5 Browser Extensions to Expand Shortened URLs

The Rise of URL Shorteners and Associated Risks

The introduction of Twitter, a platform initially defined by its 140-character limit, spurred the development of URL shortening services. These services effectively addressed the challenge of sharing lengthy URLs within the constraints of the platform.

Users rapidly became accustomed to encountering shortened links. However, the inherent drawbacks of these services remain relevant today.

Key Disadvantages of URL Shortening Services

• Uncertain Destination: It is impossible to determine the final destination of a shortened URL simply by examining its abbreviated form.
• Security Concerns: Shortened links can be exploited for malicious purposes, including online spam and scams.

Website operators have increasingly utilized these services to obscure affiliate links, construct deceptive "phishing" URLs, and mislead users – including children – into accessing inappropriate content like adult websites or gambling platforms.

This article aims to empower you to make informed decisions about the links you click. Below are several browser extensions designed to preview and expand shortened URLs, enhancing your online safety.

By utilizing these tools, you can verify the destination of a link before accessing it, mitigating the risks associated with potentially harmful shortened URLs.

Previewing and expanding shortened URLs is a crucial step in protecting yourself from online threats.

Firefox

1. Long URL Please Mod [No Longer Available]

The Long URL Please Mod, a comprehensive extension previously highlighted by MakeUseOf, effectively expands shortened URLs. It supports a vast array of URL shortening services, currently encompassing "182 short URL services."

Upon installation, this extension operates seamlessly and unobtrusively. Users can fine-tune its functionality through available settings.

• Short URLs can be replaced while preserving the original character count, with the remaining portion of the full URL represented by dots, allowing for easy domain identification.
• Both the URL and associated link text can be substituted to reveal the URL path without requiring a mouse hover.
• Users have the option to replace only the URL path or modify the link text while retaining the URL path.

2. Xpndit

Xpndit, available as both a Firefox extension and a userscript, is another option designed for Firefox users. Its intended function is to display the complete URL path alongside the page title.

During testing, however, it was unable to retrieve this supplementary information. Furthermore, performance concerns have been reported by users on the Firefox add-on page.

Google Chrome

3. ViewThrough

The ViewThrough extension for Google Chrome provides users with the ability to see the complete URL and page title simply by hovering over a link. It is designed to work with shortened URLs originating from services like bit.ly, cli.gs, ff.im, goo.gl, is.gd, nyti.ms, ow.ly, post.ly, su.pr, and tinyurl.com.

Some users have indicated compatibility issues with the most recent iterations of Google Chrome. However, performance does not appear to be negatively impacted based on initial observations.

4. LongURL

LongURL is a Chrome extension that leverages the LongURL API to expand shortened URLs, revealing the destination page's title. Hovering over a shortened link displays the full URL path, along with supplementary details such as HTTP redirects and the linked page’s meta description.

This extension offers broad compatibility with a wide range of URL shortening services. A corresponding Firefox add-on is also available, though it currently lacks updates for the browser’s newest versions.

Userscript

(Compatibility has been verified with Firefox; however, functionality may extend to Google Chrome and Opera browsers as well).

5. Long URL Mobile Expander

The functionality of this userscript mirrors that of the ViewThrough Google Chrome extension. Therefore, users who appreciate the extension's features can now utilize a similar capability within Firefox.