Sharing links should feel effortless. Whether you are dropping a clean URL in a chat, a social post, or an email, a short, reliable link makes everything look more professional and easier to click. That is exactly why so many people rely on URL Shortener Plus. Today we are excited to announce version 5.8, a focused update that keeps your short links working smoothly even as external services change their rules.
In this post you will learn what changed with TinyURL, why we switched the default shortener to the open-source spoo.me service, and how the new version improves reliability for everyday use. You will also find clear steps to update or install the extension on Chrome, Firefox, and Edge so you can keep creating short links without interruption.
Why TinyURL Changes Forced a Quick Update
TinyURL has long been one of the most popular free shortener services. Many users of URL Shortener Plus chose it for its simplicity. Recently, however, TinyURL began deprecating its older API. The practical result is that links created through the legacy method now force an intermediate preview page before the visitor can reach the final destination.
That extra step is more than a small annoyance. It slows down the experience, can look unprofessional in marketing or support messages, and sometimes confuses people who expect a direct jump. Because the extension aims to deliver the cleanest possible short links, we treated this change as a priority.
Version 5.8 removes the dependency on the deprecated TinyURL pathway for new links and replaces it with a service that still offers direct redirects. Existing short links you already created remain valid; the update simply ensures that future links stay fast and preview-free.
Meet spoo.me: Open Source and Built for Reliability
After evaluating several alternatives we selected spoo.me as the new default shortener inside URL Shortener Plus. It is an open-source project focused on speed, transparency, and long-term stability. Because the code is public, anyone can inspect how links are handled and how data is processed.
Key advantages for everyday users include:
- Direct redirects without forced intermediate pages
- Fast response times that feel almost instant
- A lightweight API that plays nicely with browser extensions
- Active maintenance and a clear commitment to reliability
- No unexpected changes that suddenly insert previews or ads
By switching to spoo.me we keep the core promise of the extension: one click to create a short, shareable link that works the way you expect. You still have access to other supported services such as Bitly, Rebrandly, is.gd and more when you prefer them. The update simply makes the default experience smoother and future-proof.
What Else You Get with URL Shortener Plus
Beyond the new default shortener, the extension continues to offer a complete toolkit for anyone who regularly shares links. You can create short URLs from the current page, from selected text, or from a right-click context menu. A history of recent links is kept so you can copy or reuse them later. Custom aliases and multiple service accounts are supported when the chosen provider allows them.
The interface stays minimal and focused. There are no complicated dashboards or forced sign-ups just to generate a basic short link. That makes it ideal for students, freelancers, support teams, content creators, and anyone who wants clean links without friction.
Because the extension is available for the major desktop browsers, you can keep the same workflow whether you work in Chrome, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge. Cross-browser consistency is one of the reasons many users treat it as a permanent part of their daily toolkit.
How to Get Started or Update to Version 5.8
Updating or installing takes only a minute. Follow the steps for your browser:
Google Chrome
Visit the official listing on the Chrome Web Store and click Update or Add to Chrome. Once the extension is active you will see its icon in the toolbar. Click it on any page to create a short link with the new spoo.me default.
Mozilla Firefox
Open the Firefox add-ons page for URL Shortener Plus and choose Add to Firefox. After installation the toolbar icon appears and works the same way as on other browsers.
Microsoft Edge
Go to the Edge Add-ons store listing and select Get. Edge will install the extension and place the icon where you can reach it quickly.
After the update, open the extension options if you want to change the default shortener or manage any API keys for premium services. Most users can simply start creating links right away with the new reliable backend.
You can always find the latest details and direct install buttons on the project page for URL Shortener Plus. From there you can also explore the rest of the OinkAndStuff collection of useful browser tools.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Short Links
A few practical habits make short links even more effective:
- Always test a new short link once after creating it to confirm the destination
- Use custom aliases when the service allows them so the short URL itself carries meaning
- Keep an eye on your link history inside the extension for quick re-use
- Combine short links with other productivity tools such as the Multi AI Sidebar when you need to draft messages or check facts quickly
- Share the short version in places where character limits matter, such as social posts or SMS
These small practices turn a simple shortener into a reliable part of your daily communication workflow.
Looking Ahead and Staying Connected
Browser extensions live in an ecosystem that changes often. APIs evolve, services adjust their policies, and new privacy requirements appear. Our approach is to watch those changes closely and release focused updates so your tools keep working without drama. Version 5.8 is a clear example: a quiet but important switch that protects the user experience.
If you enjoy clean, practical extensions you may also like other OinkAndStuff projects such as the Multi AI Sidebar for quick access to several AI assistants, or PiP – Picture in Picture Plus for floating video windows. You can browse everything on the OinkAndStuff home page or dive into the full list of Chrome, Firefox and Edge downloads.
Questions, feedback, or feature ideas are always welcome. Reach out through the contact page and we will be happy to hear from you.
Ready for Faster, Cleaner Short Links?
Version 5.8 of URL Shortener Plus removes the friction introduced by TinyURL’s API changes and replaces it with the open-source reliability of spoo.me. The result is short links that redirect immediately, look professional, and stay dependable for the long term.
Update today or install the extension for the first time and keep sharing links the easy way. Visit the project page, choose your browser, and start creating short URLs that simply work.
Thank you for being part of the OinkAndStuff community. We are glad to keep improving the tools you use every day.