Services & APIs
URL Shortener API
Enterprise URL shortening, custom branded domains, deep linking, click analytics, and QR code generation.
URL Shortener API
The 1st Services URL Shortener is a high-throughput, Anycast-routed link shortening service capable of handling millions of redirects with sub-millisecond latency.
Key Features
- Branded Custom Domains: Connect domains like
go.yourbrand.comwith automated SSL. - Custom Slugs & Aliases: Create memorable paths (e.g.
1st.link/summer-sale). - Expiration & Passcodes: Set automatic link expiry dates or protect links with passcodes.
- Deep Linking & Device Targeting: Redirect iOS, Android, and Desktop users to different target URLs.
- Comprehensive Analytics: Track referrers, geographic countries/cities, devices, and UTM campaigns.
- Dynamic QR Codes: Generate customizable SVG and PNG QR codes on-the-fly.
1. Create a Short Link
Endpoint
POST https://api.1st-services.com/v1/shortener/links
Request Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
url | string | Yes | Target destination URL. |
domain | string | No | Custom domain (defaults to 1st.link). |
slug | string | No | Custom slug alias. If omitted, a random 6-character slug is generated. |
title | string | No | Internal label or campaign title. |
expires_at | ISO string | No | Expiration timestamp. |
passcode | string | No | Optional password protection. |
utm_source | string | No | Automatically append UTM campaign source. |
Example cURL Request
cURL
curl -X POST https://api.1st-services.com/v1/shortener/links \
-H "Authorization: Bearer $FIRST_API_KEY" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{
"url": "https://example.com/products/pro-developer-suite?ref=campaign",
"domain": "1st.link",
"slug": "dev-suite",
"title": "Developer Suite Promo",
"expires_at": "2026-12-31T23:59:59Z"
}'
Response
{
"status": "success",
"data": {
"id": "link_8492019",
"short_url": "https://1st.link/dev-suite",
"destination_url": "https://example.com/products/pro-developer-suite?ref=campaign",
"domain": "1st.link",
"slug": "dev-suite",
"qr_code_url": "https://api.1st-services.com/v1/shortener/links/link_8492019/qr.svg",
"clicks_count": 0,
"created_at": "2026-08-24T14:10:00Z"
}
}
2. Get Link Click Analytics
Retrieve real-time visitor statistics:
GET https://api.1st-services.com/v1/shortener/links/:id/analytics?timeframe=30d
Response Example
{
"status": "success",
"data": {
"total_clicks": 14250,
"unique_visitors": 11840,
"referrers": [
{ "source": "twitter.com", "clicks": 6200 },
{ "source": "linkedin.com", "clicks": 4100 },
{ "source": "direct", "clicks": 3950 }
],
"countries": [
{ "country_code": "US", "name": "United States", "clicks": 5800 },
{ "country_code": "DE", "name": "Germany", "clicks": 3100 },
{ "country_code": "GB", "name": "United Kingdom", "clicks": 2400 }
],
"devices": {
"mobile": 8200,
"desktop": 5600,
"tablet": 450
}
}
}
3. Generate Dynamic QR Code
Fetch an SVG or PNG QR code directly from the API:
GET /v1/shortener/links/:id/qr.svg?color=0284c7&bg=ffffff&size=512 HTTP/1.1
Host: api.1st-services.com
Authorization: Bearer fst_live_key