Get Paid to Shorten Links: 10 URL Shortener Sites That Pay You

You’ve probably seen it before. You click a link, a page with a timer and a few ads shows up, you wait a few seconds, and then you reach the page you wanted. That page is a monetized URL shortener, and the person who shared the link gets paid for your visit.

The good news is that anyone can do the same. In this post we explain how it works in simple terms, and then give you 10 free sites to join.

How do URL shorteners pay you?

It works in four steps:

1. You paste a long link (your blog post, a video, a download page) into the shortener.
2. The site gives you a short link.
3. When someone clicks it, they see a short page with ads before going to the real link.
4. The advertisers pay the site, and the site pays you a small share for each valid visit.

You don’t need to build anything or have a website. You only need a link and people to click it.

What is CPM, and why does everyone mention it?

On these sites, earnings are measured in CPM, which means the amount you earn for 1,000 views. If a site pays a CPM of $3, you earn about $3 for every 1,000 valid visits.

Here is the part most people miss: the rate depends on where your visitors live. Visitors from the US, UK or Canada usually pay much more than visitors from other countries. That’s why the same link can earn very different amounts on different sites, and why we suggest testing several.

The 10 sites

ShrtFly shows its rates by country openly, so you know what to expect before you start. A good first one to try. Sign up for free on ShrtFly

uii.io is a simple shortener with a dashboard where you can track your clicks and earnings.Sign up for free on uii.io

ShrinkMe.io is a popular shortener that advertises high rates and has a low minimum payout. Read its traffic rules before you share links, because some sources may not be allowed. Sign up for free on ShrinkMe.io

Cuty.io is another easy option. Create an account, paste your link and start sharing. Sign up for free on Cuty.io

Exe.io lists its rates by country, so you can compare it to the others. Sign up for free on Exe.io

Fc.lc is a long-running shortener that’s quick to set up. Sign up for free on Fc.lc

Linkvertise is one of the best-known names, especially strong with audiences in German-speaking countries. It’s a good fit if you create content or share downloads. Sign up for free on Linkvertise

Ouo.io is one of the oldest shorteners, with a referral program and payments on a regular schedule. Sign up for free on Ouo.io

ShrinkEarn is known for a low minimum payout, so you can cash out sooner. Sign up for free on ShrinkEarn

DropLink.co is a simple option that’s worth adding so you can compare it with the rest. Sign up for free on DropLink.co

Why sign up for all of them?

Because nobody knows in advance which one will pay you best. It depends on your audience, your country and what kind of links you share. Creating an account takes a few minutes, it costs nothing, and having several lets you shorten the same link on each one and see which pays more. After a couple of weeks, keep the best two or three and ignore the rest.

Step by step: your first short link

1. Sign up using any link above and confirm your email.
2. Log in and find the box that says something like “Shorten a link”.
3. Paste the link you want to share and click the button.
4. Copy the short link and share it.
5. Check your dashboard a day later to see the clicks and earnings.
6. Add your payment details (PayPal and other options are common, but they vary by site) so you can withdraw once you hit the minimum.

Where can you share your links?

Share them where real people will see them:

• On your blog, for example in download buttons or “read more” links
• In YouTube descriptions and Telegram or Discord channels
• On social media and in forums or groups where the rules allow it
• In content people already look for, like guides, files or tutorials

Always check each site’s rules first. Some don’t accept certain traffic sources, and sharing in the wrong place can get your account banned.

Mistakes that get accounts banned

• Clicking your own links or using bots and fake traffic. The sites detect this, and they can cancel your payment.
• Spamming the same link everywhere. It annoys people and rarely works.
• Sharing links that break the rules, like illegal files or misleading pages.
• Forgetting to cash out. Withdraw as soon as you hit the minimum, so a balance doesn’t sit unused.

Frequently asked questions

Is it really free?
Yes. Joining and shortening links costs nothing.

How much can I earn?
It depends entirely on your traffic. The high numbers on these sites are best-case rates for top countries. Most visitors pay much less, so treat this as extra income and not a salary.

How fast do I get paid?
Each site has its own minimum payout and schedule. Check the payment section of your dashboard after you sign up.

Do I need a website?
No. A social profile, a channel or a group is enough, as long as real people see your links.

Final thoughts

URL shorteners won’t make you rich overnight, but they’re one of the easiest ways to start earning online, since you don’t need to build anything. Sign up for a few of them, test with the same link, and focus on the ones that pay best for your audience.