| Plan | ✓ Professional ✓ Advanced ✓ Scale ✓ Enterprise |
Link shortening turns long URLs into short links when your post is published. In Vista Social, you choose a link shortener for each profile group, and you can turn shortening off for a single post.
|
Note Shortened links only appear on the published post. Vista Social doesn't show them while you create the post or on the calendar. |
Why shorten your links
- Cleaner posts. Short links are easier to read and leave more room for your caption, especially on networks with character limits like X.
- Click tracking. Most link shorteners track clicks, so you can see what your audience engages with.
- More trust with branded links. With a white label shortener, your links use your own domain, so your audience knows where they lead.
Link shortening options
Each profile group can use one of these options:
- No shortener: links are published as they are.
- Vista Social shortener vist.ly: links are shortened with the vist.ly domain. This is the default for new profile groups.
- White label shortener based on vist.ly: available on the Advanced, Scale, and Enterprise plans. Links are shortened with your own custom domain. Your domain needs a CNAME record pointing to vist.ly. See Use your custom domain for white label link shortening.
- Bitly shortener: links are shortened with your Bitly account. First, connect Bitly in Settings → Connected Profiles (see Connecting your profiles), then select the Bitly account in the profile group.
How to set up link shortening for a profile group
1. Go to Settings → Profile Groups.
2. Click the action menu (⋮) next to the profile group and select Edit.
3. Open the Publishing tab.
4. Under Link shortening, select an option. If you select Bitly shortener, choose your Bitly account from the dropdown.
5. Click Save.
The Link shortening column on the Profile Groups list shows the option each profile group uses.
How to turn link shortening on or off for one post
When you add a link to a post, the Shortening defaults toggle appears under Link URL.
Leave it on to shorten the link with your profile group's settings. Turn it off to keep the original, unshortened URL for that post only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why can't I see my shortened link in the post preview?
A: Shortened links only appear on the published post. Vista Social doesn't show them in the composer or on the calendar.
Q: Can I use a different shortener for each brand or client?
A: Yes. Link shortening is set per profile group, so each profile group can use its own option.
Q: How do I shorten links with my own domain?
A: White label link shortening is available on the Advanced, Scale, and Enterprise plans. Select White label shortener based on vist.ly and make sure your domain has a CNAME record pointing to vist.ly. See Use your custom domain for white label link shortening.
Q: Why don't I see my Bitly account in the dropdown?
A: Bitly needs to be connected first. Go to Settings → Connected Profiles and add your Bitly account to the profile group.
Q: Can I use link shortening and UTM tracking on the same post?
A: Yes. You can manage both under Link URL. See URL Tracking with UTM codes.
Need help?
Reach out to our support team, and we are happy to help.
Related Reading:
Use your custom domain for white label link shortening in Vista Social
White labeling with Vista Social
Sign up now and try Vista Social for 14 days, free!