What Are Shortened URLs?
Shortened URLs are compact versions of longer web addresses, created by URL shortening services like bit.ly, tinyurl.com, and goo.gl. These services take a long URL and create a much shorter alias that redirects to the original destination.
Example:
Original URL: https://www.example-restaurant.com/menu/appetizers/spring-special-2024
Shortened URL: https://bit.ly/3ABC123
While convenient for sharing on social media and in text messages, shortened URLs hide their true destination, making them potentially dangerous.
Security Risks of Shortened URLs
🎭 Hidden Destinations
You can't see where the link actually leads until you click it, making it easy for attackers to disguise malicious websites.
🎣 Phishing Attacks
Scammers use shortened URLs to hide links to fake login pages that steal your credentials.
🦠 Malware Distribution
Shortened URLs can lead to websites that automatically download malicious software to your device.
📱 SMS/Email Scams
Shortened links are commonly used in spam messages to bypass security filters.
How to Expand URLs Safely
Method 1: Use ScanLikely's URL Analyzer (Recommended)
Our URL Analyzer provides comprehensive security analysis:
- Visit our URL Analyzer
- Paste the shortened URL
- Click "Analyze URL"
- Review the complete security report before visiting
✨ What You Get:
- Complete redirect chain visualization
- SSL certificate validation
- Domain reputation analysis
- Safety score (0-100)
- Detailed security warnings
Method 2: Manual URL Preview
For bit.ly links, add a "+" to the end:
https://bit.ly/3ABC123+
This shows a preview page instead of redirecting directly.
Method 3: Browser Developer Tools
Advanced users can use browser network tools to inspect redirects without following them.
Popular URL Shortening Services
bit.ly
Format: bit.ly/XXXXX
Preview: Add "+" to end
Security: Basic spam protection
tinyurl.com
Format: tinyurl.com/XXXXX
Preview: Add "preview." prefix
Security: Limited filtering
t.co (Twitter)
Format: t.co/XXXXX
Preview: Not available
Security: Twitter's built-in scanning
goo.gl (Deprecated)
Format: goo.gl/XXXXX
Preview: Add ".info" to end
Security: Google Safe Browsing
Best Practices for URL Safety
✅ Do This:
- Always expand URLs before clicking
- Use security tools like ScanLikely
- Check the final domain name carefully
- Verify SSL certificates (https://)
- Be extra cautious with unsolicited links
❌ Avoid This:
- Clicking shortened URLs blindly
- Trusting links from unknown sources
- Ignoring browser security warnings
- Entering credentials on suspicious sites
- Downloading files from unknown URLs
Warning Signs to Watch For
Suspicious Domain Names
Misspelled brands, random characters, or suspicious TLDs (.tk, .ml, .ga)
No SSL Certificate
URLs starting with "http://" instead of "https://"
Multiple Redirects
Links that redirect multiple times before reaching the final destination
Recommended Security Tools
ScanLikely URL Analyzer
Recommended✅ Complete redirect chain analysis
✅ SSL certificate validation
✅ Domain reputation checking
✅ Safety score calculation
✅ No registration required
Browser Extensions
Various browser extensions can preview shortened URLs, but may have privacy concerns.
Online Expanders
Generic URL expansion tools that show redirect chains but lack security analysis.
Stay Safe with ScanLikely
Don't let shortened URLs compromise your security. Use our advanced URL analyzer to expand and analyze any link before visiting.