Developer API

A free URL shortener API — no key required

Create short links with a single HTTP request. JSON in, JSON out, rate-limited by IP. No signup, no API key, no SDK to install.

Create a short link

POST /api/shorten

cURL

curl -X POST https://shorteen.com/api/shorten \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"url": "https://example.com/a/very/long/link"}'

Response

{
  "shortUrl": "https://shorteen.com/aZ4kP",
  "code": "aZ4kP",
  "mgmtUrl": "https://shorteen.com/m/Xb...secret...token",
  "mgmtKey": "Xb...secret...token",
  "qrUrl": "https://shorteen.com/api/qr/aZ4kP"
}

Optional fields

Field	Type	Description
alias	string	Custom back-half (3–40 chars).
expiresAt	number	Expiry as epoch milliseconds.
maxClicks	number	Auto-expire after N clicks.
password	string	Require a password to visit.
permanent	boolean	Use a 301 redirect instead of 302.

Edit a link

PATCH /api/links/{mgmtKey}

curl -X PATCH https://shorteen.com/api/links/YOUR_MGMT_KEY \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"destination": "https://example.com/new", "isDisabled": false}'

Delete a link

DELETE /api/links/{mgmtKey}

curl -X DELETE https://shorteen.com/api/links/YOUR_MGMT_KEY

Get a QR code

GET /api/qr/{code}?format=png|svg — append &download to force a download.

JavaScript example

const res = await fetch("https://shorteen.com/api/shorten", {
  method: "POST",
  headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json" },
  body: JSON.stringify({ url: "https://example.com" }),
});
const { shortUrl } = await res.json();
console.log(shortUrl);

API FAQ

Do I need an API key?+

No. The basic create endpoint is keyless and rate-limited by IP, so you can start shortening links programmatically right away.

What are the rate limits?+

The public endpoint allows roughly 20 link creations per minute per IP. If you need higher limits for production use, get in touch.

Can I edit or delete links via the API?+

Yes. Each created link returns a management key. Use PATCH /api/links/{key} to edit and DELETE /api/links/{key} to remove it.

Shorten your first link in seconds

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Shorten a link — free →