YOURLS
A self-hosted URL shortener written in PHP that you run on your own server.
- Stars
- 12.3k
- Forks
- 2.1k
- Licence
- MIT
- Language
- PHP
- Last update
- 10 days ago
- Type
- App
What it is
YOURLS is a set of PHP scripts that lets you run your own URL shortener on your own server. The README says you keep full control over your data and get stats, analytics, and plugin support. It is free and open source under the MIT license.
- Create short links that point to your own domain
- Review click stats and analytics for the links you create
- Add functionality through plugins, using the community list on Awesome YOURLS
Great for
- People who want short links on a domain they control
- Site owners who want to keep link data on their own server
- Developers who are comfortable running PHP software and want to extend it with plugins
Not ideal for
- People who want zero setup and no server to manage, since the README describes it as something you host yourself
- Teams that need a hosted service with support contracts, since the README does not describe any paid support
How to get it
- 1
See the README
You'll need: PHP and a web server (exact version not stated in the README excerpt)
Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/YOURLS/YOURLS.git - 2
Run it
- Read the installation guide at docs.yourls.org
- Set up PHP and a web server with a database as the docs describe
- Follow the docs to complete the install and configuration
- Create your first short link from the admin interface
- 3
Get the most out of it
- Browse plugins and tools listed on Awesome YOURLS
- Read the official blog for updates and tips
- Search existing issues and the Contributing Guidelines before reporting a bug
Downloads
Strengths
- Self-hosted, so you keep control over your data as the README states
- Free and open source under the MIT license
- Has a documented plugin system and an active community
Trade-offs
- Requires you to host and maintain a PHP server yourself
- The README is short and points to external docs for setup details
How it compares
| Project | Stars | Type | Level | Updated | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YOURLS (this) | 12.3k | App | intermediate | 10 days ago | People who want short links on a domain they control |
| kutt | 11.2k | App | intermediate | 18 days ago | People who want to run their own link shortener instead of using a hosted service |
| flarum | 16.4k | App | intermediate | 27 days ago | Site owners who want a self-hosted discussion board |
| wallabag | 13k | App | intermediate | 4 days ago | People who want a read-later app they control on their own server |
| bagisto | 28.3k | App | intermediate | 4 days ago | Developers building a custom online store on Laravel |
| laravel-crm | 24.1k | App | intermediate | 4 days ago | Small and mid-sized businesses that want a self-hosted CRM |
Stats synced from GitHub. The assessment above was drafted with AI from the project's README on 2026-10-29 and may miss recent changes — check the README before relying on a command. MIT licence: free to use, modify and distribute, including commercially, as long as you keep the copyright notice.