v.gd

What v.gd is
v.gd is a free URL-shortening service offered through its website, API, and extensions. It accepts original addresses up to 5,000 characters and can create custom aliases from 5 to 30 characters using letters, numbers, and underscores. Preview pages are enabled by default, letting visitors inspect a destination before opening it. When statistics logging is enabled during link creation, usage statistics appear on the preview page. Shortened links cannot be deleted, and their destinations cannot be changed later; v.gd expects compliant links to remain available indefinitely subject to technical issues and its terms. The API accepts HTTPS GET or POST requests and returns plain text, XML, or JSON. It is intended mainly for low-volume applications or software on an end user’s machine, with no more than five concurrent connections. The privacy policy says the service stores original URLs and IP addresses for operation and abuse handling, and warns that shortened links are not private or suitable for sensitive data.
Who it suits
v.gd suits users needing permanent short links, custom aliases, preview pages, or a simple API. It is available on the web, through extensions, and via API.
What it does well
- Free service with no paid plan
- Custom aliases from 5–30 characters
- Preview pages enabled by default
- Optional link statistics
- API returns plain text, XML, or JSON
What to know first
- Links cannot be deleted or redirected
- API is rate limited to five concurrent connections
- Shortened URLs are not private
- Commercial email use is prohibited
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| v.gd | Free service · Shortened URLs are permanent · API is rate limited · maximum 5 concurrent connections | Free |
As v.gd lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
v.gd provides straightforward shortening with previews, optional statistics, and an API for low-volume use. Remember that links are permanent and should not point to sensitive information.
Facts from v.gd's own pages
- API
- The API accepts HTTPS GET or POST requests and can return plain text, XML, or JSON. · v.gd, 12 Oct 2026
- API access
- Yes · v.gd, 21 Sept 2026
- API audience and limits
- The API is intended primarily for low-volume applications or software running on an end user’s machine; API users should open no more than five concurrent connections. · v.gd, 12 Oct 2026
- Custom links
- Custom URL aliases must be 5–30 characters and may use upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and underscores. · v.gd, 12 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · v.gd, 21 Sept 2026
- Integrations
- The software page lists third-party tools that use v.gd or is.gd, including browser extensions, desktop applications, and command-line tools; the site says these are not endorsed or tested by v.gd. · v.gd, 12 Oct 2026
- Link lifetime
- The site says it expects compliant shortened URLs to last forever, subject to technical issues and terms. · v.gd, 12 Oct 2026
- Link statistics
- Users can enable statistics logging when creating a link and view statistics from its preview page. · v.gd, 12 Oct 2026
- Permanent destinations
- Users cannot delete shortened links or change their destinations after creation. · v.gd, 12 Oct 2026
- Preview safety
- Link previews are enabled by default so visitors can check a shortened link’s destination before visiting it. · v.gd, 12 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The privacy policy says v.gd does not collect personally identifying information, but stores data including original URLs and IP addresses to provide the service and address abuse. · v.gd, 12 Oct 2026
- Sensitive links
- The privacy policy says shortened URLs are not private and should not be used to link to sensitive or secure data. · v.gd, 12 Oct 2026
- Service
- v.gd provides a URL shortening service. · v.gd, 12 Oct 2026
- Support
- The contact page says abuse reports are targeted for handling within 24 hours and provides a general contact email. · v.gd, 12 Oct 2026
- URL length limit
- The maximum original URL length is 5,000 characters. · v.gd, 12 Oct 2026
- Usage restrictions
- The terms prohibit using v.gd links in commercial email, unsolicited advertising, malicious content, and other listed prohibited uses. · v.gd, 12 Oct 2026
Where v.gd stands on Freedom251
- URL shorteners#114 of 156