Avoid Spammy Links By Using 5 URL Expanders

When URL shorteners first came about, spammers used them to disguise malicious links. Now that social networks like Twitter have propelled shortened URLs into widespread use, people are more comfortable clicking through. However, there are still occasions in which you confront possibly dubious links.
We’ve found five URL expansion services that will give you some peace-of-mind when browsing. Take a look through the gallery for our choices, and let us know in the comments about any other sites you use.

• 1. Where Does This Link Go?

The best-looking service for its minimalist design, Where Does This Link Go? is an elegant solution to a simple problem -- determining the destination of a disguised URL.

The info this site returns is basic, but it worked perfectly for all the links we threw at it, so we're happy campers.

• 2. LongURL

In addition to showing where the shortened URL points,

LongURL will dish up meta keywords and a meta description for the content, meaning you're clued-up before you click through.

• 3. URL X-ray

With a cool name and dark looks, URL X-ray is what the cool kids use.

As well as the web version, there's a free bookmarklet that sits on your browser bar, ready to identify short URLs all over the web.

• 4. LinkPeelr

This service will "peel" shortened URLs to reveal the destination.

Then you can click through, if you so wish.

• 5. Sucuri

Security company Sucuri offers a free link-checking service. Simply head over to the site, stick in your short URL and wait for the verdict.

As well as the destination reveal, Sucuri also runs the link through safe site checkers for extra peace-of-mind.