One short link. A smarter opening path.
App Links can attempt to move visitors from a shared short URL into supported native apps or out of restrictive in-app browsers—while preserving the ordinary web destination as a fallback.
Ordinary web link
A standard link redirects normally to its destination. Link Shrink does not explicitly attempt an app or external-browser handoff, though the device may independently open an app.
App-opening link
For a supported destination, an app-opening link can attempt the native app handoff. Independently choose whether web continuation should try to leave a supported in-app browser. Neither attempt is guaranteed.
Four clear opening controls
Paste a URL and create your link as usual. When the updated controls are available, expand Advanced options → Opening settings to customize app opening and web continuation independently.
Open in app when possible
Try to open supported links in their native app. If it cannot open, visitors can continue on the web.
Unavailable for unsupported destinations.
Open web version in
When continuing on the web, try to leave supported in-app browsers. Some apps may prevent this.
External browser (recommended), when available, or Current browser.
Show bridge page
Show a page with app and browser options before continuing.
Ordinary browser and desktop visits can remain direct when no handoff is needed.
Continue to web automatically
If this page remains visible, continue to the web after the selected delay.
Off by default. With a bridge page, choose a whole-number delay from 1 to 30 seconds.
When available, find these controls in Advanced options → Opening settings. Existing links retain their legacy behavior until you customize and save opening settings. Without a bridge page, LinkShrink attempts to continue automatically; password and consent requirements still apply.
OS settings and host webview restrictions can block attempts; success is not guaranteed. TikTok may show manual instructions: use its menu and choose Open in browser when available.
Apps currently recognized
Link Shrink detects these destinations from its shared application registry. Unsupported URLs still work as standard web links.
What happens on mobile
The device and tapping context remain in control.
iOS
Universal links and app schemes are subject to iOS, browser, app-installation, and user settings. A web fallback remains essential.
Android
Android intents and verified links can hand off to installed apps, but browser and device policy still determine what is allowed.
In-app browsers
Social webviews can restrict both app launches and external-browser transitions. Some visitors must choose Open in browser themselves.
Important: opening behavior is best-effort
Neither a website nor a short-link service can force an operating system or host webview to launch an app, Safari, Chrome, or the visitor's default browser.
Native app mode attempts an app handoff and retains a web fallback. External browser and Smart modes attempt a browser transition only where supported. TikTok and other restrictive in-app browsers may require the visitor to use a manual Open in browser command.
Useful wherever mobile links are shared
Creator links
Share supported video, music, social, or community destinations from bios and posts.
Affiliate and product links
Provide a compact route to supported marketplace destinations with a usable website fallback.
Campaign links
Pair opening behavior with Link Shrink's implemented analytics, QR codes, and tracking pixels.
Build your app-opening link
Start with the real generator. Supported app URLs are detected automatically, and signed-in users can access full modes when capability is enabled.
Open the deep link generator