[Feature Request] Max Usage/Clicks

[Rodaviva29]

Summary: Add a feature that allows users to set a maximum number of times a shortened link can be used. Similar to the Expiration date option in the creation process, but instead of a Date, Max Usage/Clicks. After max usage is reached it could act exactly as the Expiration Date and redirect to a predefined link.

Usage: this feature would "disable" the link once it reaches the predefined clicks limit, preventing further access.

Thanks and awesome project, congratz!

[linear[bot]]

ENG-1130 [Feature Request] Max Usage/Clicks

[sharvarii1]

hey @steven-tey I would like to work on this project can u guide me if you are thinking to add this feature or not ?

[marcusljf]

@Rodaviva29 Dub designer here, I want to hear about the use case for this feature; share as much as you can.

[Rodaviva29]

Hey Marcus, just want to start with saying, Amazing and outstanding work, I'm a fan of the design and every detail of Dub, one of my favorites! I decided to open a Feature Request because this feature could actually be very interesting for a few use cases and could potential be used by a lot of members that use Dub to make their lifes better :)

Currently, Dub allows links to expire based on a date, but in many situations, usage-based expiration is a better fit than time-based expiration. One example that can fall under these circumstances:

Limited-Time Access to Exclusive Content / Lock Access

Usage? Many users share links to downloadable resources, private event invites, or gated content. A max-usage setting ensures that only the first X users can access the link before it becomes inactive.

Why useful? This is especially useful for promotional offers, beta sign-ups, or limited-seat webinars, where we want to limit the number of people accessing the resource and the service behind all of this don't support user limit, for example.

And then what?

As I said, previously, this would function similarly to the expiration date feature. Instead of expiring on a date, the link would expire after X number of clicks and after reaching the limit, the link could be redirected to a predefined fallback page (same behavior as expiration) or just 💥.

Why It Aligns with Dub’s Goals?

Dub is already a powerful and customizable URL shortener. This feature would allow more control and personalization to URL creation, making Dub one of the first URL-shortner to implement a feature like this.

Would love to hear your thoughts on this and would love to suggest any details during the process! ❤

[marcusljf]

Thanks for the additional info @Rodaviva29, that all makes sense. I could see this working alongside our link cloaking, so that the destination URL is never shown and can't be shared.

We'll look at implementing this idea in the very near future!