailed analytics and tracking features to help you measure the performance of your shortened links. It also offers advanced branding options, allowing you to customize your shortened URLs with your own domain name or subdomain.

Polr is known for its user-friendly interface and easy-to-use API. It integrates well with other third-party applications, making it a versatile choice for businesses and individuals alike.

Features of Polr:

  1. Customizable URLs: Polr allows users to create branded short URLs with their own domain name or subdomain.
  2. Analytics and Tracking: Polr provides detailed analytics and tracking features to monitor the performance of your shortened links.
  3. API Integration: Polr offers an easy-to-use API that allows for seamless integration with other third-party applications.

Polr vs. Other URL Shortening Services:

URL Shortening Service Features Branding Options
Polr Customizable URLs, analytics and tracking, API integration Custom domain or subdomain
ow.ly Analytics and tracking, API integration Limited branding options
is.gd Basic URL shortening No branding options
tinyurl Basic URL shortening No branding options
rebrandly Customizable URLs, analytics and tracking, API integration Custom domain or subdomain
clickmeter Advanced analytics and tracking, API integration Limited branding options
goo.gl Basic URL shortening, analytics and tracking No branding options
buff.ly Analytics and tracking Limited branding options
sniply Advanced analytics and tracking, API integration Custom domain or subdomain

Shorte.st

Shorte.st is another popular URL shortening service that offers a variety of features and options. With Shorte.st, you can easily shorten your URLs into more concise and manageable forms.

Key Features:

1. Monetization: Shorte.st offers a unique feature that allows you to monetize your shortened links. By displaying ads to users who click on your links, you can earn money from every visit. This makes Shorte.st a great option for those looking to earn passive income.

2. Link Customization: With Shorte.st, you can customize your shortened links by adding custom domain names. This gives your links a more professional and branded appearance.

3. Analytics: Shorte.st provides in-depth analytics that allow you to track the performance of your shortened links. You can see the number of clicks, countries of origin, referrers, and more. This data can be useful for optimizing your link-sharing strategies.

Competitors:

While Shorte.st offers a range of useful features, there are also several other URL shortening services available:

  1. TinyURL: A simple and straightforward URL shortener.
  2. Cutt.ly: Offers URL shortening with customizable links and advanced analytics.
  3. Buff.ly: Focuses on social media sharing and allows for easy scheduling of posts.
  4. Ow.ly: Provides URL shortening and link tracking with added features for Hootsuite users.
  5. Goo.gl: Powered by Google, it offers URL shortening and extensive analytics.
  6. Rebrandly: Allows for custom domain names and advanced link tracking.
  7. Sniply: Offers URL shortening with the added ability to add custom call-to-action overlays to other people's content.
  8. Is.gd: A simple and minimalistic URL shortener.

When choosing a URL shortening service, it's important to consider your specific needs and requirements. Whether you prioritize customization, analytics, or monetization, there is likely a service that will suit your needs.

ClickMeter

ClickMeter is another popular option for shortening URLs and tracking clicks. With ClickMeter, users can not only shorten their URLs, but also track the performance of their links with real-time analytics.

ClickMeter offers a variety of features that make it a strong competitor to Bitly and other URL shorteners. One notable feature is the ability to create branded links, similar to rebrandly. This allows users to create shortened URLs with their own domain name, giving them a professional and personalized touch.

In addition to branded links, ClickMeter also offers the ability to track clicks and conversions across different platforms, making it a versatile option for businesses and marketers. This is similar to the capabilities of buff.ly and sniply.

Like is.gd and ow.ly, ClickMeter offers a simple and user-friendly interface, making it easy to shorten URLs and track analytics. With ClickMeter, users can quickly create shortened links and access detailed reports on their performance.

ClickMeter also offers integration with other tools and platforms, such as Google Analytics and Facebook Ads, further enhancing its tracking capabilities. This feature is similar to what clickmeter and cutt.ly offer.

Overall, ClickMeter is a powerful tool for shortening URLs and tracking clicks. Whether you need to track links for personal or business use, ClickMeter offers a range of features and integrations that make it a strong competitor to other URL shorteners like goo.gl and cutt.ly.

INK

INK is a powerful URL shortening service that offers many features and benefits for users. With INK, you can shorten long URLs into short, manageable links that are easy to share and remember.

Compared to its competitors like clickmeter, tinyurl, cutt.ly, rebrandly, is.gd, buff.ly, goo.gl, and ow.ly, INK stands out for its user-friendly interface and advanced analytics. INK provides detailed click tracking and real-time analytics, allowing users to monitor the performance of their shortened URLs.

One of the key features of INK is the ability to customize shortened URLs with your own domain name. This helps in maintaining brand consistency and professionalism. Other competitors may offer this feature as well, but INK stands out for its straightforward setup process and ease of use.

Benefits of INK

  • Advanced analytics and click tracking
  • Customizable shortened URLs with your own domain name
  • User-friendly interface
  • Easy setup process
  • Reliable and secure infrastructure

Comparison with Competitors

Service Analytics Custom Domain Interface Setup Process
INK
clickmeter
tinyurl
cutt.ly
rebrandly
is.gd
buff.ly
goo.gl
ow.ly

In conclusion, INK is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and feature-rich URL shortening service. With advanced analytics, customizable domains, and a user-friendly interface, INK stands out among its competitors. Whether you need to track clicks, maintain brand consistency, or simply shorten long URLs, INK has you covered.

Cutt.ly

Cutt.ly is a URL shortening service that offers a simple and user-friendly interface for shortening long URLs. It provides a reliable and efficient solution for users who want to share links in a more concise and manageable format.

Similar to other URL shortening services like rebrandly, tinyurl, sniply, clickmeter, buff.ly, and goo.gl, Cutt.ly allows users to shorten URLs with just a few clicks. It also provides analytics and tracking features, allowing users to monitor the performance of their shortened links.

Key Features:

Cutt.ly offers several notable features that make it stand out from other URL shortening services:

  1. Custom Short URLs: Cutt.ly allows users to create custom short URLs that reflect their brand or personal preferences. This feature is particularly useful for businesses and individuals who want to create a consistent and recognizable online identity.
  2. Link Management: Cutt.ly provides a comprehensive link management system that allows users to organize, categorize, and track their shortened URLs. This feature makes it easy to keep track of multiple links and campaigns.
  3. Link Retargeting: With Cutt.ly, users can retarget their shortened links, meaning they can show different content or offers to visitors based on their previous interactions. This advanced feature helps improve conversion rates and maximize the effectiveness of marketing campaigns.

In addition to these features, Cutt.ly offers integration with popular third-party tools and platforms, making it a versatile solution for individuals, marketers, and businesses of all sizes.

Overall, Cutt.ly stands out as a reliable and feature-rich URL shortening service, offering a range of functionalities that cater to the diverse needs of its users. Whether you are looking to create custom short URLs, track link performance, or retarget visitors, Cutt.ly has you covered.

Geniuslink

Geniuslink is another popular URL shortening service that offers advanced features and customization options. It allows users to create shortened URLs that can be used to track and analyze clicks, conversions, and other metrics. Geniuslink offers a variety of integrations with popular platforms, such as Amazon, iTunes, and Google Play, allowing users to create short URLs specifically for these platforms.

Features:

  • Advanced Analytics: Geniuslink provides detailed analytics and reporting, allowing users to track the performance of their shortened URLs.
  • Customization: Users can customize the appearance of their shortened URLs with their own domain or subdomain.
  • Global Reach: Geniuslink ensures that the shortened URLs work for users all around the world, redirecting them to the appropriate regional store or website based on their location.

Geniuslink vs Competitors:

Compared to other URL shortening services such as Rebrandly, TinyURL, Cutt.ly, Buff.ly, ClickMeter, Ow.ly, is.gd, and Sniply, Geniuslink stands out with its advanced analytics and integration capabilities. These features allow users to track the performance of their shortened URLs and to create custom URLs for specific platforms.

Branch

Branch is another popular URL shortening service that offers a variety of features and integrations. It allows users to create shortened links and track their performance through detailed analytics. Branch also offers a feature called "deep linking," which allows users to send users directly to specific content within a mobile app.

Branch is often compared to other URL shortening services like Sniply, goo.gl, ow.ly, is.gd, rebrandly, tinyurl, cutt.ly, and clickmeter. Each of these services has its own unique features and advantages. Sniply, for example, allows users to add a call-to-action to any link they share, while goo.gl offers detailed link analytics and tracking.

Overall, Branch is a great option for individuals and businesses looking for a comprehensive URL shortening and analytics solution.

Sniply

Sniply is another popular URL shortening service that provides users with the ability to create shortened links and track their performance. With Sniply, you can easily create custom call-to-action overlays on any page you share, allowing you to drive traffic back to your website or promote specific content.

Similar to Bitly, Sniply provides detailed analytics and reporting, giving you insights into how your shortened links are performing. This data can help you optimize your marketing efforts and make informed decisions about which campaigns are most effective.

Key Features of Sniply:

1. Custom overlays: Sniply allows users to create custom call-to-action overlays that appear on top of any page they share. These overlays can help drive traffic back to your website or promote specific content.

2. Analytics and reporting: Sniply provides detailed analytics and reporting, allowing you to track the performance of your shortened links. This data includes click-through rates, conversion rates, and more.

3. Conversion tracking: Sniply enables users to track conversions and measure the success of their campaigns. This feature is particularly useful for marketers who want to understand how their links are impacting their business goals.

Pros Cons
Intuitive interface Not as widely recognized as some other URL shorteners
Custom call-to-action overlays Some features may require a paid subscription
Advanced analytics and reporting
Conversion tracking

Sniply is a powerful URL shortening tool that offers custom call-to-action overlays and detailed analytics. While it may not have the same level of recognition as some other URL shorteners like Bitly or TinyURL, Sniply provides a range of features that make it a strong competitor in the market. Whether you're looking to drive traffic back to your website or track the success of your marketing campaigns, Sniply is worth considering.

Capsulink

Capsulink is a powerful URL shortening tool that offers a range of features and benefits for users. With Capsulink, you can quickly and easily shorten your long URLs into short, memorable links.

One of the key advantages of using Capsulink is its ability to customize your shortened URLs. You can create branded short links using your own domain name, which adds a professional and trustworthy touch to your links. This feature sets Capsulink apart from other URL shorteners like buff.ly, sniply, and is.gd.

In addition to custom branding, Capsulink also provides detailed analytics and tracking capabilities. You can track the performance of your shortened links, including the number of clicks, location of your audience, and other relevant data. This feature is particularly beneficial for businesses and marketers who want to measure the effectiveness of their campaigns.

Capsulink also offers integration with popular marketing tools like rebrandly, clickmeter, and goo.gl, allowing you to streamline your workflow and easily manage your links.

Key Features:

  • Custom branding: Create branded short links using your own domain name.
  • Analytics and tracking: Track the performance of your links with detailed analytics.
  • Integration: Seamlessly integrate with popular marketing tools for a streamlined workflow.

In conclusion, while there are several URL shortening tools available, Capsulink offers a unique combination of custom branding, analytics, and integration capabilities. Whether you are a business owner, marketer, or simply an individual looking to shorten your URLs, Capsulink is a powerful and versatile option.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not endorse or promote any specific URL shortening tool. It is important to carefully research and consider different options before choosing a tool that best fits your needs.

Frequently asked questions:

What are some alternatives to Bitly for shortening URLs?

There are several alternatives to Bitly for shortening URLs. Some popular options include TinyURL, Ow.ly, and Rebrandly.

How do these Bitly competitors compare in terms of features?

Bitly competitors vary in terms of features. While Bitly offers a comprehensive set of features including link tracking and analytics, other alternatives may have different offerings. For example, TinyURL focuses solely on URL shortening without additional features.

Which Bitly competitor is the most widely used?

The most widely used Bitly competitor is arguably TinyURL. It has been around for a long time and is known for its simplicity and ease of use.

Are there any advantages to using Bitly over its competitors?

Yes, there are some advantages to using Bitly over its competitors. Bitly offers a comprehensive analytics dashboard that allows users to track link clicks, geographical data, and other metrics. It also has integrations with various social media platforms and other tools.

Do any of these Bitly competitors offer custom domains for shortened URLs?

Yes, some Bitly competitors offer custom domains for shortened URLs. For example, Rebrandly allows users to create branded short links using their own domain names.

What are some Bitly competitors for shortening URLs?

Some Bitly competitors for shortening URLs include TinyURL, Ow.ly, Rebrandly, Short.io, and T2M.

Why would someone look for Bitly competitors?

Someone might look for Bitly competitors because they want to explore other options for shortening URLs, or they may be looking for additional features or pricing options that Bitly does not offer.

What are the advantages of using Bitly competitors?

The advantages of using Bitly competitors can vary depending on the specific platform, but some potential advantages include lower costs, more customization options, better analytics, and integration with different platforms or services.

Are there any free Bitly alternatives?

Yes, there are free Bitly alternatives available. TinyURL and Ow.ly offer free plans with basic features, while other platforms like Rebrandly and Short.io offer free trials.

Which Bitly competitor is best for businesses?

The best Bitly competitor for businesses can depend on the specific needs of the business. Rebrandly and Short.io are popular choices for businesses due to their advanced features, custom branding options, and integration capabilities.

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