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Google is shutting down the goo.gl URL shortener service. Launched in 2009, the goo.gl service hasn't managed to survive even a decade. Michael Hermanto, Software Engineer, Firebase, said in a blog post, "To refocus our efforts, we're turning down support for goo.gl over the coming weeks and replacing it with Firebase Dynamic Links (FDL)."
FDLs are smart URLs that allow you to send existing and potential users to any location within an iOS, Android or web app. “We're excited to grow and improve the product going forward. While most features of goo.gl will eventually sunset, all existing links will continue to redirect to the intended destination,” he said.
Unfortunately, FDL is totally different from goo.gl . And Google has asked users to use services such as bit.ly or Hootsuite's ow.ly .
For consumers
From April 13, 2018, new users will not be able to create new short links via console. Existing goo.gl users can continue to use all features of goo.gl console for one year - till March 30, 2019. Users can manage all the short links and their analytics through the goo.gl console during this period.
"After March 30, 2019, all links will continue to redirect to the intended destination. Your existing short links will not be migrated to the Firebase console, however, you will be able to export your link information from the goo.gl console," Hermanto said.
For developers
Starting May 30, 2018, only projects that have accessed URL Shortener APIs earlier will be able to create short links. To create new short links, Google has recommended FDL APIs. FDL short links will automatically detect the user's platform and send the user to either the web or app, as appropriate.
Developers already calling URL Shortener APIs to manage goo.gl short links, can continue to use them for a period of one year, until March 30, 2019, when the APIs will be discontinued.
Consolation for consumers
Fortunately, all goo.gl links will continue to redirect to the intended destination after March 30, 2019. However, existing short links will not be migrated to the Firebase console/ API.
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