Bitly Reviews 688

Initially, Bitly offered free dynamic QR codes that directed straight to the desired webpage. Then, they changed their terms to include a loading page with ads before users are directed to the webpage. This was after I printed the QR code on hundreds of business cards. Now I will have to look elsewhere for truly free dynamic QR codes, and I will have to reprint my business cards.

Bitly’s automated safety system falsely flagged a harmless QR code link I created for my wedding day. The QR codes were already printed on cards and placed on wedding tables, so when guests tried to scan them, they were met with a scary “potentially harmful” warning page.

Despite immediately appealing, it took over a week for Bitly to resolve a clear false positive. During that time, I received only automated responses and no sense of urgency — for a once-in-a-lifetime event.

The link was hosted on Netlify, custom-built by me, and completely safe. The issue was eventually fixed, but far too late to avoid embarrassment and stress.

Automation without timely human review is dangerous when real people and real events are involved. I would strongly discourage using Bitly for anything time-sensitive or important.

It looks like customer service is not very helpful whenever you have issue. Product is good but need to take care of their customer problem more seriously

Purchased Bitly Core Plan for $120 for Facebook Ads tracking. Product does not preserve query parameters in redirects - critical feature for advertising. Tested extensively, parameters completely disappear. Support refused refund despite < 24 hour purchase window and obvious product defect. Not recommended for advertising use.

this is the best link shorter service ever

The free account used to be useful, but now Bitly.com has take away ALL of the useful basic engagement info on the free account - You can't even see the most basic info, i.e. how many clicks has your Link had?
This is now a pointless service in my view.
Might as well give out the destination address as it's pointless having a Bitly short URL (link) now.

The worst link shortening site; any link gets blocked for no reason.

After being decent and offering a free level for a long time, they pulled the rug out from under their customers and added an ad!!!!!!! in between the click and the page. Just google how bad this was to see what many many people are saying. We just use Chrome and go to page and right click on create QR code to this page. Then AI customer support that is not good IMO.

Terrible customer service. Deceptive business practice. I signed up for a free trial and tried to cancel with no help or response. I ended up being charged for an annual membership.

Created a link, generated a QR code, and printed it on a poster. Initially, the link led directly to the page, everything was wonderful. After a week, however, the link redirected to a "preview page" full of advertising, and only after clicking a button could you continue. The only solution is to take out a paid subscription.
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Link erstellt, QR-Code erzeugt und auf Plakat gedruckt. Zu Beginn kam man über den Link direkt auf die Seite, alles wunderbar. Nach einer Woche leitet der Link dann aber auf eine "Vorschauseite" voller Werbung weiter und erst nach Klick auf einen Button kommt man weiter. Einzige Lösung ist, ein Bezahl-Abo abzuschliessen.

Terrible experience. No real customer care—just an AI reply. I can’t remove my credit card from my account, I don’t want to continue the subscription. They auto-renew and bill me anyway.

Unlawful abonnements, as hidden for vision impaired users (will not be noted from e-reader), no option to contact any human for further assistance. Very discriminating, will start lawsuit.

- No way to contact them (The help page simply redirects to "help" articles.)
- Predatory tactics to trick you into subscribing to their newsletter. (They send an email ressembling an email to validate your email address when you are in th e prcoess of registering.)
- No way to delete your data completely. (You will still receive marketing emails.)
- Almost no features and no stats if you’re using a free account.

The absolute worst of the worst. Never agreed to a subscription and got billed for an account I cannot access, then no way to dispute the charge.

I wish I had read these reviews before I signed up for this service. I've been stung by their $120 auto-renewal with no warning and no means of redress. Please do not use this service.

Started showing ads on my links without informing me. Bait and switch.

They are standard scammers, tricking into credit card charges and refusing any refund.

It's fine, could improve UI experience with more modern features.