Overview

The Shorten skill uses is.gd to convert long URLs into permanent, easy-to-share short links. It requires no API key or account, delivering a simple redirect without analytics. This makes sharing links cleaner in chats, social posts, and print material.

How This Skill Works

Pass the long URL to the shorten command; it calls is.gd and returns the generated short URL. The service requires no authentication and provides a permanent redirect with no analytics.

When to Use It

• Sharing lengthy URLs in chat messages or SMS
• Posting links on social media with character limits
• Including a URL in a printed flyer or business card
• Sending a direct link in an email where space is limited
• Providing a simple, non-analytics redirect for a customer support ticket

Quick Start

1. Step 1: Run shorten "https://example.com/very/long/url"
2. Step 2: Copy the returned short URL
3. Step 3: Share the short URL wherever you need

Best Practices

• Test the shortened URL after creation to ensure it redirects correctly
• Use the short URL for permanent links and avoid exposing sensitive data in the original URL
• Respect rate limits to avoid throttling or temporary blocks
• Share the exact shortened URL to prevent mistypes or misreads
• Choose is.gd when you only need a simple redirect and not analytics

Example Use Cases

• Input: https://google.com -> Output: https://is.gd/O5d2Xq
• Input: https://example.com/very/long/url -> Output: https://is.gd/abcdef
• Input: https://example.com/blog/post-with-a-really-long-title -> Output: https://is.gd/xyz123
• Input: https://example.com/event?date=2026-03-08 -> Output: https://is.gd/def456
• Input: https://company.com/support/article/how-to-resolve-issues -> Output: https://is.gd/jkl789

Frequently Asked Questions