Want to shrink long URLs into clean, branded, trackable links in just a few seconds? You’re in the right place. In this guide, I’ll show you how to integrate the Shrnkz API into your project in 5 straightforward steps—even if you're not a hardcore developer.
No more ugly URLs. No more guessing click data. Just a smart, fast, and customizable link-shortening experience.
Let’s dive in.
What is Shrnkz?
Shrnkz is a powerful URL shortening platform built for speed, branding, and analytics. It allows individuals, marketers, and businesses to generate short links that are easy to remember, visually clean, and trackable.
Whether you want to share links on social media, email, or SMS, Shrnkz has your back with its developer-friendly API.
Why Use Shrnkz API for URL Shortening?
Faster Link Creation
With the API, you can shorten thousands of links programmatically—no more manual copying and pasting.
Custom Branded URLs
Want your links to look like go.yourbrand.com/special-offer instead of some random code? Shrnkz lets you brand every link effortlessly.
Performance Tracking
Track every click, device type, location, and referrer—right from your dashboard or via the API. Perfect for marketers and campaign managers.
Prerequisites Before You Begin
Before jumping into code, make sure you check these boxes:
API Key Access
You’ll need a registered Shrnkz account. Once logged in, navigate to the developer settings and grab your unique API Key. Treat it like your password—keep it secure.
Basic Knowledge of HTTP Requests
If you're familiar with tools like Postman, cURL, or JavaScript’s fetch(), you're good to go.
Step 1: Sign Up and Generate Your API Key
Go to shrnkz.com
Sign up or log in
Head over to the API Dashboard
Click Generate API Key
Copy and securely save it
You'll use this key to authenticate all requests.
Step 2: Understand the API Endpoint Structure
Base Endpoint
All requests are sent as POST to this endpoint.
Parameters You Can Use
url (Required)
The full URL you want to shorten. Example:https://www.example.com/your-very-long-url
custom (Optional)
A custom slug for your short URL. Example: sale2025
expires_in (Optional)
Set link expiration in seconds (e.g., 3600 for 1 hour).
Step 3: Make Your First API Request
Let’s get hands-on. Here are two simple examples:
Using cURL
Using JavaScript (Fetch API)
Boom! You should see a shiny new short link.
Step 4: Handle API Responses Properly
Success Response
If everything’s correct, you’ll receive:
Save or display the short_url in your app or system.
Common Errors to Watch Out For
| Error Code | Message | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 401 | Unauthorized | Invalid or missing API key |
| 422 | Validation failed | Malformed or missing parameter |
| 429 | Rate limit exceeded | Too many requests |
Handle these gracefully to improve UX.
Step 5: Automate and Scale Your URL Shortening
Batch Shortening URLs
Shrnkz supports batch shortening via arrays. Just modify your POST payload like this:
Integrate with CMS or CRM
Want to auto-shorten links every time a blog is published or a product is listed? Use webhooks or plug Shrnkz into your CMS/CRM like WordPress, HubSpot, or Shopify.
Tips for Optimizing Your API Use
Rate Limits and Best Practices
Standard plans may allow up to 1,000 requests/day
Use exponential backoff if you hit limits
Avoid unnecessary duplicate shortening
Monitor and Analyze API Usage
Regularly log and review click metrics. Consider tagging links by campaign or source for better analytics.
Final Thoughts
And that’s a wrap! Integrating Shrnkz API isn’t rocket science—it’s actually kind of fun. Whether you're building a personal app, marketing automation, or enterprise dashboard, these 5 steps give you everything you need to start shortening links at scale.
So go ahead—turn those long, messy URLs into smart, sexy links in minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use Shrnkz API for free?
Yes! Shrnkz offers a free tier with generous limits. For higher volumes, check out their premium plans.
2. How secure is the API?
Very secure. All communications are encrypted over HTTPS, and authentication uses bearer tokens.
3. Can I delete or update short links via the API?
Yes. The Shrnkz API supports DELETE and PATCH methods for managing links.
4. Does Shrnkz offer analytics for shortened links?
Absolutely. You get click counts, referrers, device types, and more—all through the dashboard or API.
5. Can I use Shrnkz with Zapier or Make.com?
Yes! You can integrate Shrnkz into automated workflows using platforms like Zapier or Make via custom webhook actions.