URL shortening and link management
Create shortened links, use custom aliases, and add expiry rules or click limits. The API docs show support for creating, listing, pausing, deleting, and checking availability for short codes.
Overview
ShyLink.io is a free link management and secure data-sharing tool that combines URL shortening, encrypted secret sharing, QR code generation, UTM campaign building, and a developer API. The site positions it as a single place to shorten, protect, and track links without requiring payment.
The product supports practical link workflows such as custom aliases, expiry settings, click limits, pause and resume controls, real-time analytics, and high-resolution QR codes. It also includes a separate tool set for QR generation, UTM tagging, and safety checking, plus a browser extension and REST API for programmatic use.
Core features
Secure secret sharing
Create encrypted secret messages that are designed to be viewed a limited number of times, with optional expiry settings and active-state controls.
QR code generator
Generate trackable QR codes for any URL or text, with high-resolution PNG downloads and the option to attach the QR code to a short link for scan tracking.
UTM link builder
Build campaign URLs with UTM parameters for Google Analytics, then shorten the resulting link so it is easier to share in social posts and email.
URL safety checker
Inspect suspicious links with the safety checker tool, which is presented alongside the QR and UTM tools as part of the free toolkit.
Developer API
Access a REST API for programmatic creation and management of short links and secrets, with JSON request and response payloads.
Common use cases
Short links for campaigns
Create a short branded link for a long destination URL, optionally add a custom alias, and set expiry or click limits for time-sensitive campaigns.
Temporary secret sharing
Share a private note, credential, or other sensitive text as an encrypted secret that can expire or stop working after being viewed.
Offline promotion and print materials
Generate a QR code for a website, print it on brochures or business cards, and pair it with a short link if scan tracking or destination updates matter.
Campaign tracking
Tag a marketing URL with UTM parameters, then shorten the resulting link so it is easier to publish while still sending campaign data to analytics tools.
Developer automation
Use the REST API to create, list, pause, delete, or inspect short links and secrets from a custom workflow or internal tool.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers URL shortening and encrypted secret sharing in one product.
- Includes a free plan with no credit card requirement on the pricing page.
- Supports custom aliases, expiry settings, click limits, and pause/resume controls for links.
- Provides QR code generation, UTM building, and a link safety checker as free tools.
- Exposes a REST API for teams or developers who want to automate link and secret workflows.
Cons
- The public API is rate-limited to 100 requests per day per API key, and creation is capped at 400 links or secrets per day per account.
- The site does not publish detailed platform, team, or integration coverage beyond the browser extension, web app, and REST API.
- Some product behaviors are described at a high level on the site, but the public pages do not show all implementation details or output formats.
FAQ
What does ShyLink.io do?
ShyLink.io provides a free URL shortener, encrypted secret sharing, QR code generation, a UTM link builder, and a developer API for creating and managing links and secrets.
Is ShyLink.io free to use?
Yes. The pricing page lists a Free plan at $0/month and states that it is intended for individuals and side projects.
How does the ShyLink API authenticate requests?
The API uses REST, accepts JSON requests and responses, and authenticates with API keys sent either as a Bearer token in the Authorization header or in the X-Api-Key header.
Are there API limits?
The API docs state limits of 100 requests per day per API key and a creation quota of up to 400 links or secrets per day per account.
Can I use the QR code generator without logging in?
The QR code tool can generate QR codes without sign-up, and it can be paired with a short link if you want scan tracking and the ability to change the destination later.
Quick Facts
- Category
- URL Shortener / Secure Data Sharing
- Pricing
- Free plan at $0/month
- Platform
- Web app, browser extension, REST API
- Source domain
- shylink.io
- Primary use
- Shorten links, share secrets, generate QR codes, and build UTM links
- API base URL
- https://api.shylink.io
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