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Welcome to TimedURL

TimedURL is a service that generates URLs that automatically expire at a set time and, upon expiration, redirect visitors to a chosen fallback destination or a list of similar links based on tags. This ensures time-limited promotions, secure downloads, event access links, or any link with a fixed validity period never lead to a dead end.

For examples of how this works in practice, whether you’re a marketer preserving campaign ROI, a creator protecting evergreen content, or an organizer managing event registrations, see our Use Cases page.

How It Works

  1. Enter the Destination URL
    Provide the original URL you wish to share. This is the address that recipients will be redirected to while the TimedURL remains active.

  2. Select an Expiration
    You can choose between an absolute expiration date/time or a relative duration from creation. For absolute expiration, specify the exact date and time in UTC (for example, July 15, 2025 at 14:00 UTC). For relative expiration, define the link’s lifetime in terms of hours or days (for example, 48 hours or 7 days).

  3. Configure a Fallback Destination (Optional)
    If the TimedURL is accessed after it has expired, you have two options for handling the click:
    • Present a default “Link Expired” notice hosted by TimedURL.
    • Redirect the user automatically to a custom URL of your choice (for example, your homepage or a “this content is no longer available” page).

  4. Assign a Custom Slug (Optional)
    Rather than accepting the autogenerated identifier, you may specify a custom path segment—such as timedurl.com/summer‑sale. Custom slugs must be unique within your account. If the chosen slug is already in use, you will receive an error prompting you to select a different value.

  5. Generate and Share
    After configuring the URL, expiration, fallback, and slug (if desired), click “Generate.” The system will provide a TimedURL and its associated QR code. You can then copy the URL, embed it in campaigns, or download the QR code image.

When the expiration is reached, any attempt to access the TimedURL will either fail with an “expired” notification or redirect the user to your configured fallback destination. No further action is required on your part.

Built‑In Analytics

For each TimedURL, the dashboard provides:

  • Clicks Over Time
    A graphical representation showing how many times the link was clicked during each interval (hourly, daily, etc.).

  • Device and Referrer Details
    Breakdown of click origins (desktop, mobile, tablet) and referring domains or sources.

These analytics enable you to measure engagement, identify peak activity periods, and refine future campaigns accordingly.

Custom URL Slugs

By default, TimedURL generates a randomized identifier for each link. To maintain brand consistency and improve memorability, you can optionally specify your own slug, for example: timedurl.com/black‑friday‑deal

This ensures that your audience sees a clear, recognizable URL rather than an alphanumeric string.

QR Code Generation

Every TimedURL automatically produces a corresponding QR code. You can:

  • Download the QR code image for use in printed collateral or digital materials.
  • Embed the QR code in presentations or social‑media posts to facilitate one‑scan access.

The QR code will always point to the same expiring link, and it respects the same expiration and fallback rules.

API Access

Developers can manage TimedURLs programmatically via a RESTful API. Available endpoints allow you to:

  • Create, Retrieve, Update, and Delete links.
  • Specify Expiration (absolute date/time or relative duration) when generating links.
  • Assign Custom Slugs or Fallback Destinations.

All API requests require API key authentication. Full request/response examples and schema definitions are provided in the API Reference.

Getting Started

  1. Sign In to Dashboard
    Visit https://timedurl.com and log in to your account.

  2. Create Your First TimedURL

    • Paste the destination URL.
    • Define an expiration.
    • (Optionally) set a custom slug and fallback.
    • Click “Generate” to receive your TimedURL and QR code.

  3. Integrate via API
    Refer to the API Reference to automate link creation, update, or deletion in your own applications.

TimedURL provides a straightforward mechanism to control link validity and monitor engagement—all from a single interface or via API. For more details on each capability, see the Features Overview.