Top 5 Best URL Shorteners to Earn Money Online
Discover the top 5 monetized URL shorteners with high CPM rates, multiple payment options, and referral programs to boost your online income.
Introduction: Best URL Shortener to Earn Money
Monetized URL shorteners are online tools that convert long web links into short, shareable ones, and pay creators when those links are clicked. This process often involves showing visitors an advertisement before redirecting them to the intended destination, with the ad revenue shared between the platform and the link creator. Using the best URL shortener to earn money can turn everyday link-sharing into a scalable passive income stream for bloggers, marketers, and influencers seeking extra monetization opportunities.
---
Understanding CPM and Payout Models
To maximize earnings from a monetized shortener, it’s essential to understand payout structures. The most common metric is CPM (Cost Per Mille), which represents your earnings per 1,000 valid link views.
- CPM: The amount earned per 1,000 clicks.
- Geo-targeting: CPM rates vary by audience location; Tier 1 countries like the U.S., Canada, and UK often yield higher payouts.
- Payment schedules: Platforms may pay weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly via PayPal, bank transfer, cryptocurrency, and other methods.
Common payout models include:
- Fixed CPM — The same rate for all traffic regardless of location.
- Variable CPM — Different rates depending on the viewer’s country.
- Hybrid models — Combining CPM with CPA (Cost Per Action) bonuses.
---
Top Criteria for Choosing a Money-Making URL Shortener
When selecting a platform, consider these key factors:
- High Payout Rates: Competitive CPM for your main traffic sources.
- Reliable Payments: A history of timely payouts backed by verified reviews.
- Geo Targeting: Ability to optimize ads by user location.
- Multiple Payment Options: PayPal, Payoneer, cryptocurrency, or bank transfer.
- Referral Program: Additional earnings from referring new users.
- Analytics Features: Click and revenue tracking with detailed reports.
---
Top 5 Best URL Shorteners to Earn Money Online
Below is a comparison of leading monetized shortener services.
Service | Avg CPM | Payment Methods | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|---|
AdShrink.it | $5 - $15 | PayPal, Bank, Crypto | High CPM for Tier 1 traffic; fast payouts | Minimum payout threshold can be high |
Shorte.st | $4 - $6 | PayPal, Payoneer | User-friendly dashboard; good global rates | Lower CPM for Asian traffic |
Linkvertise | $10 - $15 | PayPal, SEPA, Crypto | Various monetization modes; anti-bot measures | User journey is longer, may reduce clicks |
Ouo.io | $1.5 - $5 | PayPal | No account closure with low activity; simple API | Lower CPM for most geos |
Clk.sh | $3 - $12 | PayPal, Bitcoin | Low minimum payout; decent rates | Interface feels dated |
1. AdShrink.it
Pros: High CPM for U.S., UK, Canada; responsive support.
Cons: $10 threshold may delay initial withdrawal.
2. Shorte.st
Pros: Integrates with browser extensions; attractive referral program.
Cons: Rates drop outside Tier 1 countries.
3. Linkvertise
Pros: Multiple monetization formats; strong fraud prevention.
Cons: Extra steps in link access may deter visitors.
4. Ouo.io
Pros: No inactivity penalties; easy API usage.
Cons: Competitive disadvantage in CPM rates for premium geos.
5. Clk.sh
Pros: Offers Bitcoin payments; low minimum payouts.
Cons: Outdated user interface.

---
Step-by-Step Guide to Signing Up and Creating Short Links
Follow these steps to start earning:
- Select a URL Shortener from the comparison list.
- Register with a valid email and confirm via verification link.
- Log in to your dashboard.
- Paste your long link into the shortening tool.
- Click “Shorten” and copy the new monetized link.
- Share the link strategically across your channels.
Example:
Original link: https://example.com/article
Shortened link: https://adshrink.it/Xyz123
---
Traffic Generation Strategies to Maximize Clicks
Generating high click volumes is key to boosting income. Consider:
- Social Media Posts: Share with engaging captions on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
- YouTube Descriptions: Include monetized links relevant to your videos.
- Online Forums: Contribute helpful content with embedded links.
- Blog Posts: Naturally integrate shortened links where relevant.
- Email Marketing: Place links in newsletters with compelling CTAs.
---
Tips to Comply with Terms of Service and Avoid Banned Content
Prevent account bans by observing platform rules:
- Avoid linking to adult, violent, or illegal content.
- Refrain from misleading or spammy practices.
- Ensure the destination page offers legitimate value.
- Check for prohibited countries or categories before posting.
Compliance safeguards your account and steady earnings.
---
Methods to Track Link Performance and Earnings
Use provided analytics dashboards to monitor:
- Click Counts: Total and unique views.
- Geo Reports: Identify top-performing regions.
- Referral Sources: Understand traffic origins.
- Conversion Rate: For hybrid payout models.
Enhance tracking by integrating Google Analytics with landing pages.

---
Advanced Tactics: Landing Pages, Retargeting, and Niche Audiences
To scale earnings beyond basic sharing:
- Landing Pages: Build branded pages with grouped resources, each linked via a shortener.
- Retargeting Pixels: Gather visitor data to market to them later.
- Niche Targeting: Focus on high-value audiences, like financial or tech readers in Tier 1 countries.
Example landing page setup:
Resources
Exclusive Resources
Download Guide
Watch Tutorial
---
Conclusion and Recommendations
If you’re new to monetized shorteners, start with Ouo.io or Shorte.st for simplicity and reasonable payouts. As your traffic expands, upgrade to higher-paying services like AdShrink.it or Linkvertise. Match your chosen platform with the geographic profile of your audience for best results.
Consistent, compliant traffic generation combined with advanced tactics such as landing pages can turn a side hustle into reliable revenue. Use this guide to find the best URL shortener to earn money and begin building your sustainable online income. Ready to monetize your links? Choose a platform today and start shortening — and earning.