Verify the Destination URL and Short Link
It is recommended to first check whether the destination website is functioning correctly or if errors occur on specific platforms. Follow these steps:- Ensure the destination URL is accessible:
Verify that the "long URL (destination URL)" is reachable to rule out any website-related issues. - Check if the destination URL works on publishing platforms:
Paste the "long URL" into the publishing platform to see if it loads correctly. For example, Facebook automatically adds an fbclid parameter, which may affect how the website interprets the URL, potentially preventing proper loading. - Verify that the short link redirects properly:
Enter the short link directly in a browser to check if it redirects correctly. This helps determine the next troubleshooting steps.
Short Link Redirects Correctly
If the short link itself is working, the issue may be related to how it was published. Try the following solutions:- Check for hidden characters around the short link:
Some text editors or formatting tools may insert hidden characters (e.g., %E2%80%8B) before or after the short link, especially when line breaks occur. These hidden characters can prevent PicSee from recognizing the short link. To avoid this, manually add spaces before and after the short link to separate it from surrounding text. - Verify the custom slug:
Some platforms (such as YouTube) do not support non-Latin characters in URLs, causing encoding issues and failed redirections. Use an English-based slug to ensure proper functionality. - Ensure the hyperlink text matches the destination URL:
If using a text editor with hyperlink support (e.g., Notion, Word), the displayed short link may differ from the actual hyperlink.
Short Link Fails to Redirect
If the short link does not redirect properly, follow these troubleshooting steps:- Check if the slug has been modified:
Editing the custom slug invalidates the original one. You can review the website’s activity logs or link history to see if a short link with the same destination URL has been reassigned a new slug. - Ensure the domain matches the system records:
PicSee blocks short links that have been manually altered with unauthorized domains. You can check the link history or visit the Performance Analytics page to compare the recorded slug and domain, then adjust accordingly. - Check for policy violations:
Short links containing adult content, scams, or other prohibited material may be removed by the administrator.
If the issue persists after trying the above steps, please provide details on the troubleshooting steps you have taken and the specific short link, then contact our support team for further assistance.