How to Create a Custom Short URL for Free
Instead of a random string like msha.live/x4k9p2, you can pick your own ending: msha.live/summer-sale. Here is exactly how to do it, when it matters, and how to go further with a custom domain.
Create Your Custom Short URL Right Now
What is a custom short URL?
A custom short URL is a short link where you control the last part of the path — called the slug. Most URL shorteners generate random slugs automatically. With a custom slug, you choose something meaningful instead.
msha.live/x4k9p2mrmsha.live/summer-saleStep-by-step: create a custom short URL on Meshalive
Custom slugs are 100% free with a Meshalive account. Go to meshalive.com/register — no credit card required. Create custom branded short links with zero fees.
In your dashboard, click "New short link" or press the keyboard shortcut C. A slide-in panel opens with fields for the destination URL, title, and slug.
Enter the long URL you want to shorten — a product page, registration form, Google Doc, YouTube video, or any other URL. Include any UTM parameters before shortening so the short link carries them silently.
In the "Custom slug" field, type your chosen ending. Use lowercase letters, numbers, and hyphens. Examples: summer-sale, product-launch, my-cv, event-2026. Meshalive will tell you instantly if the slug is already taken.
Your custom short link is ready immediately: msha.live/your-slug. Copy it and share it anywhere. Click analytics start tracking from the first visit.
When to use a custom slug
Custom slugs matter most in these situations:
msha.live/menumsha.live/shopmsha.live/free-guidemsha.live/black-fridaymsha.live/portfoliomsha.live/my-dealmsha.live/offer-junemsha.live/scan-meCustom slug vs custom domain
A custom slug changes the path: msha.live/your-slug. A custom domain changes the entire domain: links.yourbrand.com/slug. Both are available on Meshalive completely free.
msha.live/your-brand- 100% Free Forever
- Instant setup
- Shared msha.live domain
- Good for personal and small business use
links.yourbrand.com/slug- Included 100% Free
- 5-minute setup via DNS CNAME
- Your brand in every link
- Higher trust and click-through rates
To set up a custom domain: go to Dashboard → Settings → Custom Domains → Add domain. Enter your domain, add the CNAME record to your DNS provider (Cloudflare, GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.), and it is active within minutes. All links you create will use your domain instead of msha.live.
Slug best practices
- Use hyphens, not underscores.
summer-saleis easier to read and type thansummer_sale. - Keep it short. 2–4 words is ideal. Under 20 characters total. The point is to make the URL shorter and memorable, not to describe the destination fully.
- Make it campaign-specific. Include the campaign name or date:
diwali26,summer-sale. This makes your dashboard readable without opening each link. - Add a brand prefix for shared workspaces.
brand-saleinstead of justsale— prevents slug conflicts if team members are creating links for different clients. - Update destinations, not slugs. If a campaign slug is already shared and printed, update the destination URL in the dashboard rather than creating a new slug. Everyone with the old link still lands in the right place.
Frequently asked questions
Can I create a custom short URL for free?
Custom slugs on Meshalive are 100% free forever. Unlike other tools that charge $10–$35/month, Meshalive lets you choose your own custom slug at zero cost.
What if the slug I want is already taken?
Slugs are unique across the msha.live namespace — if another user has created msha.live/sale, you cannot use that slug. Add a brand prefix: msha.live/yourbrand-sale. On a custom domain (links.yourbrand.com), slugs are only shared within your own workspace, so conflicts with other Meshalive users do not apply.
Can I change a custom slug after creating the link?
You can change the destination URL of any link at any time. Changing the slug itself creates a new URL — any places you have already shared the old slug will stop working. For this reason, it is better to update the destination than to change the slug.
Do custom short URLs affect SEO?
Short links use 301 (permanent) redirects, which pass link equity to the destination. The slug itself does not affect the SEO of the destination page. However, a clean custom slug in a social media post or email looks more credible, which indirectly increases click-through rates — a positive engagement signal.
Can I use a custom domain instead of msha.live?
Yes. Meshalive includes custom branded domain support completely free. Go to Dashboard → Settings → Custom Domains → Add domain. Add a CNAME DNS record pointing to msha.live, and all your links will use your domain. Setup takes about 5 minutes. DNS propagation is usually instant with Cloudflare.
Is there a limit on how many custom slugs I can create?
No. Meshalive allows unlimited links with custom slugs for free. The only constraint is slug uniqueness — each slug within a domain namespace must be unique. There is no cap on the total number of custom links.
Custom slugs · Custom domains · Click analytics · 100% Free Forever