Dead bitly links can be hijacked: expired custom URLs in viral posts redirect to strangers
Kyrannio · x · 2026-11-15
A post explains how bitly link hijacking works: old custom bitly URLs left in viral posts from big accounts are never reclaimed, so anyone can register the same custom URL on bitly and make those high-traffic posts redirect to their own content, farming free engagement.
@Kyrannio confirms old bitly links have stopped working, noting the trick is now spreading. A useful caution both for readers clicking suspicious short links and for publishers relying on short-link services long-term.
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