Migrate from TinyURL to Flyn
Move beyond TinyURL's limitations with Flyn's custom domains, analytics, and unlimited links
Last updated: April 2026
Pre-Migration Checklist
Complete these steps before starting the migration to ensure a smooth transition.
- 1Determine if you have a paid or free TinyURL account
- 2For paid plans, use the API to export all link data
- 3For free plans, manually compile your important links into a CSV
- 4Decide on a custom domain for your Flyn branded links
- 5Check if your preferred custom slugs are available
Step 1: Export from TinyURL
First, export your existing links from TinyURL so you can import them into Flyn.
Log in to TinyURL
Go to tinyurl.com and sign in to your account (paid plan required for link management).
Access your link history
On the free plan, there is no bulk export. On paid plans, navigate to your link dashboard.
Export via API (paid plans only)
TinyURL's paid plans offer API access for programmatic link export. Use the API to fetch all link data.
Manual export for free accounts
Free TinyURL users must manually copy each link. For large volumes, consider using the TinyURL API on a temporary paid plan or manually building a CSV.
Prepare a CSV file
Create a CSV with columns: original_url, slug (optional), tags (optional). This is the format Flyn accepts for import.
Step 2: Import into Flyn
Upload your exported links into Flyn. The import wizard auto-maps columns and preserves your slugs.
Create a Flyn account
Sign up at flyn.to/signup, free, no credit card needed.
Go to Dashboard > Import
Open the import tool in the Flyn dashboard.
Upload your prepared CSV
Upload the CSV you created or exported. Flyn maps the columns and previews the import.
Confirm and create links
Review the link preview and click "Import All." Flyn generates new short URLs for each entry.
Step 3: Domain & DNS Migration
Point your custom domain to Flyn so existing short links keep working seamlessly.
Register a custom domain (if needed)
TinyURL free users likely do not have a custom domain. Purchase one from any registrar if you want branded short links.
Add a CNAME record
In your DNS provider, create a CNAME record for your desired subdomain (e.g., go.yourdomain.com) pointing to link.flyn.to.
Add domain in Flyn
In Settings > Domains > Add Domain, enter your custom domain and click Verify.
Start using branded links
Once verified, all new Flyn links can use your custom domain. Existing tinyurl.com links remain active on TinyURL.
DNS Record Summary
| Field | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Type | CNAME | CNAME |
| Host | go (or your subdomain) | go (no change) |
| Target | tinyurl.com | link.flyn.to |
What Transfers
Here is what carries over from TinyURL to Flyn and what needs to be reconfigured.
| Item | Transfers | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Destination URLs | Manually or via API export | |
| Custom aliases | Partial | Aliases can be recreated as slugs in Flyn if available |
| Tags | TinyURL free plan does not support tags | |
| Custom domains | Update or create CNAME pointing to link.flyn.to | |
| Click analytics | TinyURL analytics do not export | |
| tinyurl.com links | tinyurl.com domain is TinyURL-owned, cannot be migrated |
Post-Migration Verification
After completing the migration, work through this checklist to verify everything is working.
- Verify imported links resolve to correct destinations
- Set up your custom domain and confirm DNS verification
- Test branded short links with the new domain
- Update any places where you shared tinyurl.com links with new Flyn links
- Explore Flyn features not available in TinyURL (A/B testing, deep links, geo-routing)
Troubleshooting
Common issues and how to resolve them.
Cannot export links from TinyURL free plan
TinyURL's free plan has no export feature. You can manually copy links from your browser history or upgrade to a paid plan temporarily to use the API.
Old tinyurl.com links not redirecting to Flyn
Links on the tinyurl.com domain are controlled by TinyURL and cannot be redirected to Flyn. You need to share new Flyn links going forward.
Custom aliases already taken in Flyn
If your preferred slug is taken, try slight variations. With a custom domain, slug availability resets since each domain has its own namespace.
No analytics data after switching
TinyURL analytics (if available) do not transfer. Flyn starts tracking from the moment links are created. Check back after a few clicks to see data populate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I migrate free TinyURL links to Flyn?
You can recreate your links in Flyn, but there is no automatic export on TinyURL's free plan. You will need to manually copy destination URLs or use the API on a paid plan.
Will my tinyurl.com short links still work?
Yes. Existing tinyurl.com links continue working through TinyURL. They cannot be redirected to Flyn since tinyurl.com is TinyURL's domain.
Why switch from TinyURL to Flyn?
TinyURL lacks custom domains on its free plan, offers minimal analytics, and has no A/B testing, deep links, or geo-routing. Flyn provides all of these plus unlimited links on Pro.
Does TinyURL offer an API for export?
Yes, but only on paid plans. The TinyURL API allows you to list and export your links programmatically.
How much does Flyn cost compared to TinyURL?
TinyURL Pro costs $16/month ($13/month annual) for 250 links. Flyn Pro costs $9/month (annual) with unlimited links, 3 custom domains, and A/B testing.
Ready to Migrate from TinyURL?
Create a free Flyn account and import your links in minutes. No credit card required.