Some goo.gl URLs will live to fight another day

Google’s shortened URLs are the horror movie monster of the Google Graveyard: They keep finding a way to stay alive. On Friday, the company said goo.gl links that don’t show the above warning will work for the foreseeable future.

In 2018, Google cut off the ability to create new shortened links. But it kept existing URLs active as a courtesy to those who relied on them. Then, a year ago, the company said its bit.ly rival would shut down completely on August 25, 2025. That appeared to be the final nail in the coffin. Not so fast.

That brings us to Google’s change of heart today. “We understand these links are embedded in countless documents, videos, posts and more, and we appreciate the input received,” the company explained.

You’ll know yours is shutting down if it currently shows a warning message. (“This link will no longer work in the near future.”) If it redirects to the destination without that detour, it will live to fight another day. Google says the survivors were chosen based on whether they showed activity in late 2024.