Google’s final farewell to goo.gl: The End of an Era

Key Points:

• Google to shut down goo.gl URL shortener on August 25, 2025.
• Users will face disruptions and are advised to find alternatives.
• The shutdown marks a shift towards innovative web navigation solutions.

In a significant yet unsurprising move, Google has announced the definitive shutdown of its once-popular URL-shortening service, goo.gl. Effective August 25, 2025, all links created through this platform will cease to function, prompting users and developers to seek alternative solutions.

Google’s decision to discontinue goo.gl is rooted in evolving user habits and the rise of competing URL-shortening services. Initially announced in 2018, the phase-out of goo.gl marked a shift in the digital landscape, reflecting changes in how users navigate and share content online. Despite the cessation of new link creation, existing URLs have remained operational, underscoring the integral role these short links have played in various digital infrastructures.

Starting August 23, 2024, users clicking on goo.gl links will be redirected to an intermediate page, signaling the imminent discontinuation of the service. This warning will progressively extend to more URLs until the final shutdown. For developers, this transition could disrupt embedded goo.gl links, affecting redirects and social media previews. To mitigate these issues temporarily, Google advises appending the parameter “si=1” to the affected URLs.

Google acknowledges the potential inconvenience this shutdown may cause. Users experiencing difficulties are encouraged to contact Firebase support for assistance. However, the company remains firm in its decision, emphasizing that this move will pave the way for more innovative solutions in web and app navigation.

As goo.gl prepares to fade into digital history, users are reminded to reflect on their usage of link shorteners and consider their preferred alternatives in this evolving technological landscape.