Link redirection is a fundamental concept behind short URLs, tracking links, and many analytics workflows. When a user clicks a short link, a redirect determines how the browser moves from the short URL to the final destination.
This article explains the most common redirect types, how they work, and when each type is typically used. Understanding these differences helps avoid tracking issues and unexpected behavior.
What Is a Redirect?
A redirect is a response sent by a server that instructs a browser to navigate to a different URL. Instead of loading the requested page directly, the browser receives a status code and a new destination.
Redirects are widely used in short URLs, URL changes, traffic routing, and tracking systems.
301 Redirect (Permanent Redirect)
A 301 redirect indicates that a URL has been permanently moved to a new location. Browsers and search engines treat this redirect as a long-term change.
In practice, 301 redirects are commonly used when restructuring websites or consolidating URLs. Because the change is considered permanent, browsers may cache the redirect.
For short URLs, excessive use of 301 redirects can limit flexibility, since cached redirects may bypass tracking systems.
302 Redirect (Temporary Redirect)
A 302 redirect signals that the move is temporary. The original URL remains valid, and the redirect may change in the future.
This redirect type is often used in short URL services because it allows the destination to be updated without changing the short link. Tracking systems also benefit from the lack of long-term caching.
307 Redirect (Temporary Redirect, Method Preserved)
A 307 redirect is similar to a 302 redirect but preserves the original HTTP method. For example, a POST request remains a POST request after redirection.
This behavior is important for APIs or forms, but for most short URL use cases, the difference between 302 and 307 is minimal.
200 Redirect (Page-Based Redirect)
In some cases, redirection is handled within a normal 200 response. Instead of using an HTTP redirect status, the server returns a page that triggers navigation using HTML or JavaScript.
This approach allows additional scripts to run before navigation, such as tracking pixels or analytics code. However, it may introduce slight delays and depends on client-side execution.
Choosing the Right Redirect Type
Each redirect type serves a different purpose. Selecting the right one depends on flexibility, caching behavior, and tracking requirements.
- 301 redirects are best for permanent URL changes.
- 302 or 307 redirects are suitable for short URLs and tracking links.
- 200-based redirects are useful when additional tracking logic is required.
Summary
Redirect types play a critical role in how short URLs and tracking links behave. Understanding the differences between 301, 302, 307, and 200 responses helps ensure accurate tracking and predictable behavior.
By choosing the appropriate redirect strategy, short URLs can remain flexible, reliable, and compatible with analytics tools.