Sending URLs in Text Messages

Including URLs (or links) in your text messages is a great way to share information with your recipients. Unfortunately, many spammers use links to run scams. Major carriers have identified patterns used by spammers to run scams and have introduced filters to block those messages. This article covers best practices when using links in your text messages.

Best Practices

Make sure you include a valid URL that links to a real web page or document (carrier spam filters will detect invalid URLs and block messages containing them).
Avoid links that redirect to a different URL than the one included in your message (this can also trigger spam filters).
Avoid using generic URL shorteners such as bit.ly and tinyurl. The carriers have increased blocking of messages containing these types of URLs because they are heavily used by spammers for phishing and sending fraudulent links.
If you want to shorten your URL, many of those same services allow you to create a branded link that is unique to your organization. These branded URLs are allowed and should not cause message delivery issues. We at Text-em-All do not create custom or branded links as part of our service.
While many generic URL shortener websites, such as Bitly, do offer custom links, please note — these are not always branded. For example, text-em-all.com is a branded link, which is allowed. However, bit.ly/text-em-all is a custom link but is not branded. Branding occurs at the domain level. Some examples of branded short domains: ESPN uses es.pn, Nike uses swoo.sh.

Note: Some services on the blocked list below — like Bitly and Rebrandly — offer paid branded link features that let you use your own custom domain (e.g., links.yourorganization.org). Links using your own branded domain are allowed and should deliver without issues. The blocked list only applies to messages containing the generic shortener domains (like bit.ly or rebrand.ly), not branded domains you own.

Disallowed URL

This result means that the carriers have blocked your message for containing a non-compliant URL.

If you see a Disallowed URL result, it means that you can't send the following links in your messages:

Google Drive Links
Google Sites Links

Google Docs links can be sent successfully. If you can't send a Google Docs link, you can try using a custom or branded URL shortener service.

Blocked URLs

These URLs are currently being blocked due to abuse by scammers.

9qr.dealturl.comapp.linkbc.vcbit.dobit.lybitly.combitly.wsbudurl.comclicky.mecutt.lyis.gdlc.chatlinki.lalnkd.inminm.xyzow.lyrb.gyrebrand.lys2r.coserveirc.comshrtco.desoo.gdt.lytiny.cctinyurl.com