Dev Tools · 1h ago
Developer builds free self-hosted URL shortener to bypass Bitly's $10/month fee
A developer created ZipLink, a self-hostable URL shortener using Next.js and Firebase, after Bitly reduced its free tier to 5 links per month and introduced ads. ZipLink offers unlimited links, full analytics, custom domains, and no fees, contrasting with paid services like Bitly and Rebrandly. The project is open-source and gives users full data ownership.
Meridian48 take
While ZipLink solves a real pain point for developers, self-hosting still requires technical know-how and ongoing maintenance, so it's not a mass-market replacement for Bitly.
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I Built a Self-Hostable URL Shortener Because Bitly Now Charges $10/Month for Basic Links →
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