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Are we soon  looking at a lot of URL’s on the web reading xx.yy/[username]/xxxyy?

The competition just got fiercer as far as the URL shortening service goes. Google has come out with its URL shortening service called Goo.gl, Facebook with fb.me and Bit.ly has released a pro version.

So, What is it that makes Google and Facebook venture into URL shortening? What is it that these people provide that other don’t.

Bit.ly:

• Mature service. Used by twitter automatically.
• Lots of data like number of clicks available in the dashboard.
• Bit.ly pro is going to provide custom URL‘s for the big publishers. The Bit.ly blog goes on to say “Placing a simple “+” at the end of any bit.ly link (including these white-label, bit.ly-powered links) takes you to real-time information about that page and how it is being shared: how many people clicked on that particular link, where they came from, and more.  For publishers, the new service allows them to keep their brand visible while maintaining access to bit.ly statistics.“

Goo.gl:

• URL shortening from the Google toolbar and feed-burner.
• Speed, Stability and Security is what Google seems to be banking on. Read google’s blog for more.

Fb.me :

• The sheer number of status updates made on Facebook will make the service popular.
• Now that people are able to post their facebook updates to twitter, fb.me will be visible on twitter too.

So What is it that Google, Facebook and Bit.ly are looking at. Where is the money out here? Is Google looking at collecting even more data? Are there more evil plans of advertising to this?

Are we going to see custom URL’s for every person and is the click on that URL going to earn them money? Facebook connect and Google ID’s can easily help Facebook and Google do that. Are Google, Facebook and Bit.ly looking at social advertising seriously? We will know very shortly i guess.

Related posts:

1. Real Time Search – What does it mean?
2. Retweet – Is twitter thinking too much business?
3. Now Yahoo Eyes Real Time Search Domain