Redirect chains: definition, risks, and examples
A sequence of one or more redirects between the first URL and the final destination.
Why it matters
Chains can hide where a link really lands, especially in short links and campaign links.
Example pattern
A short URL redirects through tracking domains before ending on a login page.
How CheckLink can help
CheckLink follows a limited redirect chain and shows the path when available.
Common redirect codes and practical implications
A 301 or 308 usually signals a permanent move; a 302 or 307 usually signals a temporary one. For example, a short URL might return 302 to a tracking URL, then 307 to the final page. Extra hops can add latency and make the destination harder to understand, but a chain alone does not prove a trust problem.
Trace a redirect chainRelated terms
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