How to Upload a File to Bitly
Shortening an Internet address makes it easier to share important links with other members in your organization. Bitly is a Betaworks company owned by Bitly Incorporated, and it is the world's largest link-sharing Web service. While Bitly provides the ability to share and shorten URLs, it does not support uploading files directly to the site. Fortunately, many free file hosting services support sharing uploaded files as URLs, which you can then paste into Bitly to create shortened and customized URLs. The shortened Bitly link can then be shared with others for direct access to your original file.
Upload File
-
1.
Navigate to a file hosting service's website, such as Dropbox, Google Drive or SkyDrive, and then sign in to your account (links in Resources).
-
2.
Upload a file from your computer to the file hosting service's website. This process will vary depending on the service you use. Alternatively, locate a file you want to share that you have previously uploaded to the hosting service's website.
-
3.
Select the option to share the file, and then copy the URL. For example, click "Share Link" next to the file you want to share, click "Get URL" and then copy the URL.
Sign Up for Bitly
-
1.
Open a Web browser and navigate to the Bitly website (see Resources.)
-
2.
Click on the "Join Now. It's Free!" button.
-
3.
Enter your username, email address and password into the required fields, and then click the "Create Account" button. Alternatively, click the "Sign Up with Facebook" or "Sign Up with Twitter" button, and follow the instructions to sign up using your Facebook or Twitter account.
Create a Bitly Link
-
1.
Sign in to your Bitly account.
-
2.
Click the "Paste a Link Here…" button, click into the "Paste a URL to Save and Shorten it" field and then paste the URL for the file you want to share. A Bitly link is automatically created.
-
3.
Click the "Public" button to toggle the link's privacy setting, and then click "Add a Note" to add comments to your link. The address for the file you shared with Bitly can be copied to your clipboard by clicking the "Copy" button next to the URL.
References
Resources
Tips
- Archive unwanted links by clicking the "X" button next to one of your Bitly links.
- Click on the "Customize This Bitly Link" button, resembling a pencil, to customize the URL for your Bitly link.
Warnings
- Anyone who can view your Bitly URL can access the original file's link.
Writer Bio
Located in Denver, Chad Davis has been writing about technology for more than 10 years. He is a technical writer for information technology and product development. Davis provides grant writing and marketing services to small businesses. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in professional writing from the University of New Mexico.