Advanced Features
Meta Refresh Redirects
Meta Refresh is a redirect type that sends visitors to the destination using an HTML page rather than an HTTP redirect status. The visitor sees a blank page for a moment, then arrives at the destination.
PRO feature
Meta Refresh is one of the redirect types available in URL Shortify PRO. The free redirect types are 301, 302 and 307.
Why choose it
The main reason is referrer handling. With a normal 301 or 302, the destination site can usually see which page the visitor came from. A meta refresh breaks that chain in many browsers, so the destination sees less about where the traffic originated.
That matters when:
- You'd rather not reveal to a merchant which of your pages sends them traffic.
- An affiliate programme behaves differently depending on the referrer.
- You want the destination's analytics to record the visit as direct.
For everything else, a standard 301 or 302 is faster and better understood by search engines.
Turn it on for a link
- Go to URL Shortify → Links and add or edit a link.
- Set Redirection to Meta Refresh.
- Save the link.
How it behaves
- The short URL returns a 200 OK with a small HTML page, not a redirect status.
- The forward happens immediately — there's no countdown and nothing to click.
- Clicks are recorded exactly as for any other redirect type.
- Unlike a splash page, nothing is shown to read; unlike cloaking, the destination URL does end up in the address bar.
Not a substitute for a 301
Search engines treat a meta refresh less predictably than a 301. If a short link is a permanent URL you want indexed and consolidated, use a 301 instead.
Choosing between the redirect types
| Type | Visitor sees | Address bar ends on | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 301 | Instant redirect | Destination | Permanent links you want search engines to follow |
| 302 / 307 | Instant redirect | Destination | Temporary or campaign links |
| Meta Refresh | Brief blank page | Destination | Reducing referrer information |
| Splash Page | Preview and countdown | Destination | Warning visitors they're leaving |
| Cloak | Destination inside your page | Your short URL | Keeping your branded URL visible |
301, 302 and 307 are the free redirect types; Cloak, Meta Refresh and Splash Page are added by URL Shortify PRO.
Conclusion
Meta Refresh forwards visitors with an HTML page instead of an HTTP status, which reduces the referrer information the destination receives — useful for affiliate and merchant links. For anything you want indexed, stick with a 301. To compare it with the other PRO redirect types, see Splash Page Redirects and Link Cloaking & Masking, or add a tracking pixel for retargeting.
FAQs
What is a meta refresh redirect?
It forwards a visitor using an HTML page instead of an HTTP redirect status. The browser loads a small page and immediately navigates to the destination.
Does a meta refresh redirect hide the referrer?
In many browsers it stops the destination seeing which page the visitor came from. Behaviour varies by browser and is not guaranteed.
Is a meta refresh redirect bad for SEO?
Search engines handle it less predictably than a 301. For links you want indexed and consolidated, use a 301.
What is the difference between meta refresh and a splash page?
A meta refresh forwards immediately with nothing to read. A splash page deliberately pauses, showing a preview of the destination and a countdown.
Does a meta refresh link still record clicks?
Yes. Clicks are tracked the same as for any other redirect type.