Google’s Goog.gl Service Is Shutting Down

It seems Google has been on a shutdown spree recently, axing programs and services one after another. The latest to fall victim to this trend is the service that shortens URLs called Goo.gl, with users being unable to use it after the deadline. As a result, some users are wondering if the shortened URLs that they already have will still work and while Google says yes, some are doubtful.

According to Google’s announcement post of the axing of the service, users will have until April 13th to use Goo.gl, at which point, the service will no longer be available. Any user who still wants to make use of the URL-shortening platform will have until then to do so and the search engine company assures them that the links will remain active.

“Starting April 13, 2018, anonymous users and users who have never created short links before today will not be able to create new short links via the goo.gl console. If you are looking to create new short links, we recommend you use Firebase Dynamic Links or check out popular services like Bitly and Ow.ly as an alternative,” the post reads.

“If you have existing goo.gl short links, you can continue to use all features of goo.gl console for a period of one year, until March 30, 2019, when we will discontinue the console. You can manage all your short links and their analytics through the goo.gl console during this period.”

As Forbes notes, even though Google promises that the shortened URLs will still work “indefinitely,” many are skeptical that this would be the case. As a result, the announcing is creating something of a subdued panic among internet marketers because of the implied consequences of the decision.

Since 2009, many have relied on Goog.gl in creating their online framework. If the service completely shuts down, it would throw a really big wrench into the whole operations of many users.