Google, Facebook to start URL Shortener as Bitl.ly Launches Pro Service

Google finally has its own URL shortener, Goo.gl. The company launched it as part of new versions of the Google Toolbar and FeedBurner.

Unlike URL shorteners like Bit.ly or TinyURL, however, Goo.gl only works in the Google Toolbar and FeedBurner.

Google offers three reasons its URL shortner is the best. From its blog post:

• Stability: Google's scalable, multi-datacenter infrastructure provides great uptime and a reliable service to our users.
• Security: As we do with web search, shortened URLs are automatically checked to detect sites that may be malicious and warn users when the short URL resolves to such sites.
• Speed: At Google we like fast products and we've worked hard to ensure this service is quick. We'll continue to iterate and improve the speed of Google Url Shortener.

Facebook is also testing a URL shortener called fb.me.

A URL shortener makes increasing sense as a Facebook feature, because the site is trying to be more open and connected to other web sites and Internet-connected devices

Bit.ly is launching a professional version its url shortening service. The pro version will have better analytics and customized short urls.

SOURCE: BUSINESS INSIDER.COM, INSIDEFACEBOOK.COM, BIT.LY BLOG