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What’s the Deal With URLs?

Tim Leland Updated 1 min read
What’s the Deal With URLs?

Many people have heard the term URL without thinking much about what it actually means. URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator, and it is simply the web address that points to a page, file, or resource online.

Why URLs matter

URLs are how we reach websites on the internet. When you type one into a browser or click a link, the URL tells your browser where to go.

Why people shorten URLs

Many URLs are long, cluttered, and difficult to share. A URL shortener turns that long address into a cleaner, simpler link that is easier to copy, post, remember, and trust.

That is useful for:

  • Businesses sharing landing pages
  • Presenters showing a link on screen
  • Creators adding links to bios
  • Anyone who wants a cleaner-looking URL

Try T.LY

T.LY makes it easy to shorten links from the website, with the browser extension, or from your phone with the T.LY app for iPhone and iPad and Android.

Written by

Tim Leland

Tim Leland brings over 20 years of software development experience to the table, creating products used by millions around the globe. He founded T.LY with a vision to build the world’s shortest URL shortener—and since then, the platform’s popularity has soared.

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Put it into practice with T.LY

Create branded short links, dynamic QR codes and OneLinks, and see every click in one place.

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