Shlink

Shlink is a PHP-based, self-hosted URL shortener that lets you create and serve short links under your own domains. It provides API-first management and a CLI, while tracking anonymized visit statistics for each short URL.

Key Features

• Create short URLs with auto-generated codes or custom slugs
• Serve short links under one or multiple custom domains
• REST API with API key authentication for full remote management and integrations
• Command-line interface for administration tasks (including API key management)
• Visit tracking with anonymized analytics and optional geolocation data
• Deployable via prebuilt distribution packages or container images

Use Cases

• Run a private branded link shortener for teams, products, or marketing campaigns
• Integrate link creation and management into internal tools via a REST API
• Track engagement on shared links while keeping link ownership under your control

Limitations and Considerations

• Requires a supported database (MySQL/MariaDB/PostgreSQL/SQL Server/SQLite) and appropriate PHP extensions
• Some administrative operations (like API key management) are available only via the CLI

Shlink is a strong choice when you want a reliable, API-driven URL shortener that you can operate under your own domains. Its combination of CLI tooling, integration-friendly API, and visit analytics makes it suitable for both personal use and organizational deployments.