Developer API

Use the Developer API when an approved backend service needs to create URLNow short links automatically.

The Developer API uses a developer API key from the Developer console. Store the key server-side and restrict access to authorized systems.

API capability

The Developer API creates short links for approved integrations.

Use Create short link for manual link creation. Use the developer key endpoint below for approved automated link creation.

Before you start

1. Create a URLNow account from Register.
2. Open the Developer console.
3. Submit a developer access request.
4. Wait for approval.
5. Create a developer API key.
6. Store the key securely on your server.

Do not place developer API keys in browser JavaScript, mobile apps, public repositories, or any place users can inspect.

Base URL

https://urlnow.me/api

Send this header with requests:

Accept: application/json

Create a short link

POST /api/short-url/{key}

Replace {key} with your developer API key.

curl -X POST https://urlnow.me/api/short-url/YOUR_DEVELOPER_KEY \
  -H "Accept: application/json" \
  -d "long_url=https://example.com/product" \
  -d "alias=product-launch"

Request fields

If alias is left blank, URLNow creates a custom ending automatically.

Successful response

{
  "success": true,
  "url": {
    "long_url": "https://example.com/product",
    "alias": "product-launch",
    "shorten_url": "https://urlnow.me/product-launch"
  }
}

Custom ending rules

Custom endings:

• Must be unique.
• Must use 3 to 64 characters.
• May contain letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores.
• Cannot use reserved platform words such as app, api, login, register, or pricing.

Choose custom endings that are short, readable, and meaningful for your campaign or workflow.

Link safety

URLNow validates destinations before creating short links. A request may be rejected if the destination is:

• Missing or invalid.
• A private or local address.
• Blocked by safety checks.
• Too long.

Developer key approval

Developer keys work only when the account's developer access request is approved.

If access is pending, rejected, or revoked, requests with that key will not create short links.

Common errors

Integration checklist

• Request approval before launching an integration.
• Keep the developer API key on your server only.
• Validate destination URLs in your app before sending them to URLNow.
• Handle 403, 404, 422, and 500 responses.
• Rotate the key from the developer console if it may have been exposed.
• Use descriptive custom endings for campaign and customer-facing links.