Google has re-evaluated its intention to phase out all shortened goo.gl links, yet millions will still become inactive by the conclusion of August. As per an update on Aug. 1, links created using Google’s URL shortener that are currently in use will be “retained.” Originally, Google intended to turn off its URL shortener tool, rendering goo.gl links inactive after Aug. 25, 2025, and subsequently redirecting users to the original page. The method of sharing links has transformed since the early 2000s, with tools like goo.gl providing a more streamlined way to share URLs, particularly when platforms such as Twitter imposed shorter character constraints. Other services such as Bit.ly and Ow.ly became increasingly popular. Google’s announcement last July indicated that more than 99% of these URLs had no activity in the preceding month. Nonetheless, some links are still frequently utilized. “We recognize these links are incorporated in numerous documents, videos, posts, and more,” stated the latest update, thus those links will stay active post the Aug. 25 deadline.

**How to verify if your links are still operational**

To determine if your link remains functional after the cutoff date, input it into your browser. If the expected page shows up right away instead of redirecting to the Google notification, it will remain operational, according to the update.