Dub
Turns long URLs into short branded links β and shows you who clicked and who actually bought.
Dub is an open source link shortening and tracking tool built by a US company of the same name. It started as a modern take on the classic URL shortener, and today it's used by creators, marketers, and companies that want to actually see what happens to the links they share.
The idea is simple: you take a long URL, Dub turns it into a short link on your own domain, and it records every click β country, device, browser, and referrer. When a link is tied to a partner program, you also see whether someone actually bought after clicking, so you know which content earns its keep.
Beyond shortening, it does bulk link creation, QR codes, custom social-share previews, and integrations with other tools through its API. You can export your data anytime, and because the code is open source, you're never locked in to a single vendor.
It sits in the link management and tracking category β by now standard kit for anyone recommending things online, from small creators to affiliate marketers to companies running their own partner programs. What sets it apart is the open source approach and a clean, well-built interface that's rare in this segment.
Short branded links: Turn a long URL into a short link on your own domain that looks trustworthy.
Click tracking: For every link you see clicks, country, device, browser, and referrer.
Sales (conversion) tracking: On partner links you see who actually bought after clicking β not just who clicked.
Bulk links and QR codes: Create hundreds of links at once, each with a QR code for print or offline use.
Open API and integrations: Connect Dub to your own site or tools, and export your data anytime.
Unlike ordinary shorteners, Dub is open source β you keep full control of your data, you're never locked in to one vendor, and on top of clicks it measures real purchases.
You run a travel account on Instagram, and your bio recommends three favorites: a travel credit card, an international mobile plan, and a suitcase.
Without it: you drop in long raw URLs. You have no idea if anyone even clicked. And if someone buys, you get nothing.
With it: every link is short and branded. In real time you see how many people clicked, from which country, and how many actually bought β and brands pay your commission in the same place.
Why people love it
- Links look professional β instead of bit.ly/x7nF9, something like g.yourbrand.com/card.
- You instantly see what works β who clicked, from where, and who bought.
- You start for free, and open source means you never lose access to your data.
What's not great
- For a totally non-technical person, it's a small step beyond a plain URL shortener.
- It only pays off fully with a custom domain and a paid plan β i.e. once you're serious about it.
- The free tier has monthly limits on links and clicks; heavier use needs an upgrade.
Dub combines link shortening, branded domains, and results tracking into one clean tool. It fits anyone who recommends products online and wants to know what actually earns β from creators to small businesses. Thanks to a free tier and open source code, you can try it risk-free and grow into it.
Trying it shouldn't take longer than half your lunch break.
Create an account, shorten your first link, and watch the first clicks roll in. No card, no commitment.
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