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Features Overview

This document details every feature currently available in TimedURL.

Expiry Options

  • Absolute Expiration
    Specify an exact date and time (UTC) at which the link will become invalid. Once the timestamp is reached, any attempt to access the link results in an expiration action (see “Fallback Destinations” below).

  • Relative Expiration
    Define a lifespan measured from the moment of creation (for example, 24 hours, 7 days). Once that duration elapses, the link expires automatically.

Both expiration types offer the same enforcement mechanism, ensuring that links cannot be used outside of the authorized window.

Fallback Destinations

Upon expiration, you have two fallback options:

  1. Default Expiry Notice
    Users are presented with a standardized “Link Expired” screen hosted by TimedURL. This notice clearly states that the link is no longer valid.

  2. Custom Fallback URL
    Redirect expired requests to any URL you specify (for example, your website’s home page or a “this content is no longer available” page). This redirection is seamless and instantaneous at the moment of expiration.

Custom Slugs

You may replace the autogenerated identifier with a custom slug at creation time. For example: timedurl.com/special‑launch

Custom slugs must be unique within your account and may consist of alphanumeric characters and hyphens. If a chosen slug is already in use, you will receive an error and must select a different value.

Analytics Capabilities

For every TimedURL created, the following analytics data is captured and displayed in the dashboard:

  • Click Count Over Time
    A chart that illustrates the number of clicks in defined intervals (hourly or daily). This visualization allows you to pinpoint engagement peaks and troughs.

  • Device Breakdown
    Percentage of clicks originating from desktop, mobile, or tablet devices.

  • Referrer Information
    Records the referring domain or source (if available) for each click.

All analytics data are stored for a maximum of 3 months and can be retrieved via the dashboard or through the API.

QR Code Generation

Each TimedURL automatically includes a QR code. Features of the QR code:

  • The QR code image is generated at the time of link creation.
  • Downloadable in SVG or PNG format.
  • Always resolves to the original destination URL until expiration; afterwards, it follows the same fallback behavior.

There is no additional configuration required to enable QR code generation; all new links include it by default.

API Access

The TimedURL REST API provides endpoints to manage links. Detailed request/response examples, status codes, and error messages are provided in the API Reference.

Platform Reliability and Security

  • Containerized Infrastructure
    All backend services run within Docker containers orchestrated for high availability and low latency. Expiration checks are executed precisely when scheduled, with negligible delay.

  • Encryption in Transit
    All endpoints (dashboard and API) enforce HTTPS/TLS. Data exchanged between clients and servers is fully encrypted.

  • Data Retention
    Analytics data (click counts, device, referrers) are retained for the most recent 3 months. Once a link is deleted, its analytics data are purged.

  • No Third‑Party Tracking
    TimedURL does not embed any external trackers, ads, or scripts on the redirect or expiry pages. Users see only your content or fallback page.

Note:
The functionality described above represents the complete, production‑ready feature set of TimedURL at this time. If you require assistance integrating any feature or have questions about usage, consult the API Reference or contact TimedURL Support.