Kutt

Kutt is a self-hosted open-source URL shortener that gives teams custom domains, per-link statistics, password protection, and link expiration without paying Bitly's per-click or subscription fees.

The Problem

Bitly charges per month for custom domains and limits clicks on free tiers. Both Bitly and Rebrandly own the short links: if you stop paying or the service shuts down, every link you published breaks. For organizations that embed short links in printed materials, emails, or permanent documentation, vendor lock-in is a real risk.

How Kutt Solves It

Kutt runs as a self-hosted web service with a REST API and a browser-based admin panel. Custom domains connect through standard DNS CNAME records. Click analytics track referrers, devices, and geographic data. Links support optional passwords for gated content and expiration dates for time-limited campaigns. The API lets teams integrate link creation into their own tools. MIT licensed; deploy via Docker.

Key Features

• Custom domain support with multiple domains on one installation
• Per-link click analytics with referrer, device, and geographic breakdown
• Password protection for links requiring a gate before redirect
• Expiration dates for time-limited or campaign links
• REST API for programmatic link creation and management
• MIT licensed; single Docker container deployment

Who It's For

Kutt is best for marketing teams, developers, and organizations that publish short links in permanent materials and need custom domain branding without the risk of a paid service shutting down or raising prices.

Compared to Bitly

Unlike Bitly, Kutt runs on your own infrastructure so your links survive any vendor pricing change or shutdown. Bitly offers a polished consumer product with integrations and collaboration features; Kutt provides the essentials with full data ownership and no per-click costs.