How To Convert Short Unknown URL To Real Web Site Address Before Clicking On Link

More and more, it seems like many web sites and social media sites are displaying URL links as a shorten-masked links. The reason for this is to either hide a link or shorten it to keep the link from breaking when sending emails or posting in forums.

Free services such as TinyURL, is one example of how you can create a tiny (short) URL when posting on web sites that tend to cut off long URL's.

The problem for the visitor who visit web sites that display short URL's, is that they have no clue to where the link will take them once they click on it. Or is it safe.

Today there are solutions available that offer a preview feature or browser plugins that will translate the URL to the real address of the link. And while all these solutions work fine, either they require installing a plugin (which may not work if you use Microsoft Edge) or are time consuming.

Instead there is a better solution that works with any browser that you are using and requires no installation.

CheckShortURL.com is a simple, easy to use site that analyze a short URL and will display the real address of the URL link, as well as details and screen shot of the site or web page the link is pointing to.

All you need to do is visit Check Short URL and first copy the URL then paste it in the search box. Below is an example of the results:

After copying short URL, paste it in the search box and click Expand.

The results will show the long URL as well as a screen shot of the page the link is pointing to along with other information. Additionally you can check if the link is safe at Web of Trust, Google, Norton or SiteAdvisor.

It's better to be safe with no more guessing where that link is going to take you into cyberspace after clicking on those funny looking URL's (obviously not all links will be converted to the real address, but most will).