Dub
The modern, open-source link attribution platform for short links, conversion tracking, and affiliate programs.
Overview
Dub is a comprehensive link management platform that powers 100M+ clicks and 2M+ links monthly. It's trusted by world-class marketing teams from companies like Twilio, Buffer, Framer, Perplexity, Vercel, and Laravel. Dub combines the functionality of a URL shortener with advanced analytics, conversion tracking, and affiliate program management.
Key Features
Link Management
- Custom Short Links: Create branded short links with custom domains
- Bulk Operations: Upload and manage thousands of links at once
- Link Expiration: Set automatic expiration dates for time-sensitive campaigns
- Password Protection: Secure sensitive links with password requirements
- Geographic Targeting: Redirect users based on their location
- Device Targeting: Show different content based on user's device type
Analytics & Tracking
- Real-time Analytics: Track clicks, conversions, and user behavior in real-time
- Conversion Tracking: Monitor ROI and attribution across marketing channels
- UTM Parameter Management: Automatically append and track UTM parameters
- Detailed Reports: Generate comprehensive reports with custom date ranges
- API Access: Programmatic access to all analytics data
- Webhook Integration: Real-time notifications for click events
Team Collaboration
- Workspace Management: Organize links across different teams and projects
- User Permissions: Fine-grained access control for team members
- Shared Domains: Use custom domains across multiple workspaces
- Team Analytics: Aggregate analytics across team members
- Audit Logs: Track all changes and activities within workspaces
Developer Features
- REST API: Comprehensive API for all platform functionality
- SDK Support: Official SDKs for popular programming languages
- Webhook Events: Real-time event notifications
- Custom Integrations: Build custom integrations with third-party tools
- Open Source: Full source code available for customization
Technology Stack
- Framework: Next.js 14 with TypeScript
- Database: PlanetScale (MySQL)
- Analytics: Tinybird for real-time analytics processing
- Authentication: NextAuth.js with SSO/SAML support via BoxyHQ
- Payments: Stripe integration for premium features
- Email: Resend for transactional emails
- Deployment: Vercel with global edge network
- Monitoring: Comprehensive logging and error tracking
Use Cases
Marketing Teams
- Track campaign performance across multiple channels
- A/B test different landing pages with split testing
- Manage affiliate and partnership links
- Create branded links for social media campaigns
- Monitor conversion rates and attribution
E-commerce
- Track product link performance
- Manage affiliate partner links
- Monitor shopping cart abandonment
- Optimize product page conversions
- Create time-limited promotional campaigns
Content Creators
- Monetize content with affiliate links
- Track audience engagement across platforms
- Create branded links for sponsorships
- Monitor traffic sources and performance
- Build custom attribution funnels
SaaS Companies
- Track user acquisition sources
- Monitor trial conversion rates
- Manage partner and referral links
- Optimize onboarding flows
- Measure marketing campaign effectiveness
Self-Hosting Benefits
Complete Control
- Data Ownership: Keep all analytics and user data on your infrastructure
- Custom Branding: Full white-label capabilities for your organization
- Unlimited Links: No restrictions on the number of links or clicks
- Advanced Customization: Modify the platform to meet specific requirements
- Integration Freedom: Connect with any internal tools or systems
Privacy & Security
- GDPR Compliance: Full control over data processing and storage
- Enhanced Security: Implement your own security policies and controls
- Audit Trail: Complete visibility into all system activities
- Backup Control: Manage your own data backup and recovery procedures
- Network Security: Deploy within your existing security infrastructure
Cost Efficiency
- No Per-Click Charges: Unlimited usage without recurring fees
- Scalable Infrastructure: Scale according to your specific needs
- Reduced Vendor Lock-in: Maintain independence from third-party services
- Custom Pricing: No limits on users, domains, or features
- Long-term Savings: Significant cost reduction for high-volume usage
Installation & Deployment
Dub can be deployed using various methods:
Docker Deployment
# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/dubinc/dub.git
cd dub
# Set up environment variables
cp .env.example .env.local
# Configure your database, authentication, and other settings
# Run with Docker Compose
docker-compose up -d
Vercel Deployment
One-click deployment to Vercel with automatic scaling and global CDN.
Self-Hosted Infrastructure
Complete setup guides available for AWS, Google Cloud, and other cloud providers.
Alternatives Comparison
| Feature | Dub | Bitly | Short.io | YOURLS |
| ------------------- | --- | ----- | -------- | ------ |
| Open Source | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Self-Hosting | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Advanced Analytics | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Team Management | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| API Access | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Custom Domains | ✅ | 💰 | 💰 | ✅ |
| Conversion Tracking | ✅ | 💰 | 💰 | ❌ |
| White-label | ✅ | ❌ | 💰 | ✅ |
Resources