Bitly
URL shortening and link management service for creating concise, trackable links with analytics
UrlHub
Self-hosted URL shortener with custom links, QR codes, and security
UrlHub lets you run your own URL shortener on Laravel, offering custom slugs, QR code generation, password protection, expiration, device-aware redirects, and full UI customization.
Overview
Overview
UrlHub is a Laravel‑based web application that enables you to host your own URL shortening service. It targets developers, small teams, and organizations that need full control over link management without relying on third‑party services.
Core capabilities
The platform supports custom slugs, QR code generation, password‑protected links, and configurable expiration dates. Device‑aware redirection automatically sends mobile users to appropriate destinations, while a modern interface lets you edit, delete, and sort links. Extensive configuration options let you tailor registration, UI themes (including dark mode), and overall behavior to match your brand or internal policies.
Deployment
Deploying UrlHub requires a PHP 8.2+ environment, a web server such as Apache or Nginx, and a supported database (MySQL, MariaDB, or SQLite). After cloning the repository, set up the environment file, run Composer and Artisan commands, and optionally compile assets with Vite. The application ships with admin and user accounts for immediate testing.
Highlights
Custom URLs for readable, branded short links
QR code generation for mobile-friendly sharing
Device‑aware redirection to mobile‑specific destinations
Password protection and configurable link expiration
Pros
- Highly reliable and consistent link handling
- Rich feature set without external dependencies
- Fully customizable UI and registration flow
- Open‑source MIT license encourages community contributions
Considerations
- Requires Laravel/PHP 8.2+ and server setup
- No built‑in advanced analytics or reporting
- Limited to PHP ecosystem for extensions
- Self‑hosting responsibility for security patches
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Fit guide
Great for
- Teams that need a private, brandable shortener
- Developers comfortable with Laravel and Composer
- Marketers requiring QR codes and password‑protected links
- Organizations that want full control over link policies
Not ideal when
- Users seeking a ready‑made SaaS solution
- Non‑technical staff without server management experience
- Projects that depend on detailed traffic analytics
- Environments that cannot run PHP 8.2 or later
How teams use it
Internal documentation linking
Create short, memorable URLs for intranet resources, reducing broken links and improving navigation.
Event promotion with QR codes
Generate QR codes for flyers and tickets, allowing attendees to quickly access event pages on mobile devices.
Secure client file sharing
Distribute password‑protected short links that expire after a set period, enhancing confidentiality.
Mobile app deep linking
Redirect users to platform‑specific app stores or in‑app content based on their device OS.
Tech snapshot
PHP69%
Blade28%
CSS2%
JavaScript1%
Frequently asked questions
What server environment does UrlHub require?
PHP 8.2 or newer, a web server like Apache or Nginx, and MySQL, MariaDB, or SQLite.
Can I customize the look and feel of the interface?
Yes, the UI is built with Blade templates and configurable themes, including dark mode.
Does UrlHub provide link click analytics?
It tracks basic view counts; advanced analytics need external integration.
How do I set an expiration date for a short link?
Expiration can be defined in the link creation form or via the API, with a fallback URL after expiry.
Is there an official Docker image for UrlHub?
The repository does not include a Docker image, but you can containerize the application yourself.
Project at a glance
Active- Stars
- 538
- Watchers
- 538
- Forks
- 146
LicenseMIT
Repo age7 years old
Last commitlast month
Self-hostingSupported
Primary languagePHP
Last synced 2 days ago