Help Guides Archives - Page 3 of 21

How to create a custom QR code for website?

A website QR code lets you turn any URL into a scannable code, making it easy for users to visit your webpage without typing a thing. Just point, scan, and go. It’s one of the easiest ways to connect your offline materials with your online presence. Whether you’re sharing your website on flyers, packaging, menus, business cards, or storefronts, a custom QR code for your website helps users reach your site instantly. It’s fast, convenient, and highly effective for driving traffic and boosting engagement.

What is the best way to create a QR code for a website?

The best way is by using an advanced QR code generator that offers customization, analytics, and flexibility. We recommend Replug, a powerful tool that lets you design on-brand QR codes, track real-time scan data, and even update the destination link without reprinting the code.

A complete link management solution
for marketing professionals & agencies. Try Replug for free

Step 1: Log in to your Replug account

Visit Replug and log in to your dashboard. If you don’t have an account yet, you can sign up for a free trial.

Step 2: Go to the “QR codes” section

From the top navigation bar, click on “QR codes.” Once inside the QR code dashboard, click the “Create new” button in the top-right corner.

You’ll be redirected to a new window with three tabs:

Details, QR code types, and Customization.

(optional)

Details tab: Give your QR code a name and an optional description for easier management.

Step 3: Add your website URL

Here’s what to do:

Move to the QR code types tab and select Website.
Paste the URL of your website.

Step 4: Customize your QR code

Replug lets you design your QR code exactly how you want it. You can:

Choose from different QR shapes, styles, and colors

Add your preferred frame and frame text

Add your brand logo if you want

💡 Tip: Use high-contrast colors to ensure your QR code scans correctly. And always test it before finalizing.

And you’re done.

Step 5: Save and download your QR code

Once your design is ready, click “Create QR Code” at the bottom left.

After the QR code is created, you can download it in high-resolution formats like PNG, SVG, or PDF, perfect for both digital and print use.

Track QR code performance from your Replug dashboard

Once your QR code is live, Replug doesn’t just leave you hanging, it gives you full visibility into how it’s performing. With dynamic and trackable QR codes, you can access real-time data right from your dashboard. Monitor how many people have scanned your code, what devices they used, where they scanned it from, and even the time of each scan.

A complete link management solution
for marketing professionals & agencies. Try Replug for free

Need to update the destination URL after printing? No problem. Replug lets you edit your link anytime without needing to create or reprint a new code. You can also pause or restart campaigns with a single click. These insights help you make smarter marketing decisions and continuously improve your offline-to-online strategy.

Also read: How to change a QR code after printing (without reprinting)?

Final thoughts

With Replug, creating a custom QR code for your website is not only easy, it’s smart. You get full design control, dynamic editing options, and built-in analytics to measure real-world impact.

Skip the plain black-and-white codes. Create one that’s uniquely yours with Replug.

FAQs on QR codes for websites

Can I edit the website link after printing the QR code?

Yes, if you create a dynamic QR code in Replug, you can update the destination URL anytime without needing to reprint your QR code.

What is a QR code?

A QR code (Quick Response code) is a two-dimensional barcode that can be scanned using a smartphone camera. When scanned, it instantly redirects users to a website, landing page, contact details, or other digital content. It’s fast, contactless, and perfect for marketing.

Does Replug track how many people scan my QR code?

Absolutely! Replug offers real-time analytics showing scan counts, locations, devices used, and more, right from your dashboard.

Can I add my brand logo to the QR code?

Yes! Replug allows you to upload your logo and place it in the center of your QR code for stronger brand visibility and trust.

Why choose Replug for your website QR code?

Easy-to-use interface (no tech skills required)
Fully customizable designs
Dynamic QR codes (edit anytime)
In-depth analytics
GDPR-compliant and secure

July 11, 2025

How to change a QR code after printing (without reprinting)?

Can you redirect a URL connected to a printed QR code? Can QR codes be deactivated? And what about changing what’s behind it once it’s already out in the world?

It’s a common worry. You’ve printed thousands of flyers, menus, or product boxes only to realize you need to change where the QR code leads. Maybe your landing page changed, there was a typo, or your campaign goals shifted.

Here’s the good news: you can change a QR code after printing, but only if you use the right type of QR code from the start. In this guide, we’ll walk you through why you might need to change it, how dynamic QR codes make it possible, and steps to do it using Replug.

Maximize marketing ROI
by transforming ordinary URLs into
branded short links that convert. Try Replug for free

Why change your QR code after printing?

Here are a few scenarios where you might need to change a QR code destination after printing:

Your team printed 5,000 event posters, but the event landing page URL changed a week later.
You promoted a seasonal offer, and now you’d rather redirect traffic to a new summer sale page.
A typo slipped through and now the QR code leads nowhere.

Instead of reprinting everything, wouldn’t it be easier to just update where the QR code sends users? That’s exactly what dynamic QR codes allow you to do; change QR code destination after printing, and keep campaigns running smoothly.

QR Code editing with dynamic QR codes

Let’s say you’ve shared a printed menu in your restaurant with a scannable QR code on it. Next month, you add new dishes or adjust prices. With a dynamic QR code, you don’t need to print new menus, all you have to do is just update the linked digital menu, and diners will instantly see the latest version.

Dynamic QR codes act like a smart layer: the printed code stays the same, but the destination can change anytime in your dashboard.

Exception to know

If you use a static QR Code, it will be “locked in” and can’t be edited. But if it’s dynamic, you’re free to change or replace the destination whenever you need.

How to change a QR code after printing using Replug?

Changing a QR code after printing sounds tricky, but with Replug’s dynamic QR codes, it’s actually simple. Here’s how you can quickly update your printed QR code’s destination without starting from scratch:

Step 1: Sign in or create an account

Log in to your Replug account. If you haven’t signed up yet, create an account and you’ll get access to a free 14-day trial with full features.

Step 2: Go to “QR Codes”

From your Replug dashboard, navigate to the “QR Codes” section where all your existing QR codes are listed.

You may also like: How to create a QR code for multiple links?

Step 3: Edit your QR code

Find the QR code you want to update and click the small pen icon in the bottom right corner. This will open the editing screen.

Click on the pen icon to edit your QR code

Step 4: Open the “QR code types” dropdown

Here, you can change what your QR code points to, depending on the type you created. You can also update the custom URL.

Boost ROI with
branded URLs!

Enhance your marketing campaigns by creating shareable, trackable, and fully multi-purpose customizable branded URLs.

Try Replug for free

For example, if you originally linked to your standard lunch menu, you could update the QR code to direct customers to a seasonal dinner menu, a special holiday offer page, or a new weekend brunch menu.

Before:

After:

Step 5: Click “Update QR Code”

Once you’re done making changes, click “Update QR Code.” Your printed QR code will now redirect anyone who scans it to the new destination.

Deactivating a QR code temporarily

Running a limited-time campaign? Replug allows you to turn them off temporarily without deleting them.

For example:

Pause your Black Friday offer QR code until the sale starts.
Stop traffic to an event page after the event is over.

How to do it inside Replug

Click “Home” from the navigation menu.
You’ll see a list of all the links you’ve created.
Find the link connected to the QR code you want to pause.
From Actions, click “Edit.”
Click on “Link Expiry.”
Set an expiration date for when the link should become inactive.

Once you’re ready to go live again, you can easily reactivate the QR code

Bonus: What else can you do with Replug?

Apart from just changing the URL of your QR code and deactivating it temporarily, Replug allows you to:

Change the link preview: Customize the title and description that appear when someone scans your QR code, so your campaign always looks fresh and relevant.
Customize the favicon: Upload your own brand favicon, so users see your logo or chosen icon in their browser tab after scanning
Set traffic routing: Send users to different destinations through dynamic link rotation, based on location, device, or other rules. For instance, a café could show a different seasonal menu or special offer to users in different states, all from the same QR code.
Link cloaking: Display a clean, branded short URL instead of a long original link, so the user’s browser shows a consistent and professional URL after scanning your QR code.

Maximize marketing ROI
by transforming ordinary URLs into
branded short links that convert. Try Replug for free

Add UTM codes for tracking: Attach UTM parameters to your QR code links to track which campaign, source, or medium drives the most traffic.
QR code analytics: Use Replug’s dedicated QR code analytics dashboard to track clicks and QR scans for your campaign, helping you measure what’s working.
Create call-to-action campaigns: Add CTA buttons to your QR code landing pages, encouraging users to sign up, shop now, download an app, or take any action you choose.

Final thoughts

In marketing, change is constant. Landing pages get updated, offers change, and sometimes, mistakes happen. Choosing a dynamic QR code is the easiest way to change a QR code destination after printing, pause campaigns, or adjust content, without wasting time, budget, or paper.

Think of it as future-proofing your print materials. So next time, print once, but keep the power to adapt whenever you need.

Ready to change your QR code without reprinting? Try Replug today!

FAQs on how to change QR code after printing

Can you change an already printed QR code?

Yes, but only if you created a dynamic QR code. With dynamic codes, you can change the destination (like a URL, video, or landing page) anytime from your dashboard without reprinting the QR code itself. If you printed a static QR code, the link or content is locked in and can’t be changed after printing.

How to reuse a printed QR code?

If it’s a dynamic QR code, you can reuse the same printed code by updating its destination whenever your campaign or offer changes. For example, you could switch from promoting a seasonal sale to directing customers to a loyalty program page, all without reprinting your flyers, menus, or packaging.

Can you reallocate a QR code?

Yes. Reallocating a QR code simply means changing where it sends users. With a dynamic QR code, you can reassign or redirect it to a new landing page, product page, video, or special offer instantly, right from your dashboard.

How to edit a QR code in Word?

If you insert a static QR code image into a Word document or Google Docs, you can’t edit the code itself inside Word. You’ll need to go back to your QR code generator (like Replug), update or create a new code, and then replace the old image in your Word document.

Can QR code information be upgraded?

QR codes store what you add when you first create them. You can’t “upgrade” a static QR code to hold more data later. But with dynamic QR codes, you can change or expand what users see without changing the printed code itself. Just keep in mind that very large files might slow down the loading experience when someone scans the code.

Can I change a QR code type after printing?

Yes, as long as it’s a dynamic QR code. For example, you might start with a Facebook QR code linking to a single profile, then later switch to a Social Media QR code showing multiple profiles , all while using the same printed code. This flexibility makes dynamic codes perfect for materials like business cards, menus, brochures, and packaging that need to stay relevant over time.

July 9, 2025

How to A/B test your bio link page?

You’ve got one link. And a hundred things to promote.

Your newsletter. Your best-selling product. That one video that always gets you leads.

So, you create a link in bio for your social media profiles, throw everything on a single landing page, and hope for the best.

But here’s the thing: if you’re not testing what actually works, you’re not just leaving clicks behind; you’re leaving conversions, email signups, and sales on the table. That’s where learning how to A/B test your bio link page comes in. It’s the key to understanding what really drives results.

With Replug, you don’t have to guess. You can A/B test up to 10 different versions of your bio link page, at the same time. Let’s break down how to actually do it, why it matters, and how to make your bio link a conversion machine.

What is A/B testing?

A/B testing, sometimes called split testing, is a method of comparing two or more versions of a webpage, ad, email, or even a URL to see which performs better.

Instead of relying on assumptions or personal preferences, you let real data show what your audience actually prefers.

For example, you might test:

“Get Fit in 10 Minutes a Day!” against “Your New Fitness Habit Starts Here”

Whichever option drives more clicks or sign-ups becomes the clear winner. This helps you make decisions based on measurable results rather than guesswork.

Where can you apply A/B testing?

A/B testing isn’t just for landing pages or ads. You can apply it to almost every part of your digital presence, including:

Web pages: Test different headlines, call-to-action buttons, or layouts to find what keeps visitors engaged.
Email campaigns: Experiment with subject lines, design formats, or send times to boost open and click rates.
Digital ads: See which creative, copy, or audience targeting generates better results.
Short URLs and bio links: Tools like Replug let you test different versions of the short links you place in your Instagram or TikTok bio (and other platforms) to see which attracts more clicks.

By running these small experiments across channels, you turn each part of the user journey into an opportunity for improvement.

Turn your bio links into click-boosting machines

Drive up to 2× more clicks than plain URLs

Share multiple destinations with one link

Turn every profile visit into traffic

Create bio links free

Why bother A/B testing your bio link page?

Because not all layouts, CTAs, or headlines work equally well.

Your audience might respond better to a video at the top instead of an image.
Or maybe “Download your free guide” outperforms “Grab it now.”

You won’t know until you test. And when you do test? You’ll find small tweaks that lead to major improvements: more clicks, higher engagement, and actual conversions.

A/B testing your bio link is like putting your content under a microscope. It shows you what’s actually clicking with your audience (and what’s just taking up space).

A practical example of bio link A/B testing

Let’s say you run an online coffee store. You could test two product page headlines:

“Brew Barista-Level Coffee at Home”
“Make Every Morning Better with Fresh Coffee”

Or, using Replug, you could test two different short URLs leading to the same product:

Next, let’s explore why A/B testing your bio links is worth the effort, and how it can help maximize engagement and clicks from your most visible online spaces.

How to A/B test your bio link page?

Here’s how to A/B test your bio link page effectively:

1. Choose what to test: Decide on the elements you want to compare. This could be the headline at the top of your bio page, call-to-action text like “Shop Now” vs. “Discover More,” the order of your featured links, or even two different branded short URLs using a tool like Replug.

Also read: 100+ call-to-action phrases you NEED to use [+ best examples]

2. Create your variations: Build two or more versions of your bio link page (or two short URLs) that lead to the same destination. Make sure each variation has only one main difference so your results stay clear.

Go beyond generic link pages!

Create custom bio links that truly fit your brand

With Replug, you can create bio links that are unique, engaging, and built to convert.

Start free trial

3. Track key metrics: Monitor which version drives more clicks, higher click-through rates on your branded links, or more conversions such as sign-ups or sales.

4. Analyze and act: See which version performs better based on your primary goal, then update your bio link page to use the winning elements.

5. Keep testing: Your audience and content change over time. Regular A/B testing helps keep your bio link page fresh and optimized for better results.

By treating your bio link page like any landing page, you turn it from a static profile link into an active tool for increasing engagement and conversions.

How to A/B test your bio link page in Replug?

Here’s the step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Sign in or create an account

To begin with, go to the Replug app and sign in to your account. If you don’t have account, you can easily create one in minutes and get access to a 14-day free trial with all features.

Step 2: Apply A/B testing in Replug

Replug allows you to split test up to 10 different bio link URLs at the same time. Here’s how to set it up:

Paste your main bio link into Replug.

Don’t have a bio link yet? Here’s how you can create one using Replug.

Toggle the A/B testing option.

Click “+ Add new destination URL” to add your alternate versions, not exceeding 10 URLs.

Distribute the weight evenly (or manually). Just make sure the total adds up to 100%, or the test won’t work.

Save your shortened link, and that’s it! Replug will automatically split traffic across your selected pages.

What’s next?

A test is only as good as the traffic it gets. If no one’s clicking, there’s nothing to measure. Here’s what you should do after you’re done applying an A/B test to your bio link:

1. Drive traffic to your bio link

Make sure your bio link is front and center:

Add it to your Instagram bio with a clear CTA in your posts/stories: “Grab it from the link in bio!”
On TikTok, mention it in your videos: “Free guide in my TikTok bio—go check it!”
Pin a tweet or X post with your link
Add it to your YouTube channel banner or description
Mention it in your email signature
Drop it in your podcast intro/outro

And don’t just say “link in bio.” Tell people why they should click. What’s waiting for them?

2. Let the test run

Now comes the hardest part: patience.

Let each variation run for at least 1–2 weeks, depending on how much traffic you’re getting. The more people who see it, the more accurate your data will be.

Avoid the urge to tweak things daily. A/B testing is about consistency. Change too much too fast, and you won’t know what actually made a difference.

3. Check the right metrics

Once your variations have had time to run, dive into Replug’s link analytics.

Here’s what to look for:

Clicks and unique clicks: See which links are getting the most traction, and how many of those are from new visitors. It’s the difference between buzz and actual reach.
Click-Through Rate (CTR): Find out which version of your bio link layout or design drives the most engagement. The higher the CTR, the closer you are to a winning formula.

Maximize marketing ROI
by transforming ordinary URLs into
branded short links that convert. Try Replug for free

Geo location data: Want to know who’s actually clicking? You’ll get traffic insights broken down by browser, OS, country, city, region, and even where they came from, so you’re not just guessing who’s tuning in, you know.
Comparison graph: See clicks vs. unique clicks side by side to spot which versions are catching attention vs. actually converting.

Use this data to identify patterns. Maybe one layout gets more clicks, but another one drives more bookings.

7. Pick a winner (then test again)

Once you find a top-performing version, make it your default, or use it as your new starting point.

But don’t stop there.

A/B testing is an ongoing process. Your audience evolves, trends shift, and content fatigue is real.

Use what you learn to keep iterating:

Swap the headline again
Change your lead magnet offer
Add new content to the top
Try seasonal CTAs

The more you test, the more you learn. And the more you learn, the better your link in bio performs.

Why A/B testing your bio link page actually works?

A/B testing turns your bio link from a guessing game into a data-backed conversion engine, helping you unlock the full benefits of bio links by showing what actually drives clicks, signups, and sales. Here’s what you really get:

Real insight into what works: Test layouts, CTAs, headlines, and visuals to find out what actually drives clicks and conversions.
Higher engagement, not just traffic: Compare versions to see which design keeps people clicking, scrolling, and buying.
Smarter decisions, less guesswork: Instead of relying on hunches, you get clear data on what resonates with your audience.
Optimize in real time: Swap out underperforming versions and double down on what’s converting, all without changing your main link.
Test messaging variations: A subtle CTA change like “Grab it now” versus “Download your freebie” can make a huge difference. Now, you’ll know which one wins.
Up to 10 variations at once: Test multiple versions side by side instead of constantly updating one live page and hoping for the best.
Data that actually leads to growth: With CTRs, click comparisons, and traffic breakdowns, your bio link becomes a mini analytics dashboard.

Conclusion

Your link in bio shouldn’t be a static page. It should be a smart, optimized experience that grows with your audience.

With Replug, you don’t have to guess what works, you can test everything. From layout to language, you’ve got the power to experiment, analyze, and grow.

So whether you’re optimizing your link in bio for Instagram or figuring out how to add a link to your TikTok bio, don’t stop at adding the link. Make it work smarter.

Ready to see what clicks?

Start A/B testing your Replug bio link today!

July 7, 2025

How to measure campaign performance in Replug?

Tracking performance is key to improving any marketing effort. Whether you’re running a one-time promotion or managing multiple campaigns across different platforms, understanding what’s working (and what’s not) helps you make better decisions.

This guide walks you through how to measure campaign performance in Replug, step by step, so you can gain clear insights, optimize your strategy, and get more out of every click.

A complete link management solution
for marketing professionals & agencies. Try Replug for free

What is campaign analytics?

Campaign analytics is the process of tracking and analyzing data from marketing campaigns to measure performance and refine strategies. It helps marketers understand which channels drive conversions, how users interact with content, and where to focus efforts for maximum impact.

In link management, campaign analytics is essential. It tracks clicks, conversions, and audience behavior for each link, helping you optimize performance and improve ROI. To get started with campaign analytics in Replug, follow these simple steps:

How to measure campaign performance in Replug?

Step 1: Log in to your Replug account

Go to Replug and sign in with your credentials. If you don’t have an account, you’ll get a free 14-day trial upon signing up.

Step 2: Click on “Campaigns”

Once logged in, click on “Campaigns” from the navigation to view all your active and archived campaigns.

Step 3: Click on “View stats”

Find the campaign you want to analyze and click the “View stats” button.

Optional: You can filter campaigns by:

Date range (e.g., last 7 days, last 30 days, custom range)

Hide/Show columns (CTA type, campaign type, headline, total links, total clicks, unique clicks, QR scans)

Campaign status (active, archived)

Step 4: Track campaign performance

Inside the stats dashboard, Replug gives you a complete view of your campaign’s activity:

Key metrics
- Total clicks: Overall number of clicks on your links
- Unique clicks: Individual users who clicked
- QR scans: Total number of QR code scans

Visual graph

Compare activity trends over time. You can spot peaks, analyze dips, and assess overall campaign momentum.

Bar chart displaying a comparison based on clicks and qr scans

Detailed breakdown
- By referral source: See which platforms or websites are sending you traffic

By location: Identify which countries or cities are engaging the most

By operating system: Understand what devices people are using (e.g., iOS, Android, Windows)

By browser: Know which browsers your audience prefers (e.g., Chrome, Safari, Firefox)

Also read: What is geotargeting and why is it important for marketers?

Step 5: Apply campaign filters for deeper insights

To fine-tune your analysis, Replug lets you filter your data by:

Time period: Choose from preset ranges or set a custom date range.
Link type: The comparison graph will adjust based on the type of campaign selected:
• Short links: Clicks vs Unique Clicks vs QR Scans
• Bio links: Views vs Unique Views vs Clicks
• QR codes: QR Scans vs Total Clicks

Turn your bio links into click-boosting machines

Drive up to 2× more clicks than plain URLs

Share multiple destinations with one link

Turn every profile visit into traffic

Create bio links free

This helps you compare different formats and gain insights into how each type performs.

Benefits of analyzing campaigns with Replug

Here’s how campaign analytics with Replug can elevate your marketing efforts:

Easy visual comparison: The real-time graph shows how your campaign is performing over time, helping you quickly spot spikes, dips, and trends.
Optimize campaign performance: Identify your best-performing content, platforms, and formats, so you can focus on what brings the highest ROI.
Tweak strategies in real time: See what’s working while your campaign is live and make adjustments on the go to improve results.
Smarter marketing decisions: Insights by location, device, browser, and referral source help you shape future campaigns more strategically.
Better reporting and client updates: Export clear, presentation-ready data to share progress with clients or internal teams.
Improved retargeting and remarketing: Use behavior data to segment your audience and retarget them more effectively.

💡 Want to go a step further? Replug’s retargeting pixels let you re-engage people who click your links across ad platforms.

Content and platform testing: Use data to A/B test formats and messaging across different channels and learn where your audience is most responsive.
Cross-campaign insights: Compare short links vs. bio links vs. QR codes to see which formats bring the most traction.

Maximize marketing ROI
by transforming ordinary URLs into
branded short links that convert. Try Replug for free

Understand audience preferences: Get to know your users better, what they use, where they’re from, how they click, and tailor your marketing accordingly.

Conclusion

Replug gives you more than just link shortening; it gives you clarity. With its detailed analytics dashboard, campaign filtering, and real-time metrics, you can dig deep into performance, uncover valuable insights, and improve your marketing strategy with confidence.

Whether you’re running a single link campaign or managing dozens, Replug makes measuring success simple and actionable.

FAQs on how to measure campaign performance

Can I export performance reports from Replug?

Yes, Replug lets you export data for use in reports, presentations, or internal updates.

Does Replug show stats in real time?

Absolutely. Replug updates metrics live, so you always have the latest performance data.

Can I track QR code performance?

Yes. QR scans are tracked alongside link clicks and displayed in the campaign dashboard.

Will I still see stats for archived campaigns?

Yes. Just filter by “archived” campaigns and you’ll be able to view their full performance history.

July 1, 2025

What is link cloaking & how does it work?

Have you ever hesitated before clicking a link, unsure of where it might lead?

Link cloaking starts here. This technique conceals a link’s true destination, displaying a neater, friendlier URL in the browser instead. But it’s not just about appearances; a cloaked link also plays a crucial role in enhancing security, ensuring accuracy, and enhancing user confidence.

This guide provides everything you need to know about link cloaking, including its benefits, easy methods, and best practices. From shortening links to staying transparent and tracking clicks, we’ll walk you through it all.

What is link cloaking?

Link cloaking, link disguising, or link masking is a technique used to hide the actual destination URL of a link while presenting a different, more user-friendly link to visitors.

This is often done for various reasons, including affiliate marketing, branding, tracking, and improving the appearance of links. By cloaking a link, you can make it appear cleaner and more trustworthy, as well as monitor click-through rates and other metrics.

Note: Link cloaking can sometimes be misused for deceptive or malicious purposes; therefore, it’s essential to use it responsibly and transparently.

Affiliate link cloaking: What does it mean?

Affiliate link cloaking refers to the practice of concealing or disguising affiliate links to make them appear more user-friendly and appealing.

Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services through unique affiliate links, and when a user clicks on such a link and makes a purchase, the affiliate earns a commission.

However, these affiliate links can often be long, complex, and not very attractive. To address this, affiliate marketers use a link cloaking tool to create links that are shorter, cleaner, and more customized.

Purpose of cloaking affiliate links

There are several benefits of cloaking affiliate links. To name a few:

Makes affiliate links blend seamlessly into the content
Provides a branded and professional appearance
Increases the likelihood of user clicks
Enables tracking of click-through rates
Allows access to analytics for measuring campaign effectiveness

Link cloaking vs. link shortening: What’s the difference?

Here’s a quick comparison to help you understand the difference between link cloaking and link shortening:

Feature/aspect	Link cloaking	Link shortening
Primary purpose	Mask the destination URL for branding, appearance, and tracking	Create shorter, more shareable links
URL visibility	Hides the original destination URL	Keeps the destination URL visible (after the redirect)
Branding	Uses custom/branded links to reflect brand identity	May or may not use branded links
User perception	Appears more trustworthy and professional when branded	Focuses more on convenience and brevity
Tracking & analytics	Often includes detailed tracking and performance measurement features	May include basic click tracking
Branded links	Branded links are a form of cloaked links	Can include branded links, but not all shortened links are cloaked
Use case example	Affiliate marketing, where destination needs to be masked or branded	Social media posts or SMS, where space is limited

Boost ROI with
branded URLs!

Enhance your marketing campaigns by creating shareable, trackable, and fully multi-purpose customizable branded URLs.

Try Replug for free

Benefits of link cloaking

Hide affiliate URLs and IDs: Link cloaking masks long, messy affiliate links and referral IDs, making your links look clean and click-worthy. This is especially helpful for Amazon affiliate links.

Use branded, clickable URLs: Replace generic links with short, branded URLs using your own domain. It builds trust and can significantly boost your click-through rate.

Maximize marketing ROI
by transforming ordinary URLs into
branded short links that convert. Try Replug for free

Keep links flexible: Need to change where a link goes after it’s been shared? No problem. Cloaking lets you change the destination URL without touching the short link.
Improve email link deliverability: Affiliate links in emails can trigger spam filters. Cloaking helps your links look clean and safe, improving inbox placement and engagement.
Add retargeting and CTA features: With tools like Replug, you can add retargeting pixels, CTA buttons, and other enhancements; perfect for capturing and converting more users.
Track link performance: Cloaked links double as tracking links, giving you detailed analytics on every click; from location and device to time and campaign performance.

Also read: How to become an Amazon affiliate: A complete guide

How to use Replug for link cloaking?

To use Replug for link masking, follow these steps:

Step 1: Sign in to Replug or create an account for a free 14-day trial.

Step 2: Paste the original URL you want to shorten in the bar under “Quickly Shorten your link”

Step 3: You’ll be led to a pop-up where you can connect your custom domain and edit the URL slug of the original link. Here you can also add UTM parameters behind your link (optional).

Step 4: Enable link cloaking. This ensures that your custom, branded URL remains visible in the browser’s address bar

Step 6: Once done, click the “Save Shortened Link” button. Your cloaked URL is now ready to share across all platforms.

Monitor cloaked link analytics with Replug

Replug offers valuable insights such as click-through rates and geotargeting data related to the users interacting with your cloaked links.

By utilizing this data, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of how your links are performing. This information helps you gauge the effectiveness of your marketing efforts, identify trends, and make informed decisions for optimizing your strategies.

Whether you want to track engagement, reach the right audience, or optimize your campaigns, Replug’s analytics give you the insights to fine-tune your strategy and hit your goals.

A complete link management solution
for marketing professionals & agencies. Try Replug for free

Conclusion

Link cloaking helps you clean up messy URLs, protect affiliate commissions, and build trust with branded links. When used transparently, it’s a powerful way to improve link performance, track engagement, and manage where your traffic goes.

Whether you’re in affiliate marketing or simply want more control over your links, cloaking is a tactic worth using.

FAQs about link cloaking

How does link cloaking work?

Cloaked link often uses technologies like iFrames to display the destination URL within a webpage, while showing a different link to users.

Is link cloaking ethical?

Link cloaking itself is neutral, but its ethical use is crucial. Transparently informing users about cloaked links, especially in affiliate marketing, is essential.

Are cloaked links trackable?

Yes, many cloaking methods allow you to track click-through rates and other analytics to measure the performance of your links.

Can I retarget users with cloaked links?

Yes, some cloaking tools let you add retargeting or remarketing tags to cloaked pages, enabling you to show ads to users who clicked but didn’t convert.

June 30, 2025

How to cloak a link?

You’ve probably come across those long, clunky affiliate URLs with tracking IDs, UTM parameters, and numbers that look like they came from a robot. Not exactly something you’d want to click, let alone share.

Link cloaking fixes that.

It’s a method that hides the original destination URL behind a cleaner, shorter one, often with your own domain. Unlike a standard redirect, the cloaked link stays visible in the browser’s address bar even after the page loads.

So instead of something like this:

You see this in your browser:

The user lands on the affiliate site, but all they see is your branded link. That’s URL masking, also called link cloaking or link disguising.

How does link disguising work?

Most link cloaking tools use an iFrame to load the destination page inside your branded one. It’s like placing the real page in a wrapper; your wrapper.

This means:

The user stays on your domain
The destination loads inside it
The original link is hidden

That’s why it’s a go-to move in affiliate marketing. It gives you more control, cleaner links, and keeps your commissions safe.

Also read: What Is Affiliate Link Cloaking & How To Do It?

Controversy

Link cloaking isn’t without its critics. On some platforms, it can seem deceptive, especially if it’s used to hide important information or mislead users. If you’re going to cloak links, do it transparently. Keep your audience’s trust by being clear about where the link leads.

That’s why tools like Replug are built with transparency in mind. You can cloak your links without compromising trust, using branded URLs, clear slugs, and built-in analytics to show exactly how your links are performing.

Boost ROI with
branded URLs!

Enhance your marketing campaigns by creating shareable, trackable, and fully multi-purpose customizable branded URLs.

Try Replug for free

How to cloak a link in Replug?

Step 1: Sign in or create your account

Head over to Replug and log in. If you’re new, you’ll automatically get access to a 14-day free trial.

Step 2: Add the destination URL

Paste the original link you want to cloak in the bar under “Quickly Shorten your link”. This is where you want your audience to land.

Step 3: Customize and disguise the link (additional)

Click the blue next button, and a popup will appear.

Here, you have the option to:

Change the URL slug to mask the original link
Connect your custom domain
Add a custom favicon and change link preview
Enable deep linking, retargeting pixels, CTA buttons, A/B testing, and UTM parameters to track performance and optimize engagement.

Step 4: Enable link cloaking

Toggle on Link Cloaking to ensure your branded link stays visible in the browser’s address bar, not the original URL. This keeps your links clean, click-worthy, and aligned with your brand.

Step 5: Save and share

Click Save Shortened Link, and you’re good to go. Share your new cloaked URL anywhere you want: social posts, emails, bios, ads; wherever you want clean, trackable links.

Maximize marketing ROI
by transforming ordinary URLs into
branded short links that convert. Try Replug for free

Conclusion

Link cloaking isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about trust, control, and smarter affiliate marketing. When used transparently, it can protect your commissions, boost clicks, and elevate your brand presence. Tools like Replug make it easy to mask links while keeping everything above board. So go ahead! Clean up those messy URLs and give your links the makeover they deserve.

FAQs on how to cloak a link?

How does link cloaking work?

Link cloaking uses an iFrame to load the destination page while keeping your branded or shortened URL visible in the browser’s address bar. This technique hides the original URL, which is a major advantage for affiliate marketers.

What is the best tool for link cloaking?

One of the best tools for cloaking links is Replug. It offers easy link customization, tracking, and branding features to enhance link performance.

Can I use my own domain for cloaked links?

Yes, absolutely. Most link cloaking tools, including Replug, allow you to use a custom domain to create vanity URLs. This makes your links look cleaner, more on-brand, and easier to trust.

Why do some websites not allow cloaking?

Some websites actively block iFrame loading through security headers like X-Frame-Options. If a site has this restriction (for example, Apple), link cloaking won’t work. Tools like Replug will alert you if a destination link can’t be cloaked.

Can I add retargeting pixels or tracking scripts to cloaked links?

Yes. With affiliate link cloaking, you can still apply Facebook Pixel, Google Tag Manager, and other retargeting pixels to track user behavior and optimize your campaigns.

Why is my cloaked link getting flagged or marked as spam?

In some cases, cloaked links may be flagged by spam filters, especially if they hide the final destination or appear misleading. Some platforms and email providers treat aggressive URL masking with caution. To avoid this, always use link cloaking ethically and transparently.

What are the benefits of link cloaking?

Link cloaking helps you:

Make long affiliate URLs (like Amazon links) look clean and branded
Protect your affiliate IDs and commissions
Improve click-through rates with trustworthy-looking links
Track performance using UTM tags and analytics
Add retargeting pixels to links for remarketing

Is link cloaking good or bad for SEO?

Cloaked links loaded in iFrames aren’t crawled like standard hyperlinks, so they don’t typically pass SEO value. If SEO is your goal, use traditional linking strategies. But if your focus is affiliate conversion tracking, branding, and clean presentation, link cloaking does the job well.

June 27, 2025

How to disguise a link using a URL shortener?

Link disguising is all about hiding a link so that it looks like another link. Though the term itself might sound dubious, it is very useful in the digital world. People generally mask links to shorten them and brand them.

Disguising a link means concealing the bad parts or random characters of the URL to make it look clean, and here’s where URL shorteners come in handy for turning these messy and random links into something meaningful and useful.

In this article, you’ll learn how to disguise a link effectively and how to rename a link with the help of tools like Replug. If you’re thinking about changing a URL to improve branding, user trust, or click-through rates, you’re in the right place.

What is a disguised link?

A disguised link (also called a cloaked URL or masked URL) hides the original URL and redirects traffic to the original destination URL without damaging the user experience.

Advanced URL shorteners make disguising a URL easy and allow you to quickly create a customized URL (or vanity URL/branded link) that appears to the users when you share with them.

Now the real question arises. Why do people use disguised links?

Why disguise a link?

Creates a great first impression: A URL is something that people see at first sight when you share a profile, video link, company website, etc. So, if it looks suspicious, no one is going to click
Increases your sales: Disguising a link can significantly improve e-commerce sales, brand engagement, and user experience since users are more likely to click a link that looks branded and clean.
Tracks link performance: URL tracking tools not only disguise links but also allow track performance by creating custom links.
They are easy to create: With the right tools, learning how to disguise a link takes just a few steps. So, why not go for a branded URL rather than one that looks like a jumble of random characters?

Boost ROI with
branded URLs!

Enhance your marketing campaigns by creating shareable, trackable, and fully multi-purpose customizable branded URLs.

Try Replug for free

Reasons to use disguised links

There are various reasons to disguise links. Below are the ones on top of the list:

URL shortening and beautification
Replace nasty and ugly URLs
To make affiliate links
To disguise free web hosting URLs

Disguised links for affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketers often rely on link disguising for a cleaner presentation and to protect their affiliate IDs from theft or malware. Using Replug or similar tools, they can:

Shorten long URLs
Optimize URL slugs to create branded affiliate links
Track performance and conversions

Whether you’re promoting a product or campaign, changing a URL to match your brand can significantly boost trust and engagement.

How do you disguise a link on a website?

A URL shortener is your secret weapon to transform any clunky link into a sleek, hidden gem. But that’s just the beginning. You can also track performance, analyze click data, and enhance your links with CTAs, bio links, retargeting pixels, and more!

Let’s say that you are promoting a new line of Columbia whole coffee beans that you just launched.

Here’s how you can use Replug to disguise your link:

Step 1: Sign in or create an account

Sign in to your Replug account. You will get a 14-day free trial if you’re a new user.

Step 2: Enter the URL you want to disguise

Step 3: Disguise your URL

After you click on the blue next button, you’ll be led to a popup. From there, you can change the URL slug, thereby masking your URL so that it doesn’t look spammy.

From here you can also set additional parameters that you want for your campaign, such as customized favicon, deep linking, A/B testing, etc. You can also add a UTM parameter to track your links’ performance.

Now just type the slug (in our example “/columbia-whole-bean”) and click on the green tickmark icon to save your disguised URL.

Step 4: Enable link cloaking

Enable link cloaking in Replug to display only your custom, branded link in the browser’s address bar, thereby disguising the original URL. This keeps your link clean, professional, and more trustworthy.

Step 5: Save and share!

Once done, just click on the “Save Shortened Link” button and share it with your audience, whenever, wherever!

Maximize marketing ROI
by transforming ordinary URLs into
branded short links that convert. Try Replug for free

Replug key features

Link management

Multiple link shortening tools are available in the market, but Replug is among the few best link shorteners that offers link disguising, tracking & optimization as well as a catchy calls to action.

Replug is an easy URL shortening and tracking platform that allows you to:

Create eye-catching branded URLs.
Generate social media bio links
Add URL tracking with custom URL UTM parameters, and tags
Add retargeting pixels with powerful analytics and branded links.

A complete link management solution
for marketing professionals & agencies. Try Replug for free

Replug Chrome extension

Replug’s chrome extension makes it easier to create disguise links. You can download the Google Chrome extension and log into your Replug account by entering your login credentials.

Once completed, you’ll have full control of using Replug features in no time.

Link analytics

Replug stands higher among all link management tools when it comes to link analytics. You can make a profitable brand strategy by keeping an eye on link analytics.

Below are some great click analytics you can track using Replug:

Click-through rate
Visitor by browser
Visitors by the operating system
Visitor by country
Visitor by source/referrer

Deep linking

Deep links let users go to the specific application rather than going through the hassle of visiting irrelevant web pages. These powerful links increase overall engagement and conversion rates.

Drive more clicks, conversions, and app installations by deep linking
to your favorite platforms. Try deep links for free

Link rotation

With the help of Replug’s link rotation (or traffic routing) feature, you can reach your target audience by setting multiple filters such as geography, browser, and device. You can also select the IP address, dates, and time. Hence, link rotation allows you to redirect users and deliver a unique experience on the base of these filters.

QR codes

Replug allows you to create custom, dynamic QR codes. After you you’ve disguised your URL, you can quickly create a branded QR code by changing the customizing the colours, adding a frame, and incorporating your logo. This allows for seamless sharing across all platforms, and also makes your link look cleaner and quicker to access.

Retargeting pixels

Every branded URL can include retargeting pixels to help you retarget website visitors who bounced before buying. This is especially useful for e-commerce brands looking to reduce cart abandonment, re-engage lost leads, and improve return on ad spend. One clean link can bring customers back right when it matters most.

A/B testing

A/B testing features allow you to redirect links to several destinations. With Replug, you can efficiently distribute the weightage and start testing up to 10 links simultaneously.

Final words

Using a URL shortener to disguise a link is not only for the people of the e-commerce world. In fact, URL shorteners are way much more than just a shortening tool.

You can create bio links, test landing pages via A/B testing, add CTA’s for special offers and discounts, route and redirect traffic etc. And this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Ready to disguise and hide your links like a pro? Try Replug today!

FAQs for how to disguise a link

What is a disguised link, and why is it useful?

A disguised link (or cloaked URL) hides the original URL, making it cleaner and more trustworthy. It improves click-through rates, builds trust, and is commonly used in affiliate marketing and e-commerce.

How can I track the performance of my disguised links?

Advanced link management tools provide metrics like click-through rates, locations, and conversions. You can also add UTM parameters to gain deeper insights.

How to disguise a link in text?

To disguise a link in text, hyperlink a word or phrase instead of displaying the full URL. For example, use anchor text like “read more” or “visit now”. This improves readability, builds trust, and boosts click-through rates. Use a URL shortener like Replug to create a clean, branded link before embedding it.

What is the best tool for disguising links?

One of the best tools for disguising links is Replug. It offers easy link customization, tracking, and branding features to enhance link performance.

June 23, 2025

What does link in bio mean: All you need to know

“Link in Bio” is all about breaking the limits of a single link. It’s a way to share multiple links, content, and products, making it an essential tool for individuals, businesses, and influencers.

In this guide, we’ll explore the basics, the role it plays in personal branding and marketing, and how it’s revolutionizing the way we navigate the online world. Whether you’re a social media pro or a newbie, link in bio is your shortcut to success in today’s fast paced world.

Here’s what you need to know.

What does “link in bio” mean?

Link in bio refers to a clickable URL appearing in your profile description, often on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. This link allows users to direct their audience to external websites, content, products, or any other online destinations.

Since many social media platforms limit the number of links or direct clickable links in posts and comments, the link in bio or “bio link” serves as a workaround, enabling users to share multiple links or promote specific content more effectively by directing their followers to their bio section, where they can find and click on the desired link.

It has become a valuable strategy for personal branding, content promotion, and marketing.

Turn your bio links into click-boosting machines

Drive up to 2× more clicks than plain URLs

Share multiple destinations with one link

Turn every profile visit into traffic

Create bio links free

What’s the purpose of creating a link in bio?

If you’re active on social media, you’ve probably run into the dreaded “limited links” problem. Instagram gives you five spots (generous…ish), but TikTok? Just one lonely link. Not exactly the dream when you’ve got a podcast, a blog, a product launch, and a playlist to share. That’s where a link in bio saves the day, turning that single space into a mini hub for everything you want your audience to click on.

Here’s why you should create a link in bio:

One link, many destinations: Social media platforms limit you to just adding a few links in your bio. A link in bio helps you make it count by leading visitors to multiple pages.
Showcase everything: Whether it’s your website, shop, blog, videos, or sign-up forms, you can share it all in one neat place.

Here’s an example of the famous American Cook, Andrew Rea’s link in bio page for his series “Babish Culinary Universe”:

Make navigation easy: No more “link in latest post” confusion. Your audience knows exactly where to go.
Stay organized: Keep your important links tidy, clickable, and easy to update whenever you need.
Boost engagement: Get more clicks, views, leads, and conversions by directing people to the right content at the right time.

How to create a link in bio using Replug?

To create bio links using Replug, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Access your Replug account

Sign in to your Replug account, or create one to start your 14-day free trial if you’re new to the platform.

Step 2: Click on “Bio Links”

Once you’re logged in, go to the Replug dashboard and click on “Bio Links” from the navigation bar to get started.

Step 3: Start creating a new link in bio

This will take you to the “Bio Links dashboard. From here, click on the “Create new” button to start creating a new bio link.

Replug lets you easily manage your bio profile with three main categories: Branding, Content, and Settings.

Branding: Customize the look and feel of your profile with themes, colors, fonts, and button styles.
Content: Add and organize different blocks like links, videos, images, and more to showcase your content.
Settings: Adjust SEO settings, control how your profile appears in social media previews, and add tracking pixels.

Step 4: Brand your link in bio

Customize your bio profile to match your personal style or brand. Upload a profile image, add your title and bio, and choose from a variety of themes, button styles, and colors.

You can also enable a background image and adjust its opacity for a more personalized look. If your account is verified, a badge will appear to help others recognize it’s officially you.

Click on the “Publish” button on the top right to start customizing your bio link further. If you don’t, you won’t be able to save changes in real-time.

Step 5: Choose content blocks

Choose the type of content blocks you want to add to your bio link page.
Replug offers various content block options, including social icons, links, RSS feeds, audio, video, text, cards, separator, and spacing. Select the ones that best suit your needs.

As an example, let’s start with adding social icons. For that, click on the “Social” block button.

Provide titles for each platform, customize the colors for the social icons, and paste the corresponding links. To add each platform, click the “Add Block” button.
You can also schedule, animate, or customize the appearance of your blocks.

Also read: How to add a bio link to your Discord profile?

Step 6: Go to Settings and Customize SEO and Social Media Preview

Go to “Settings” to customize your bio link page further by adding a custom meta title, description, image, favicon image.

Furthermore, you can also add tracking pixels for conversion tracking, optimization, and remarketing.

Step 7: Review link in bio page

Review your link in bio page as you create it to ensure it looks and functions as you intended. Take advantage of the preview feature to see how it will appear.

Step 8: Update and create a custom URL for your bio link

Update your bio link to save changes.
Create a custom URL by changing the slug of your bio link. You can also connect your custom domain if you have one.

Note: Replug now lets you add a free custom domain if you’re a paying user.

With your Replug-generated bio link, you can effectively share multiple links and content with your audience, making it a valuable tool for content promotion and marketing on the platform.

Go beyond generic link pages!

Create custom bio links that truly fit your brand

With Replug, you can create bio links that are unique, engaging, and built to convert.

Start free trial

Tips to improve your “Link In Bio ”

Here are some additional tips for creating a great bio link:

Make sure your bio link is short and easy to remember.
Use a clear and concise title for your bio link.
Add a description that tells people what they can expect to find on your bio link.
Use an eye-catching image for your bio link.
Share your bio link on all of your social media profiles.
Promote your bio link in your email signature and on your website.

FAQs about what a link in bio means

What is a “Link in Bio”?

A “Link in Bio” is a clickable hyperlink placed in the bio or profile description of a social media account, allowing users to direct their audience to external websites, content, or products.

Why use a “Bio Link”?

Users employ “Bio Link” to overcome limitations on the number of links in social media posts, making it easier to share multiple links, promote content, and enhance user experience.

How can I add a “Link in Bio” on Instagram?

To add a “Link in Bio” on Instagram, go to your profile, click on “Edit Profile,” and enter your desired link in the website field. This link becomes your “Bio Link.”

Are there tools or services to manage “Link in Bio”?

Yes, there are third-party tools and services like Replug that provide features to create and manage “Link in Bio” pages with multiple links.

Can I customize my “Link in Bio” page?

Yes, many “Link in Bio” services allow users to customize the appearance of their bio link page by adding branding elements, titles, and descriptions.

You may also like:

How to Add Spotify Link to TikTok Bio?

How To Put A Link In TikTok Bio?

How to put YouTube link in Instagram bio?

June 20, 2025

How to disguise a link in Discord: 5 tricks you should know

Dropping random links in your Discord server chat can look a little shady sometimes.

Long URLs flood your message with previews. Affiliate links raise red flags. And those random characters? Yeah. They scream “don’t click me.”

You can disguise a link in Discord using a few formatting tricks. But if you’re serious about growing clicks, building trust, and keeping your brand looking clean, you’ll want to go beyond the basics.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

How to disguise a link in Discord (basic methods)
Why Replug is a smarter, more professional solution
What you can do with Replug beyond just shortening links

Let’s get into it.

Why Discord links can hurt your clicks

If you’re a Discord server, you’ve probably seen a suspiciously long link dropped into a Discord chat that no one dares to click. Something like:

It’s long and distracting.

On top of that, Discord hyperlink text isn’t naturally supported. You can’t just make a clean, clickable word unless you’re using embeds or bots.

This creates a big problem for:

Affiliate marketers
Content creators
Community leads
Anyone trying to get clicks, not confusion

So if you’re wondering how to hide a link in Discord, there are a few formatting tricks. But if you’re thinking long-term, you’ll want a better method.

Basic ways to disguise a link in Discord

If you’re just trying to reduce the messiness and avoid previews, here are three simple ways to go about masking links in Discord:

1. Angle brackets

Wrap the link like this:

disguise a link in Discord using Angle brackets

This disables the preview and keeps the message clean.

2. Spoiler tags

Hide the link behind spoiler formatting:

disguise a link in Discord using spoiler tags

Users have to click to reveal it. This is useful if you’re sharing sensitive or exclusive content.

3. Asterisks

Grab the link you want to share and wrap the link like this:

disguise a link in Discord using asterisks

This disables the preview and keeps the message clean. The link still works; it just looks less intrusive.

Note: To hide both the link and its preview, use spoiler tags or asterisks. If you only want to stop the preview but still show the link, angle brackets are your best bet.

4. Turn off previews

For your personal settings:

Go to Settings > Text & Images
Toggle off “Show embed and preview website links pasted into chat”

These three options cover basic Discord link formatting. They’re temporary fixes. Not solutions. If your link still looks like a mess of random letters and tracking IDs, most people still won’t click.

Let’s be real: hiding a link ≠ building trust

Disguising your link should do more than just “hide” it. It should make it look professional. On-brand. Click-worthy.

That’s where Replug comes in.

How to disguise a Discord link in Replug?

Step 1: Log in to Replug

Head over to Replug and sign in to your account. If you don’t have one yet, you can create a free account in just a few clicks.

Step 2: Shorten link

Copy the link you want to shorten and paste it in the bar under “Quickly Shorten your link”

Step 3: Disguise your link

Disguise your URL by connecting your custom domain and changing the slug of your shortened link.

Step 4: Enable link cloaking

Turn on link cloaking in Replug so users only see your custom, disguised link in the browser’s address bar, instead of the original URL. It keeps your video link clean, branded, and more trustworthy.

Step 5: Save your link

The final step is to save your shortened link. Once done, your disguised or masked URL is ready to be shared in Discord with your community!

Why Replug is a smarter way to disguise links in Discord

Think of Replug as your Discord link’s glow-up. Instead of looking like a raw affiliate dump, your links get a clean, branded, professional look, and you can track everything behind the scenes.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Create branded short links

Forget pasting this:

With Replug, you can share this instead:

Boost ROI with
branded URLs!

Enhance your marketing campaigns by creating shareable, trackable, and fully multi-purpose customizable branded URLs.

Try Replug for free

This is more than shortening. It’s called a vanity URL, a link that matches your brand and earns trust. And in Discord, that goes a long way.

2. Get full analytics and link tracking

While Discord gives you zero visibility into link clicks, Replug gives you the full picture through the link analytics dashboard:

Who clicked
When they clicked
Where they came from
What device they used

Perfect for understanding which Discord channels, DMs, or announcements are performing best.

3. Customize your preview and text

With Discord hyperlink text being limited, Replug gives you control over how your link appears elsewhere.

You can:

Set a custom title
Add a preview image
Write your own description

Instead of letting Discord embed something random (or nothing), you own how it shows up.

4. Use dynamic QR codes

Need your link offline? On merch? In event banners? Replug creates dynamic QR codes for every link. And if your destination changes later, you can just edit it, no need to reprint.

That’s especially useful for cross-promotion across social, physical, and community spaces.

5. Add clickable bio pages

If you’re a creator, streamer, affiliate, or run a community, Replug helps you avoid spamming multiple links. You get a bio link page; one smart link that hosts everything.

So instead of choosing one link, you just post one clean URL. You can even customize it for specific audiences, ideal if you’re targeting Discord traffic.

Turn your bio links into click-boosting machines

Drive up to 2× more clicks than plain URLs

Share multiple destinations with one link

Turn every profile visit into traffic

Create bio links free

6. Works everywhere, not just Discord

Once you’ve got your short link, it’s ready to drop anywhere:

Instagram
TikTok
Twitter
Email campaigns
Blog bios
YouTube descriptions
And of course, Discord

Whether you’re sending it in a DM, using it in a bot, or adding it to a server announcement, your link stays clean and consistent.

Recap: Discord formatting vs Replug

Feature	Discord	Replug
Hide previews	✅	✅
Use custom domain (vanity URL)	❌	✅
Track link clicks	❌	✅
Customize preview title/image/text	❌	✅
Add all your links in one	❌	✅ (bio link)
Generate dynamic QR codes	❌	✅
Look professional across all platforms	❌	✅

Final thoughts

So, how to disguise a link on Discord?

Yes, you can hide it using brackets, spoiler tags, or by turning off previews. But those are just band-aids.

If you’re building a brand, sharing affiliate links, or running a community, you need a tool that helps your links stand out, not disappear.

That’s what Replug does.

From clean, branded links to full analytics, bio pages, and custom QR codes, Replug helps you do more than just shorten your links.

It helps you make them work.

Ready to upgrade your links?

Make your links click-worthy
Track performance
Build trust in every server

👉 Start using Replug for free

FAQs for how to disguise a link in Discord

Can I create clickable text on Discord like “click here”?

Not in regular messages. Discord doesn’t support embedded hyperlinks. But with Replug, you can create clean, branded links that look more professional and trustworthy than raw URLs.

How do I prevent a link preview on Discord?

To stop Discord from showing a preview of your link, wrap the URL in angle brackets like this: <https://yourlink.com>. This hides the embed while keeping the link clickable.

Can I hide an entire link in Discord?

Yes, you can use spoiler tags like ||yourlink.com|| or wrap it in asterisks (*yourlink.com*) to hide it. Users will have to click to reveal the link, making it less intrusive.

How to hyperlink on Discord mobile?

You can’t create embedded hyperlinks (like “click here”) on Discord mobile or desktop in regular chats. Discord doesn’t support that kind of formatting. Your best option is to share a clean, short link, ideally a branded one using a tool like Replug.

What’s the difference between hiding and disguising a Discord link?

Hiding a link (e.g., with spoiler tags) just makes it less visible. Disguising a link (e.g., using Replug) makes it look professional and credible. One’s a quick fix. The other builds trust and boosts clicks.

June 18, 2025

How to disguise a YouTube link: The complete guide

Just dropped a fire YouTube video? Maybe it’s a tutorial, a product drop, or some BTS magic. You’re hyped to share it, but that standard YouTube URL? Yeah… not the vibe.

This is where using a branded, shortened link steps in. With the right link management tool, you can turn that generic link into a polished, professional URL that reflects your brand and builds trust at a glance.

But it’s not just about aesthetics. A disguised YouTube link builds trust, gets more clicks, and keeps the spotlight on your content. Let’s break down why this tiny switch can level up your share game.

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What does it mean to disguise a link?

Disguising a link means hiding the original URL behind a cleaner, branded, or shortened version. Instead of showing a long, complex link, like a default YouTube or affiliate URL, you present a custom link that’s easy to read, memorable, and trustworthy.

Tools like Replug let you disguise links using your own domain, add custom slugs, and even enable link cloaking so users only see the disguised version in the browser. It’s a simple way to make your links look more professional and boost clicks.

How to disguise a YouTube video link using Replug?

Replug makes it easy to disguise long YouTube URLs with custom short links that improve visibility, boost trust, and drive more engagement.

Here’s how to hide your YouTube link step-by-step using Replug:

Step 1: Copy YouTube URL

Go to the YouTube app and copy the URL you want to disguise from the search bar.

Step 2: Log in to Replug

Log in to Replug or create a free account if you don’t have one already. You’ll get access to a 14-day trial with full features.

Step 3: Shorten your link

Paste your YouTube embed link into Replug’s dashboard.

Related: How to shorten a YouTube URL?

Step 4: Disguise your YouTube video link

Step 5: Enable link cloaking

Turn on link cloaking in Replug so users only see your custom, disguised link in the browser’s address bar, instead of the original YouTube URL. It keeps your video link clean, branded, and more trustworthy.

Step 6: Save link

Once you’re set, hit “Save Shortened link” and Replug will generate a clean, trackable short YouTube URL that’s ready to share.

How to Embed a YouTube Video Using YouTube’s Built-in Feature

YouTube also lets you embed videos directly onto your website or blog. Here’s how:

1. Go to the YouTube video

Navigate to the video you want to embed on YouTube.

2. Click the “Share” Button

Below the video player, click the “Share” button.

3. Select “Embed”

In the pop-up, click the “Embed” option (</> icon).

4. Copy the embed code

A preview window with an HTML <iframe> code will appear. Click “Copy” to copy the code.

5. Paste the code into your website

Go to the backend of your website or blog and paste the embed code into the HTML where you want the video to appear.

Tips:

Make sure your site/platform supports embedding HTML (e.g., WordPress, Webflow, Blogger).
You can manually adjust the width and height in the iframe code.
Some website builders also let you paste the YouTube URL directly, and they’ll auto-embed it.

Want a code snippet with your video link in it? Just share the URL!

Benefits of disguising your YouTube video link

1. Make your link memorable and on-brand

Custom short links are easy to remember and look far more professional than default YouTube URLs. When you add your own domain, it reinforces brand recognition across all platforms.

2. Build trust across platforms

Generic or affiliate-style YouTube links can appear suspicious, especially in emails or chats. A clean, branded URL instantly looks more credible.

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branded URLs!

Enhance your marketing campaigns by creating shareable, trackable, and fully multi-purpose customizable branded URLs.

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3. Boost your click-through rates

Disguised links are not just visually appealing; they’re also proven to get more clicks. Shorter, clearer links perform better across marketing channels and potentially have a higher CTR.

4. Keep your messaging clean

Long URLs can clutter up your posts or trigger previews that take focus away from your content. Disguising your YouTube link helps keep things neat and distraction-free.

5. Track every click and conversion

With Replug, you can monitor performance in real-time. See how many clicks your YouTube link gets, where traffic is coming from, and what content drives results.

6. Create a QR code instantly

Want to share your video offline? Replug lets you create a custom, dynamic QR code for any short link, making it easy to promote your video through print or packaging.

7. A/B test multiple video links

Wondering which custom link will make your video stand out? Use Replug to split test up to 10 URLs or more versions and optimize based on actual data.

8. Use link rotators for smarter sharing

Need to promote different videos to different audiences? Replug’s link rotator lets you route users to different YouTube videos without changing the link.

9. Add calls-to-action directly to your link

Don’t stop at just getting clicks, turn them into actions. With Replug, you can add CTA buttons, and create bridge and summary pages that display while your video plays.

Boost your conversion rates with irresistable CTAs with

for your marketing campaigns.

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More leads

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Wrapping it up

If you’re serious about growing your YouTube presence, your link strategy shouldn’t be an afterthought. Disguising your YouTube video link with a branded short URL isn’t just about looks; it’s about boosting trust, engagement, and performance across every platform you share on.

With Replug, you get full control over how your video links appear, perform, and convert. From link cloaking to CTAs, QR codes, analytics, and more, it’s your one-stop solution for turning any video drop into a brand moment.

So the next time you’re ready to share your content, skip the clunky links. Share it smart. Share it with Replug.

👉 Try Replug free for 14 days and start transforming your YouTube links today.

FAQs for how to disguise a YouTube link

How do I disguise a YouTube video link?

You can disguise a YouTube video link by using a link shortener like Replug. It allows you to create a clean, branded URL that hides the original YouTube link. This improves trust, looks more professional, and gives you access to analytics, CTAs, and link cloaking options.

How to send a YouTube link without showing the thumbnail preview?

Use the embed link or shorten it with Replug to avoid auto-thumbnails. Some apps also let you manually remove the preview before sending. With Replug, you can go a step further by customizing or disabling the preview entirely for a cleaner, on-brand look.

What is the benefit of using a custom URL for a YouTube video?

A custom URL makes your YouTube video link more memorable, branded, and trustworthy. It helps with click-through rates, especially on social and professional platforms, and gives you control over tracking and performance using tools like Replug.

Can I track who clicks my disguised YouTube link?

Yes. With Replug, you can track clicks, traffic sources, devices, locations, and even retarget viewers. It turns your YouTube link into a data-rich marketing asset instead of just a plain video drop.

What’s the difference between link shortening and link disguising?

Link shortening creates a shorter version of a long URL, while link disguising goes a step further. It hides the original URL, applies branding (like a custom domain), and can include cloaking so only your branded link shows in the browser bar.

June 17, 2025

Category: Help Guides

Step 1: Log in to your Replug account

Step 2: Go to the “QR codes” section

Step 3: Add your website URL

Step 4: Customize your QR code

Step 5: Save and download your QR code

Track QR code performance from your Replug dashboard

Final thoughts

FAQs on QR codes for websites

Can I edit the website link after printing the QR code?

What is a QR code?

Does Replug track how many people scan my QR code?

Can I add my brand logo to the QR code?

Why choose Replug for your website QR code?

Why change your QR code after printing?

QR Code editing with dynamic QR codes

Exception to know

How to change a QR code after printing using Replug?

Step 1: Sign in or create an account

Step 2: Go to “QR Codes”

Step 3: Edit your QR code

Step 4: Open the “QR code types” dropdown

Step 5: Click “Update QR Code”

Deactivating a QR code temporarily

How to do it inside Replug

Bonus: What else can you do with Replug?

Final thoughts

FAQs on how to change QR code after printing

Can you change an already printed QR code?

How to reuse a printed QR code?

Can you reallocate a QR code?

How to edit a QR code in Word?

Can QR code information be upgraded?

Can I change a QR code type after printing?

What is A/B testing?

Where can you apply A/B testing?

Why bother A/B testing your bio link page?

A practical example of bio link A/B testing

How to A/B test your bio link page?

How to A/B test your bio link page in Replug?

Step 1: Sign in or create an account

Step 2: Apply A/B testing in Replug

What’s next?

1. Drive traffic to your bio link

2. Let the test run

3. Check the right metrics

7. Pick a winner (then test again)

Why A/B testing your bio link page actually works?

Conclusion

What is campaign analytics?

How to measure campaign performance in Replug?

Step 1: Log in to your Replug account

Step 2: Click on “Campaigns”

Step 3: Click on “View stats”

Step 4: Track campaign performance

Step 5: Apply campaign filters for deeper insights

Benefits of analyzing campaigns with Replug

Conclusion

FAQs on how to measure campaign performance

Can I export performance reports from Replug?

Does Replug show stats in real time?

Can I track QR code performance?

Will I still see stats for archived campaigns?

What is link cloaking?

Affiliate link cloaking: What does it mean?

Purpose of cloaking affiliate links

Link cloaking vs. link shortening: What’s the difference?

Benefits of link cloaking

How to use Replug for link cloaking?

Monitor cloaked link analytics with Replug

Conclusion

FAQs about link cloaking

How does link cloaking work?

Is link cloaking ethical?

Are cloaked links trackable?

Can I retarget users with cloaked links?

How does link disguising work?

Controversy

How to cloak a link in Replug?

Step 1: Sign in or create your account