Not all links are created equal. Some are armed with link cloaking, some can be, and some can’t. If you have pre-existing links you want to cloak, there’s a way to determine if it can be.

Follow the steps below to see if you can hide your links and protect the identity of your URLs and more.

  • Once your Short.io account is active, paste the URL of the link you want to cloak into the link shortener.
  • In the Link was created window, click on Customize [E].
  • Then, click on Link Cloaking in the next window, and then click on the Cloaking enabled toggle switch.
  • If you can't cloak a link, you'll get either of the following results:
    • The page will show a connection refused error when you try accessing the cloaked link you just made if cloaking is disallowed on a server level.
    • If cloaking is disallowed on a domain level, you'll receive an error message stating that it can't be enabled in the Link Cloaking window.

That way, you can see if cloaking will work for you without shelling out any cash.

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Photo by Karthik Swarnkar / Unsplash

In an age where the digital world intertwines seamlessly with brands and marketing, ensuring the security of your online presence has become paramount. As the virtual realm continues its expansive growth, the imperative of fortifying your links against cyber threats cannot be overstated.  

Link cloaking emerges as a necessary practice, not only enhancing security but also reinforcing your online integrity. In a world where information is synonymous with power, safeguarding your digital assets transcends prudence—it becomes an absolute imperative.  


In the world of affiliate marketing, using link cloaking is like adding a superpower to your strategy. It's not just about making your links look clean and professional, although that's definitely a nice bonus. Link cloaking is a trust builder – it gives your audience confidence to click on a secure and reliable link. 

Picture this: link cloaking makes your links appear sleek and branded, steering clear of any suspicion. This looks good and protects your links from rivals who might want to mess with your traffic or earnings. 

Think of it as a shield against search engine hiccups. Search engines prefer neat links, and cloaking ensures your links stay on their good side. This keeps your marketing game strong and helps your long-term success. 

So, in a nutshell, link cloaking isn't just a fancy gimmick; it's a must-have tool for affiliate marketers. It adds a touch of professionalism, builds trust, and safeguards your links in the ever-evolving online marketing world. Give it a shot, and watch your affiliate marketing strategies soar. 


Link cloaking isn't only for affiliate marketing. It's also a practical solution to tackle the challenge of broken links. Beyond the surface-level improvements, link cloaking ensures that the links you share remain functional over time.  

It gives you the power to redirect or update links without changing how they look, creating a smooth and reliable experience for your audience. 

Imagine sharing a link in your social media posts or email campaigns. Without link cloaking, the risk of encountering broken links due to updates or changes is real. However, with link cloaking, you have a safety net.  

For example, if you need to update a product link in an ongoing campaign, link cloaking lets you make behind-the-scenes adjustments while showing a consistent URL to your audience. 

This functionality enhances the professional look of your online presence and ensures that your marketing efforts stay seamless and dependable.  

In simpler terms, link cloaking is like a trustworthy sidekick, providing simplicity and professionalism while guarding your campaigns against the hassles of broken links. 

Deliver a Better Branding Strategy

While aesthetics isn't everything, it sure is a big part of marketing. Link cloaking allows you to present clean, branded URLs, enhancing the visual appeal of your shared links. This contributes to a polished image and fosters a sense of trust and reliability among your audience. 

Consider sharing a link that seamlessly integrates with your brand. Link cloaking enables you to customize URLs, incorporating your brand name for a consistent and recognizable appearance.  

Whether shared on social media or embedded in emails, this practice ensures that every link reflects the professionalism of your brand. 

For instance, if you're promoting a new product or campaign, a branded link created through cloaking becomes an extension of your brand identity. It's like having a digital nametag that instantly communicates credibility to your audience. 

In essence, link cloaking becomes a brand-conscious strategy, simplifying your online presentation while reinforcing your identity.  

By adopting this practice, you not only elevate the professionalism of your shared links but also contribute to your brand's overall coherence and trustworthiness in the online world. 

Performance Tracking and Analytics

Link cloaking also provides an effective means of monitoring and understanding how your audience engages with your content. 

Imagine this scenario: you share a cloaked link, and behind the scenes, you gain access to detailed analytics. These analytics offer valuable insights into the number of clicks, the geographic locations of your audience, and the devices they use. It's like having a digital magnifying glass that helps you see exactly how your links perform online. 

Whether you're running a marketing campaign or simply gauging the effectiveness of your content, link cloaking ensures you have the necessary tools for informed decision-making. You can identify which platforms or strategies drive the most clicks, allowing you to refine your approach and maximize impact. 

With all the data it presents, link cloaking becomes a practical instrument in your analytics toolkit, simplifying the process of tracking link performance while providing rich data to inform your strategic decisions.  

Adopting link cloaking is akin to opening a window into the online behaviors of your audience, allowing you to tailor your efforts for optimal results. 

Figuring out if your links can be cloaked is useful, but figuring out how to cloak your links is even more critical. Both of these can be easily done in Short.io. Several powerful tools like A/B Testing, Mobile Targeting, Deep Links, and much more are available in Short.io.  

These tools are designed to garner exposure and market your brand to the right audience without breaking the bank. Check out all the features and price plans to help your brand grow!