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.
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 |
| Pixel | Brief pixel-loading page | Destination | Retargeting audiences |
FAQ
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.