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Connecting a Bitly account to Buffer lets Buffer shorten the links you add to social posts through your own Bitly account, so you can create and schedule shortened links without leaving Buffer. Click data for those links is viewed in the Bitly dashboard. Some features, including custom domains and fuller analytics, depend on your Bitly plan, and the integration requires an active Bitly account.
What the integration actually does
Bitly’s marketplace entry states plainly: “Buffer will shorten links that you include in social posts.” When you connect Bitly, the short links are created under your Bitly account rather than as anonymous links. That account link is what makes the click reporting described below possible. Bitly also describes the workflow as built into publishing: you generate a Bitly link while drafting or scheduling content instead of copying it from another tool. The integration landing page puts it this way: “Bitly connects directly with Buffer, so you can create branded short links without switching between tools.” (Bitly, bitly.com/solutions/integrations/buffer, checked October 2026.)
Bitly’s marketplace listing also says Buffer short links are powered by Bitly. The public sources do not fully explain every default setting for links created without a connected account, so treat the distinction in the comparison table below as a practical one rather than a documented account-level rule.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesHow to connect the two accounts
Bitly documents the connection as a short sequence. The Buffer-side labels are not verified here, so follow what appears in your Buffer account rather than relying on exact button names.
#1 Best Overall
- Continuous Usage All Day: The EY-H2 USB barcode scanner is designed to always be ready for the next scan, which significantly reduces downtime and repair costs; it shortens checkout lines, improves customer service, and boosts business productivity
- Plug and Play: Eyoyo wired barcode scanner is connected via a USB cable, with no need to install any driver or software; It offers effortless connection and is compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and Linux; Seamlessly works with Quickbook, Word, Excel, Novell, and all common software
- Supports Multiple 1D/2D Barcodes: Eyoyo QR code scanner scan with most 1D 2D barcodes with ease; 1D Barcodes: EAN, UPC, Code 39, Code 93, Code 128, UCC/EAN 128, Codabar, Interleaved 2 of 5, ITF-6, ITF-14, ISBN, ISSN, MSI-Plessey, GS1 Databar, Code 11, Industrial 25, Matrix 2 of 5, etc. 2D Barcodes: QR, DataMatrix, PDF417, and so on
- Supports Screen Scanning: The Eyoyo 2D scanner is capable of reading barcodes from smartphone screens, such as mobile coupons, digital wallets, and digital loyalty cards; Before scanning, simply turn your screen brightness to the maximum
- Sturdy Anti-Shock and Durable Design: The Eyoyo 2D barcode scanner features an ergonomic design made of high-quality ABS, enabling it to withstand repeated drops from 5 ft/1.5 m high onto the concrete ground; The durable plastic material ensures a long service life
- Create a Bitly account or sign in to an existing one. An active account is required.
- In Buffer, open the integrations area in your account settings and choose Bitly.
- Authorize Bitly when prompted, so Buffer can create short links on your behalf.
- Compose or schedule a post that includes a web link. Buffer sends the link through Bitly, and the shortened version appears in the post.
- Publish or let the scheduled post go out, then check the click totals in the Bitly dashboard.
Bitly says the connection takes a few minutes. That is Bitly’s own estimate, not a measured setup time.
Where to see clicks on shared links
Bitly says click data and engagement metrics for shortened links appear in the Bitly dashboard. Its general product description adds that analytics can include click data and top referrers and locations, depending on plan. In practice this means:
Rank #2
- 【Excellent 1/2D Code Decording Ability】Compared to traditional scanners that only support 1D barcode technology, the upgraded PecuMecu Barcode Scanner supports decoding various 1D 2D QR codes. 1D Code: UPC-A, UPC-E, Code 11, Code93, MSI, Code 128, UCC/EAN-128, Code 39, EAN-8, EAN-13, , ISBN, Industrial 25, Interleaved 25, Standard25, etc; 2D Code: QR Code, DataMatrix, Micro PDF417, Aztec, Hanxin, etc. (Note: Not compatible with Square.)
- 【Plug and Play】PecuMecu wired barcode scanner is connected via a USB cable, with no need to install any driver or software; It offers effortless connection and is compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and Linux; Seamlessly works with Quickbook, Word, Excel, Novell, and all common software
- 【Supports Screen Scanning】The PecuMecu 2D scanner is capable of reading barcodes from smartphone screens, such as mobile coupons, digital wallets, and digital loyalty cards; Before scanning, simply turn your screen brightness to the maximum
- 【Widely Application Range】This PecuMecu Handheld barcode scanner can be used in supermarkets, convenience stores, warehouses, libraries, bookstores, drugstores, and retail shops for file management, inventory tracking, POS(point of sale), etc
- 【Sturdy Anti-Shock and Durable Design】The PecuMecu 2D barcode scanner features an ergonomic design made of high-quality ABS, enabling it to withstand repeated drops from 5 ft/1.5 m high onto the concrete ground; The durable plastic material ensures a long service life.
- Click totals on links created through the integration are the core measurement Bitly describes for this workflow.
- Referrer and location breakdowns are described as plan-dependent, so check your plan before you plan reports around them.
- Real-time behavior and plan tiers are not detailed in the sources reviewed, so do not assume the same reporting depth on every account.
Custom domains and branded links
The integration page says custom domains can be used if they are configured in Bitly, and cautions that custom domains may require a paid plan. Bitly Support describes the mechanics: with a paid subscription and a configured custom domain, you can choose that domain when you create a link. The current plan names and exact eligibility rules are not stated in the sources reviewed, so confirm them in Bitly’s pricing or account settings before you commit to branded links for a campaign.
Recommended Free Tools
Adding UTM parameters for campaign tracking
Bitly Support documents adding UTM parameters to a URL before it is shortened. UTM tagging is optional. If you use it, choose one consistent convention for source, medium and campaign names so reports stay comparable across posts. The sources do not establish how every analytics product will display or attribute UTM values, so check the result in the tool you actually use for reporting.
Rank #3
- 【Omnidirectional Automatic Barcode scanner】NetumScan Barcode Scanner can easily capture bar codes 1D, 2D/QR on labels, paper, and mobile phone or computer displays,Sensitive and accurately and you can easily scan damaged barcode, distortion barcode, colorful barcode and reflective barcode, etc special barcode. Perfect for retail and other high-volume scanning applications.
- 【Automatic Smart Sensing Scanning】Specially equipped induction trigger, the desktop barcode scanner support auto-sensing scanning, barcode recognition more intelligent. When you not use the barcode scanner for a while, it will be into a sleeping mode. When handsfree barcode scanner in sleeping mode, it will automatically be activated once the item moving, and read the barcode under the window to upload to your device.
- 【Non-slip Base and Anti-shock Design】Our Handsfree Omnidirectional Barcode Scanner can be directly placed on the desk, the anti-slip base makes it more stable, Built-in anti-vibration system can avoid damage while falling from the height of 4.92 feet. IP54 technology protects the wireless barcode scanner from dust.
- 【Improve Your Efficiency】Compared with handheld barcode scanner, our handsfree barcode scanner is more free of your hands, no need to pick up the scanner when scanning, whether it is cashier scanning goods, or customer scanning digital barcode from smart phone. It can improve work efficiency and save time. Also it is so easy to use, no need extra training necessary for new staff.
- 【Plug and Play, Easy to Use】No need to install any software or app, Our desktop barcode scanner is Plug and play. Easily connected with your laptop, PC, POS by USB Cable. Ideal work for Windows XP/7/8/10, Mac OS, Linux.(Note:NOT compatible with Square/Clover/Shopify.）
Platforms Bitly lists as supported
Bitly’s integration FAQ names LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest as supported Buffer social platforms. This is Bitly’s list. Independent platform-by-platform testing was not part of the sources reviewed, so confirm that a given channel works in your own Buffer account before relying on it for a launch.
Team use
Bitly says Buffer account team members can use the integration, and it suggests a Bitly team plan for shared analytics and collaboration. The sources do not describe permission levels, who can see which links, or how seats are assigned. If several people will publish and compare results, check roles in Bitly’s current plan documentation before you set up the shared workflow.
Rank #4
- 3 Scanning Modes for Any Workflow: This USB barcode scanner supports button-triggered scanning, automatic sensing, and continuous scanning modes, allowing users to choose the scanning method that best suits their needs. The barcode scanner is always ready to scan and responds quickly, effectively reducing checkout line wait times and improving customer turnover. Its rugged design and low failure rate significantly reduce repair costs and business disruptions caused by equipment downtime, continuously empowering your daily operations.
- Plug & Play, No Drivers Needed:2D barcode scanner connects directly via a USB cable without requiring any drivers or software installation, delivering true plug-and-play functionality. Fully compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and Linux systems, and seamlessly integrates with mainstream software such as QuickBooks, Excel, Word, and Novell.
- Support Multiple 1D/2D Barcodes:QR scan easily scan virtually all major barcode formats—a single device meets diverse needs. 1D barcodes include EAN, UPC, Code 39/93/128, Codabar, Interleaved 2 of 5, ISBN, GS1 Databar, and more; 2D barcodes support QR Code, DataMatrix, PDF417, and others. Whether it’s product labels, electronic tickets, or logistics documents, they can be accurately and quickly recognized.
- Durable & Reliable for Daily Use:Handheld USB scanner crafted from high-quality ABS engineering plastic, it features an ergonomic handheld design that feels comfortable in your hand. The device has undergone rigorous testing and can withstand repeated drops from a height of 5 feet (approximately 1.5 meters) onto concrete, offering outstanding durability and ensuring long-term, reliable performance in demanding environments such as warehouses and retail settings.
- Wide Application Range: This bar code scanner can be used in supermarkets, convenience stores, warehouses, libraries, bookstores, pharmacies, and retail stores, and is suitable for scenarios such as document management, inventory tracking, and POS (point-of-sale) systems.
Connected Bitly account or default Buffer shortening
The table compares what the sources do and do not establish for each axis.
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| Question | Links created through a connected Bitly account | Default Buffer shortening, as Bitly’s listing describes it |
|---|---|---|
| Where click metrics are viewed | Bitly dashboard, per Bitly’s integration page | Not stated in the sources reviewed |
| Custom branded domain | Available with a paid subscription and a configured domain, per Bitly Support | Not stated in the sources reviewed |
| Referrer and location breakdowns | Plan-dependent, per Bitly’s product description | Not stated in the sources reviewed |
| Team analytics and collaboration | Bitly suggests a team plan; permission details not stated | Not stated in the sources reviewed |
| Account ownership of links | Created under your Bitly account | Described as powered by Bitly; account-level details not stated |
Connecting Bitly is a choice, not a requirement for sharing links from Buffer. The sources establish that a Bitly account can be connected to get Bitly-created links and dashboard reporting. They do not establish that Buffer cannot publish unshortened links or use another workflow.
Best Value
- View a history list of all of your past scans
- Sync your scan history across the web and all of your devices
- Scan pictures of QR codes from your camera roll
- A switch to turn on your device’s light for scanning in low-light circumstances
What the evidence does and does not cover
The statements above come from Bitly’s own pages and support articles, not from independent testing. Bitly’s support pages were updated at different dates, including April 2026 for the link-creation article and January 2026 for the product overview, and plan names and features change. The sources contain no measured setup times, click-through results or adoption figures for this integration, so none are reported here. Before relying on a specific plan feature, check Bitly’s current plan documentation and the connected-services area inside Buffer.
Quick Recap
Related reading
- How do I create links with Bitly? (Bitly Support, updated April 2026), for custom-domain selection and UTM steps.
- How does a shortened link work? (Bitly Support, updated April 2025), for background on how the short link resolves.
- What is Bitly? (Bitly Support, updated January 2026), for the product overview and plan-dependent analytics.
- Integrate Bitly in Your App (Bitly Developer), if you are building your own link-shortening workflow rather than using Buffer’s connection.
- Buffer, Bitly Integration Directory, Bitly’s marketplace entry for the connection.
The Bottom Line
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