LOGO

Shortened URL Expander - Verify Destinations Easily

December 15, 2009
Shortened URL Expander - Verify Destinations Easily

Concerned About Shortened URLs? Verify Redirect for Firefox Can Help

Do you often feel uncertain about the true destination of a shortened URL? The Verify Redirect extension for Firefox provides a solution, allowing you to preview where those links will actually take you.

Addressing the Risks of Shortened Links

Social media platforms like Twitter frequently utilize shortened URLs. This can understandably cause hesitation when encountering a link from an unfamiliar source. The core question becomes whether clicking the link is safe.

Consider, for instance, visiting the How-To Geek Twitter page. Simply hovering over a shortened link doesn’t reveal its final destination. What steps can be taken then?

Note: The URL Tooltip extension is also visible in the accompanying screenshots, aiding in URL visibility.

Seeing Verify Redirect in Operation

Here’s an illustration of the extension’s functionality. The same link, previously shown without details, is now displayed after installation.

You can now view not only the shortened URL itself, but also the domain name of the website it leads to (gizmodo.com). This represents a significant enhancement in transparency.

Note: The extension requires no configuration or complex settings.

verify-the-destinations-of-shortened-urls-the-easy-way-1.jpg

Let's examine a link utilizing bit.ly…

verify-the-destinations-of-shortened-urls-the-easy-way-2.jpg

And now, a link from tinyurl. Greater confidence regarding shortened URLs is now achievable…

verify-the-destinations-of-shortened-urls-the-easy-way-3.jpg

Additional Functionality: Detecting Redirects

The extension also displays pop-up notifications when a standard website redirects to another location. This feature effectively identifies such redirection behavior.

verify-the-destinations-of-shortened-urls-the-easy-way-4.jpg

In Conclusion

If you experience anxiety when clicking on shortened URLs, the Verify Redirect extension can provide reassurance. It may even protect you from inadvertently visiting an undesirable or unsafe website.

Download Links

  • Download the Verify Redirect extension (Mozilla Add-ons)
  • Download the Verify Redirect extension (Extension Homepage)
#URL expander#shorten URL#verify URL#link checker#phishing#malicious links