Google users who have utilized the goo.gl URL shortening service in the past will be faced with a rude awakening come August 25th, 2025. The announcement of the service’s impending shutdown was made in a recent blog post by Google, citing the need to discontinue the serving portion of the Google URL Shortener.
Starting on August 23rd, 2024, users clicking on goo.gl links will begin to encounter an interstitial page warning them of the link’s future inaccessibility. This message is intended to prompt users to update any affected links, as they will eventually result in a 404 error. While initially only a percentage of links will display this warning, the proportion will increase as the shutdown date draws nearer.
Google is advising developers to act swiftly in updating their links to prevent disruptions in link redirection. The use of Firebase Dynamic Links (FDL) was recommended by Google when the shutdown of goo.gl was initially announced in 2018. However, even FDL has since been deprecated, leaving developers scrambling for alternative solutions.
The discontinuation of the goo.gl URL shortening service will have a significant impact on users who have relied on the service for link sharing and tracking. With millions of existing goo.gl links scattered across the web, the need for timely action to update or replace these links is paramount.
The demise of Google’s goo.gl URL shortening service marks the end of an era for many users and developers. The upcoming shutdown of the service serves as a reminder of the transient nature of technology and the importance of staying ahead of changes in the digital landscape. As August 25th, 2025 approaches, users and developers alike must take proactive measures to ensure a smooth transition away from goo.gl links.
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