Sending URLs in Text Messages
What are the rules for sending URLs in text messages?
URLs in text messages must comply with carrier spam prevention rules to ensure delivery. Carriers block messages containing generic URL shorteners, invalid links, or suspicious redirect patterns commonly used by scammers. Using branded domain shorteners, valid direct URLs, and avoiding blocked services keeps your messages deliverable.
Including links in your text messages helps share information effectively with recipients. However, carriers have implemented strict filtering systems because spammers frequently use URLs to run scams and phishing attacks. Understanding these requirements protects your message delivery rates.
How do I use URLs safely in text messages?
Follow these practices to ensure your URLs reach recipients without triggering spam filters:
Use valid, working URLs
Include only URLs that link to real web pages or documents. Carrier spam filters automatically detect invalid URLs and block messages containing them.
Avoid redirect chains
Use direct URLs rather than links that redirect to different destinations. Multiple redirects trigger spam detection systems designed to catch malicious links.
Choose branded URL shorteners over generic ones
Carriers block messages containing generic shorteners like bit.ly and tinyurl because spammers abuse these services. Instead, use branded shorteners with your own domain.
Understanding branded vs. generic shorteners
Branded shorteners use your organization's domain (like links.yourcompany.com), while generic shorteners use third-party domains. Here are examples:
- Branded (allowed): text-em-all.com, es.pn (ESPN), swoo.sh (Nike)
- Generic (blocked): bit.ly/text-em-all, rebrand.ly/yourlink
Important: Some services like Bitly and Rebrandly offer paid branded link features that let you use your own custom domain (such as links.yourorganization.org). Links using your branded domain are allowed and deliver successfully. The restrictions only apply to their generic shortener domains.
What does "disallowed URL" mean?
A "disallowed URL" result means carriers blocked your message for containing a non-compliant URL. This happens when you include links from services that carriers have specifically restricted.
Currently blocked URL types include:
- Google Drive links
- Google Sites links
Google Docs links work successfully and should deliver without issues. If you encounter problems with Google Docs links, try using a custom or branded URL shortener service.
Which URL shorteners are currently blocked?
Carriers actively block messages containing these URL shortener domains due to spam abuse:
- 9qr.de
- alturl.com
- app.link
- bc.vc
- bit.do
- bit.ly
- bitly.com
- bitly.ws
- budurl.com
- clicky.me
- cutt.ly
- is.gd
- lc.chat
- linki.la
- lnkd.in
- minm.xyz
- ow.ly
- rb.gy
- rebrand.ly
- s2r.co
- serveirc.com
- shrtco.de
- soo.gd
- t.ly
- tiny.cc
- tinyurl.com
This list updates regularly as carriers identify new domains being misused for spam. Using any of these shorteners will likely result in message blocking.
What alternatives do I have for shortening URLs?
Several options let you shorten URLs while maintaining deliverability:
- Branded shorteners: Services like Bitly, Rebrandly, and others offer paid plans that use your custom domain
- Direct domain forwarding: Set up URL forwarding through your website hosting provider
- QR codes: Include QR codes in MMS messages that link to your full URL
- Landing pages: Create short, memorable pages on your main website that redirect to longer URLs
Text-Em-All does not provide custom or branded link services as part of our platform. You'll need to set up branded shortening through a third-party service or your web hosting provider.