Clink

Self-Hosted

Open-source, self-hosted URL shortener with privacy-focused analytics

Overview

Clink is a lightweight, self-hosted URL shortener designed for full control over your links. It lets you create custom short URLs, track detailed click analytics (location, device type, referrers), and manage links via an intuitive dashboard. Deployable via Docker for quick setup or manual installation (Node.js + PostgreSQL), it supports custom domains, link expiration, password-protected links, and bulk imports. Ideal for individuals/small teams wanting to avoid third-party tools that monetize user data.

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:
  clink:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: clink
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Custom short links with detailed analytics
Docker-powered one-click deployment
Custom domain support & link expiration
Password-protected sensitive links

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Clink hard to install?

Clink is easy to install—use its official Docker image for a one-command setup, perfect for users with minimal technical skills. Manual installation needs Node.js and PostgreSQL, but clear documentation guides you through the process.

? Is it a good alternative to Bitly?

Yes—Clink offers core features like custom links and analytics similar to Bitly, but with full data control (self-hosted) and no subscription fees. It’s ideal for individuals/small teams prioritizing privacy over enterprise tools.

? Is it completely free?

Yes—Clink is open-source under the MIT License, so it’s free to use, modify, and self-host without any hidden costs or subscriptions.

Top Alternatives

Bitly Compare

TinyURL Compare

Rebrandly Compare

Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category URL Shorteners

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused (no third-party data sharing)
⊕ Lightweight and resource-efficient
⊕ User-friendly dashboard for link management

Cons

⊖ Requires basic server/Docker knowledge to self-host
⊖ Lacks enterprise features like team collaboration