Password protection
Visitors type a password before they are redirected.
Link controls and safety
Password-protected links, expiry dates and other guard rails
Link controls decide who can open a GoTinyURL short link and for how long. Protect a link with a password, make it expire on a date or after a number of clicks, warn visitors about sensitive content, and on Pro and above cloak the destination or encrypt it. Each control is set per link.
What is a password-protected link?
A password-protected link asks the visitor for a password before it redirects. Only people you have given the password to reach the destination, which suits private downloads, client previews and members-only offers shared in public places.
What you can do
What can link controls do for you?
Expiring links
Stop a link on a date and time, or after a set number of clicks, then optionally send late visitors elsewhere.
Sensitive-content warning
Show a warning page before content some people should not see by surprise.
Link cloaking
Show the destination inside a frame so the address bar keeps your short link (Pro and up).
Encrypted destinations
Store the destination encrypted so it is not shown in plain text (Pro and up).
Abuse protection
Every link is subject to our acceptable use policy, and reported links are taken down.
How it works
How do you set up link controls in GoTinyURL?
Open a link, then Pick a control, then Set the details, then Share with confidence. Each step takes a few seconds in the dashboard at app.gotinyurl.com.
Open a link
Any short link in your dashboard.
Pick a control
Password, expiry, click limit, sensitive warning, cloaking or encryption.
Set the details
The password, the date or the number of clicks.
Share with confidence
The link enforces the rule on every visit.
Plans
Which GoTinyURL plans include link controls?
Password-protected links is included from the Free plan. Lifetime tiers are listed on the lifetime deal page.
| Plan | Free Free | Starter $7/mo | Pro $16/mo | Business $39/mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short links | 25 | 500 | 5,000 | Unlimited |
| Password-protected links | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Expiring links (date or click limit) | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Sensitive-content warning | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Link cloaking | Not included | Not included | Included | Included |
| Encrypted destination links | Not included | Not included | Included | Included |
Who uses it
Who gets the most from link controls?
Agencies: a domain per client
go.client-a.com and links.client-b.com from one account.
How agencies use GoTinyURLSmall businesses: a mini-site in minutes
Hours, contact form, map link, socials and reviews.
How small businesses use GoTinyURLFAQ
Link controls and safety: common questions
Q01How do I password-protect a short link?
Open the link in your dashboard, turn on password protection and type the password. Anyone opening the link is asked for it before being redirected. Password protection is included on every plan.
Q02Can a link expire automatically?
Yes. Set an expiry date and time, a maximum number of clicks, or both. After that, the link stops redirecting or sends visitors to an expiry URL you choose.
Q03What is link cloaking?
Cloaking shows the destination page inside a frame so the browser address bar keeps showing your short link. Some websites block being framed, so test the destination first. Cloaking is on Pro, Business and Lifetime Tier 3 and above.
Q04Is cloaking allowed for affiliate links?
Only where the affiliate programme and the law allow it, and never to hide where a link goes from people who need to know. Our acceptable use policy forbids using cloaking to deceive.
Q05What does the sensitive-content warning do?
It shows a short notice page before the redirect so visitors can choose whether to continue. Use it for mature, graphic or spoiler content that is otherwise allowed under our policy.
Q06Is a password-protected link fully secure?
It stops casual visitors, but anyone with the password can share it. For confidential files, also protect the destination itself with its own login.
Q07What are encrypted links?
With encryption on, the destination is stored in encrypted form and is not shown as plain text. It adds privacy for destinations you would rather not expose. Available on Pro and above.
Q08Can I combine a password with an expiry date?
Yes. Controls can be combined on the same link, for example a client preview that needs a password and stops working after Friday.
No question matches that. Try another word, or ask us directly.
Related features
Ready to try link controls? It is free to start
Create a GoTinyURL account and use link controls today. No card needed for the free plan.
- Free plan, no card
- Cancel any time
- Your data stays yours