# Short links

{% hint style="warning" %}
Short links are only available for [SMS](https://docs.bird.com/applications/channels/channels/supported-channels/sms) and [WhatsApp](https://docs.bird.com/applications/channels/channels/supported-channels/whatsapp).
{% endhint %}

By default, when you add a link to an SMS message or WhatsApp [message template](https://docs.bird.com/applications/content/message-templates), we shorten the link so that it can be used in UTM tracking.

Shortened links will always be a Bird domain that looks similar to this: `brdX.eu`.

For example, the link <https://docs.bird.com/applications> might be shortened to something like this: `brd1.eu/psaH7QJ`.

### Branded subdomains

Branded subdomains combine a phrase that's representative of your brand, such as 'Bert's Bookshop' with our `brdX.eu` domain. Links that use branded subdomains might look like this: `bertsbooks.brd3.eu/hufR276`.

{% hint style="info" %}
The shorter your subdomain, the more space you'll have in your message for the rest of your content.
{% endhint %}

#### Set up a branded subdomain

{% hint style="danger" %}
Make sure that the subdomain you use is representative of your brand, or your account will be banned.
{% endhint %}

* From the sidebar, click **Settings**.
* Click the **Marketing > Custom Domains > Short links**

<figure><img src="https://3861485111-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FU9kiDiTGVD8kkbnKKyEn%2Fuploads%2FwAAt4VPW4yTXpM2zGabm%2FScreenshot%202025-10-22%20at%203.00.07%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media&#x26;token=7177defb-1bd5-41dd-8c91-c26b21fbefa4" alt="" width="214"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Under 'Branded subdomain', click **Add**.

<figure><img src="https://3861485111-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FU9kiDiTGVD8kkbnKKyEn%2Fuploads%2Fm2T1rNvK9tOZUSKGtFSa%2FScreenshot%202025-10-22%20at%203.03.47%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media&#x26;token=42899431-e254-4916-8704-db314c7fc8a5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Enter a subdomain in the below form:

<figure><img src="https://3861485111-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FU9kiDiTGVD8kkbnKKyEn%2Fuploads%2FMHjU7g18cljPRRJ2CeJe%2FScreenshot%202025-10-22%20at%203.04.40%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media&#x26;token=8d87ec78-b246-4bc5-afc1-da8c8e7b07db" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Check the preview, then click **Create**.

### Branded domains

Branded domains require additional configuration in your DNS records, but give you complete control over the appearance of your short links. Once set up, your domain name will replace the `brdX.eu` domain in your short links.

So, instead of looking like this: `bertsbooks.brd3.eu/hufR276`

Your short links will look like this: `bertsbooks/hufR276`

#### Set up a branded domain

{% hint style="warning" %}

* You must use your own domain.&#x20;
* To set up a branded domain, you will need access to your DNS settings.
  {% endhint %}

1. Navigate to **Settings > Marketing > Custom domains > Short links**

<figure><img src="https://3861485111-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FU9kiDiTGVD8kkbnKKyEn%2Fuploads%2Fxw4ADsqdbj0lkdcznBwD%2FScreenshot%202025-08-26%20at%202.11.06%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media&#x26;token=f8405b30-cfde-4a20-8368-452fe692a1ca" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

1. Click the **Short links** tab.
2. Under Short link > click **Add**.
3. Enter your domain, such as `bird.com`&#x20;
4. Click **Create**.

<figure><img src="https://3861485111-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FU9kiDiTGVD8kkbnKKyEn%2Fuploads%2FejxPWeWuONw86oo6MoPS%2FScreenshot%202025-08-26%20at%202.12.09%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media&#x26;token=137fb7de-f97c-4bf2-8923-73d81755400c" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

1. Copy the **Validation code TXT record** and add it to your DNS settings as a TXT record.
2. Copy the **A record** and add it to your DNS settings.
3. Click **Verify and close**.

<figure><img src="https://3861485111-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FU9kiDiTGVD8kkbnKKyEn%2Fuploads%2FfCW1PLoeehKSIyFFfTjU%2FScreenshot%202025-08-26%20at%202.12.34%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media&#x26;token=ce872773-57b4-4f5e-8ca4-75271e7f10d4" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

DNS records may take some time to propagate. Once the DNS records are verified this domain will become active. In the meantime, your branded domain will be marked as 'Pending'.

### Adding short links to a journey message

If you've turned ON the link shortening in your message template, any link you add to Send message step in the journeys will be automatically shortened.