How do bloggers make money from short links?

In the digital age, bloggers are constantly looking for new ways to monetize their content. One of the lesser-known but effective methods is shortlinking. This strategy allows bloggers to earn income simply for sharing shortened URLs that redirect users to different sites. But how exactly does it work, and how can bloggers maximize their income? Let's take a look at the mechanism of monetizing short links.

What are short links?

Shortlinks are shortened versions of long URLs created with the help of link shortening services such as Surl.li, Bitly, TinyURL, and Rebrandly. However, monetized shortlinks have an additional feature - they contain ads or redirects that generate revenue for the person distributing them. Among these services, Surl.li stands out for its reliability, high payouts, and user-friendly interface.

How do bloggers make money from short links?

Bloggers earn income from short links mainly through the Pay-Per-Click (PPC) or Pay-Per-View (PPV) models. Here's how it works:

1. Selecting a URL shortening service - Bloggers sign up for a shortlink monetization platform that pays per click. Surl.li is one of the leaders due to its high conversions and wide audience.
2. link shortening - A blogger converts regular links (e.g., to articles, downloads, or videos) into monetized short URLs using **Surl.li or similar services.
3. link distribution** - These links are posted on blogs, social networks, forums, or messengers.
4. user interaction** - When someone clicks on a link, an advertisement is briefly displayed before being redirected to the final page.
5. Revenue Accumulation - Bloggers receive a small amount for each view or click, and the rate depends on the visitor's country and the advertiser's rate.

Best Platforms for Short Link Monetization

Several platforms offer users to earn money from shortened links. The most popular of them are:

- Surl.li - One of the top services with high payouts and a convenient analytics tool.
- AdFly- One of the oldest and most used services that pays per thousand views.
- Shorte.st - Offers high payouts and a referral program.
- Linkvertise - Known for its advanced monetization options, including content blocking.
- Ouo.io - A convenient alternative with competitive rates.

How to increase earnings from short links?


Bloggers can use the following strategies to increase their income:

- Targeting countries with high rates - The United States, Canada, and European countries have higher CPCs.
- Valuable content - Short links should be placed in useful materials such as guides, resources, or trending topics.
- Active use of social media - Twitter, Facebook, and Telegram can significantly increase traffic.
- Moderate use - An overabundance of short links can irritate the audience and reduce trust.
- Analyze performance - Analytics tools from Surl.li will help you determine which links generate the most clicks.

Risks and Usage Considerations

Although monetizing short links is a promising source of revenue, it has certain nuances:

- Negative impact on user experience - Advertising redirects can be annoying for visitors.
- AdBlock - Some users block ads, which reduces the potential earnings.
- SEO issues - Excessive use of short links can affect the credibility of a blog.
- Service reliability - Not all platforms are stable, some may close without warning. Surl.li is known for its stability and good reputation.


Earning money from short links is an easy and affordable way for bloggers to monetize traffic. Although it does not always bring in large sums of money, it can become an important source of income in combination with other methods (affiliate marketing, advertising). Bloggers who strategically place short links in valuable content can maximize their profits without losing the trust of their audience. Among the available services, Surl.li is an excellent choice due to its high payouts, reliability, and convenient tracking tools.