ul0

ul0 is a free URL shortener that instantly shortens any link without requiring signup or registration, while also offering built-in expense splitting and QR code generation tools.

What is ul0?

ul0 is a no-signup URL shortening service that takes any long URL as input and produces a short, permanent redirect link along with an auto-generated QR code. It runs as a web application accessible from any browser, created by an independent developer (no company name stated on the page). Unlike most shorteners, ul0 also includes a UPI-powered Bill Splitter for splitting expenses and generating scan-and-pay QR codes, making it a multi-purpose tool for link management and group payments.

Key Features

• Instant URL shortening — Paste any long URL and get a short link in seconds, with no signup or account required.
• Permanent links — Shortened URLs never expire; they work forever without time limits.
• QR code generation — Every shortened link automatically comes with a secure QR code for offline sharing.
• Expense splitting with UPI QR codes — The built-in Bill Splitter lets groups calculate shared tabs and generate UPI payment codes for instant settlement.
• Fast redirects — Redirections happen in under a second, optimized for all devices.
• No hidden fees — All features are 100% free, with no premium plans or usage limits.
• WiFi QR generator — Create QR codes that share WiFi credentials in one scan (via https://ul0.site/wifi).
• Comparison tools — Compare ul0 against competitors like Bitly, TinyURL, and Rebrandly using side-by-side tables (example).

Who is it for?

• Social media marketers and influencers — Shorten links for Instagram bios, Twitter posts, or TikTok descriptions to improve click-through rates and fit character limits.
• Affiliate marketers — Create clean, trustworthy short links for affiliate campaigns without worrying about account limits or link expiration.
• Friends and housemates — Use the expense splitter to divide bills and generate UPI QR codes for instant payment collection.
• Students — Access the Examcrack OS (via https://ul0.site/examcrack) for local-first study planning, flashcards, and past paper analysis.

What can you do with ul0?

• Share links on social media — Paste a long URL, shorten it, and share the clean link on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or WhatsApp directly from the interface.
• Generate QR codes for print materials — Shorten a link and download its QR code to include on flyers, business cards, or posters.
• Split group expenses — Enter shared costs on the Bill Splitter page, calculate each person's share, and generate a UPI QR code for payment.
• Track campaign performance — Use the built-in UTM Builder to append tracking parameters before shortening, enabling click tracking (click counts are available on the dashboard).

How does ul0 work?

1. Paste a long URL into the input box on the homepage.
2. Optionally enter a custom slug for the short link (e.g., "mysite/blog").
3. Click "Shorten" — the short URL and a QR code are generated instantly.
4. Copy the short link or download the QR code for sharing.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• 100% free with no signup or usage limits.
• Permanent links that never expire.
• Integrated expense splitting and QR codes — unique among URL shorteners.
• Clean, ad-free interface.

Cons:

• No advanced link management features like custom domains or detailed analytics (only click counts are shown).
• No mobile app — web-only experience.

Pricing

ul0 is completely free — no paid tiers, no hidden costs, no subscription required. All features are available without any account.

Alternatives

• Bitly — Requires signup; free tier limited to 5 links per month; paid plans start at $8/month.
• TinyURL — Allows no-signup shortening but has limited features; paid plans start at $12.99/month.
• Rebrandly — Focuses on branded short domains; free tier is limited; paid plans start at $13/month.

FAQ

Is ul0 really free forever?

Yes, ul0 is 100% free with no hidden costs, no premium plans, and no expiration on shortened links.

Do I need to sign up to shorten a URL?

No, you can shorten URLs instantly without any registration or login.

Can I create custom short slugs?

Yes, the homepage provides an optional "Custom slug (optional)" field where you can specify a custom alias for your short link.

How do I split expenses with friends?

Visit the Bill Splitter page, enter the total amount and number of people, and the tool calculates each share. It also generates a UPI QR code for payment.

Do the shortened links expire?

No, all ul0 shortened links are permanent and never expire.