Google has announced the final phase of shutting down its URL Shortener service, affecting all links created with the format https://goo.gl/*.
Key Points:
Timeline:
- August 23, 2024: Interstitial pages will begin appearing for some goo.gl links
- August 25, 2025: All goo.gl links will cease functioning, returning a 404 error
Impact:
- Affects developers and users of goo.gl shortened links
- May disrupt current link flows, including 302 redirects and social metadata
Transition Period:
- Interstitial pages will gradually increase in frequency until the shutdown date
- Users can suppress the interstitial page by adding "si=1" to existing goo.gl links
Recommended Action:
- Users should transition away from goo.gl links as soon as possible
- Google suggests moving to Firebase Dynamic Links as an alternative
This shutdown follows Google's 2018 announcement of the service's deprecation. The company cites changes in internet content discovery and the emergence of new URL shortening services as reasons for the closure.
Google acknowledges the potential inconvenience and directs users with questions or concerns to Firebase Support.
