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Use ShortPaste to easily share links on Android

Looking for a fast way to share shortened links with friends on social media? Check out ShortPaste -- it does all the work for you.

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Nicole Cozma
Nicole Cozma has an affinity for Android apps and devices, but loves technology in general. Based out of the Tampa Bay Area, she enjoys being a spectator to both sunsets and lightning storms.
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Nicole Cozma
2 min read
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Have you ever pasted a link from Amazon to a friend on IM or social media? Chances are, the link took up lots of space, and if you made any comments before or after it, they may be lost among the chunk of text. Using a URL shortening service keeps links tidy, and makes them easy to be reshared with others. If you're looking for the same functionality on your Android device, it can be a hassle to copy a link, then open a shortening app or website, and then copy the new link, then share.

Enter ShortPaste, an app that lets you streamline the link sharing process by shortening the URL as soon as you copy it. Let's get started:

Step 1: Install a copy of the ShortPaste app, available on Android 4.0 and up.

Step 2: Open the app and tap the Settings button in the top right-hand corner.

ShortPaste app settings. Nicole Cozma/CNET

Step 3: Adjust settings to your liking. The app can start when your device boots up, trim the http:// from links to make them even shorter, and supports bit.ly credentials for link-tracking (the app uses goo.gl by default).

Copying a URL from the Chrome address bar on Android. Nicole Cozma/CNET

Step 4: Copy a full link from any app, like the Web browser.

Sharing a shortened link on Google Hangouts. Nicole Cozma/CNET

Step 5: Paste the link to the window where you want to share it. The link will be shortened for you.

Archive of shortened links. Nicole Cozma/CNET

All links you've shared will remain in the archive list if you open the app. Unfortunately, the full version of the link is not saved, which makes it difficult to tell which link is which. The other issue is that the app displays a message in the notification shade. While it's not on the bar along the top of the screen, it might annoy some people because it cannot be cleared. Perhaps the developer will address this in the future, but right now the app works as advertised and offers a quick way to shorten links for sharing.

(Via AddictiveTips)