Shortshare

Not all links are created equal, and that's immediately evident when it comes to sharing them. You go to a website, copy its link in your clipboard, and when you paste it, it's nothing like you've imagined. Lots of random characters, symbols, numbers — the works. We see this especially when copying Google links: the additional characters in the latter part of the URL are usually there for tracking purposes.

Online link shorteners are valid options to get rid of overly lengthy URLs, but what if you had an app to encompass multiple such solutions, all while converting everything automatically? In essence, that's what Shortshare does: it facilitates link shortening under one compact package. While the program can be integrated into your Chrome or Firefox browser through the dedicated extension, we'll be taking a look at the standalone Windows version.

As this is a Microsoft Store app, installing it couldn't be any easier — it took us less than 30 seconds to get it up and running. Opening the program reveals the compact, simple interface, where much is self-explanatory. Copying a link to the clipboard and bringing the app to the foreground will automatically shorten the URL for you and copy it.

The default shortener solution is dsh.re, but Bitly, Tinyurl, Kutt, and other popular services are available. You can also add your custom service, and it's needless to say it requires configuration.

In essence, the only input required from the user is to merely bring the app to the forefront, and it'll do what it's supposed to: it's very convenient and efficient, and the links are instantly converted.

Navigating to the History tab will bring up the shortened URLs, along with the original ones. They're all sorted by date, and you can directly access them via the app.

Shortshare is clearly not the most intricate app you'll come across, but what it does, it does well. If you're looking for a more convenient way to shorten overly-elaborate links, then consider giving this one a try.