Beelzebub

Self-Hosted

Lightweight, privacy-focused self-hosted link shortener

Overview

Beelzebub is a minimal open-source link shortener built for self-hosting. It offers custom URL slugs, anonymized click analytics, REST API access for programmatic link creation, and Docker deployment support. With SQLite (default, no extra setup) or PostgreSQL compatibility, it’s resource-efficient and easy to run on personal servers or cloud instances. Prioritizes user privacy by avoiding unnecessary data collection, making it ideal for individuals or small teams seeking control over their shortened links.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  beelzebub:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: beelzebub
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Custom URL slugs
Anonymized click tracking
REST API for automation
Docker & SQLite/PostgreSQL support

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Beelzebub hard to install?

No—Beelzebub supports Docker deployment with a single docker-compose command. It uses SQLite by default (no extra database setup) or PostgreSQL for larger workloads, making it accessible for beginners.

? Is it a good alternative to Bitly?

Yes—for privacy-conscious users. Unlike Bitly, Beelzebub lets you own your data and avoids third-party tracking. It lacks Bitly’s enterprise tools but excels at personal/small-team link management.

? Is it completely free?

Yes—Beelzebub is open-source under the MIT License. There are no fees; you only cover hosting costs if you self-host it.

Top Alternatives

Bitly Compare

TinyURL Compare

Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category Miscellaneous

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused (no data selling)
⊕ Minimal resource usage
⊕ Simple Docker deployment

Cons

⊖ Limited enterprise features (e.g., team management)
⊖ No built-in admin authentication (requires reverse proxy for access control)