Not every link should live forever. Sometimes you want a URL that works for an hour, a day, or a week — then disappears. That's exactly what TheLinkSpot's new link expiry feature does.
When you shorten a URL, you can now set it to expire after a specific duration. Once the time is up, the link stops working and visitors see a clear "this link has expired" message.
Why expiring links matter
Permanent links are great for evergreen content. But there are many situations where a temporary link is safer, cleaner, or more appropriate:
- Limited-time offers — a sale link that dies when the sale ends, preventing customers from sharing outdated deals
- Job applications — share your CV link with a recruiter, and it expires after a week so your personal information isn't permanently accessible
- Event invitations — a link to RSVP that expires after the event date
- Private file sharing — share a Google Drive or Dropbox link that stops working after 24 hours
- One-time codes or passwords — share access credentials via a link that self-destructs
- Client previews — give a client a link to review a design or draft that expires before the final version is ready
How to create an expiring link
It takes the same amount of time as creating a regular short link — about five seconds:
- Go to TheLinkSpot
- Paste your URL
- Under Link expiry, choose a duration: 1 hour, 24 hours, 7 days, or 30 days
- Click Shorten URL
Your short link works normally until the expiry time. After that, anyone who clicks it is redirected to the homepage with a message saying the link has expired.
Expiry options explained
| Option | Duration | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 hour | 60 minutes | Quick file shares, one-time access links, live event links |
| 24 hours | 1 day | Daily deals, interview materials, temporary redirects |
| 7 days | 1 week | Job applications, client review links, weekly campaigns |
| 30 days | ~1 month | Seasonal promotions, trial access, project collaboration |
| Never (default) | Permanent | Evergreen content, business links, social media bios |
What happens when a link expires?
When a link expires, three things happen:
- The link stops redirecting — visitors are shown a "this link has expired" message
- The stats page stays accessible — you can still see how many clicks the link received before it expired
- The stats page shows an "Expired" badge with the exact expiry date and time
This means you don't lose your analytics data when a link expires. You can still measure the performance of a campaign or share even after the link is no longer active.
Expiring links vs deleting links
Some URL shorteners let you delete links manually. Expiring links are better for most use cases because:
- You don't have to remember to come back and delete them
- They expire at exactly the right time, even if you're busy
- You still have access to the click stats after expiry
- There's no risk of accidentally deleting the wrong link
Real-world scenarios
Scenario 1: Flash sale
You're running a 24-hour flash sale and want to share a direct link to the sale page. Create a short link with 24-hour expiry. Share it on social media, in emails, and via SMS. After the sale ends, the link stops working automatically — no one can access an outdated deal.
Scenario 2: Job application
You're applying for a role and want to share a link to your CV stored in Google Drive. Set a 7-day expiry. The recruiter has a week to view it, and after that your personal document is no longer accessible via that link.
Scenario 3: Client preview
You've built a website for a client and want them to review a staging environment. Create a 7-day link to the staging URL. After the review period, the link expires and the staging environment isn't accidentally shared further.
Frequently asked questions
Can I extend the expiry after creating a link?
Not currently. If you need more time, create a new short link with a longer expiry duration.
Can I make an expired link active again?
No. Once a link expires, the redirect is permanently removed. You can create a new short link to the same destination.
Does the QR code still work after the link expires?
The QR code points to the same short URL. After expiry, scanning the QR code will show the "link expired" message. If you've printed QR codes, keep the expiry duration in mind. See our guide on using short links for business for more on printed materials.
Are expired link stats still visible?
Yes. The stats page remains accessible and shows the total click count, creation date, expiry date, and an "Expired" status badge.
Start using expiring links
Expiring links give you control over how long your shared content stays accessible. Whether you're sharing sensitive documents, running time-limited campaigns, or just keeping your links tidy, the expiry option is there every time you shorten a URL on TheLinkSpot.