Batch Shortening and Expanding URLs with Python

When you need to transform hundreds of long URLs into short ones—and optionally revert them—Python offers a simple solution using HTTP APIs.

Why Use Short Links

Short URLs are essential for marketing messages, SMS, emails, and social media because they reduce character count and improve click‑through rates.

Service Options

Free online tools exist but may be unstable; a recommended aggregator is woobx.cn . Paid services provide reliability but require a subscription.

Python Code for Shortening (Free Service)

The following script URL‑encodes the target link, calls the 3w.cn API, and prints the shortened URL.

from urllib.parse import quote
import requests
import json

# Encode the long URL
url = "https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s?__biz=MzU5Nzg5ODQ3NQ==∣=2247521340&idx=1&sn=90bdde598d4a8f14f582387e702c2c2f&chksm=fe4eb1b8c93938ae18f605a5e42d08c4ab7a83ee2d5a03b27763126e64d77cd1600cf256eb01#rd"
url = quote(url)
key = "***********************"

# Request the API to shorten the URL
html = requests.get(f"http://api.3w.cn/api.htm?format=json&url={url}&key={key}&expireDate=2050-01-01&domain=21").content
data = json.loads(html.decode('utf-8'))
print(data["url"])

The quote function prevents characters like = and & from breaking the request.

Python Code for Expanding a Short Link

Restoring a short URL is even simpler—just send a HEAD request and read the Location header.

import requests

url = "https://sourl.cn/AWeBWs"
res = requests.head(url)
print(res.headers.get('location'))

This prints the original long URL.

Conclusion

Although URL shortening may seem niche, the provided Python snippets enable bulk processing and quick retrieval of original links, which can be valuable in many automation scenarios.