Referrer

The URL of the page that linked to the current page, transmitted in the HTTP Referer header.

May 1, 2026 / About 1 min read

Analytics

A referrer (spelled "Referer" in the HTTP specification due to a historical misspelling) is the URL of the web page that contained the link a user clicked to arrive at the current page. The browser sends this information in the Referer HTTP header with each request, allowing the destination server to know where the traffic originated.

Referrer data is fundamental to web analytics. It reveals which websites, social media platforms, and search engines are driving traffic to a site. For URL shortening services, referrer information helps link owners understand the context in which their short URLs are being shared and clicked.

Referrer data has limitations. HTTPS-to-HTTP transitions strip the referrer by default, many browsers and privacy tools suppress or modify the referrer header, and direct navigation (typing a URL or using a bookmark) produces no referrer. The Referrer-Policy header allows site owners to control how much referrer information is shared.

For URL shortening services, the referrer of a short URL click indicates where the link was placed (a social media post, an email client, a website). This data complements UTM parameters and provides additional context for traffic analysis.

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Related Terms

UTM Parameter

Tags added to URLs that track the source, medium, and campaign name of traffic in analytics tools.

Click Analytics

The measurement and analysis of user clicks on links, providing insights into engagement and traffic sources.

Referrer-Policy

An HTTP header that controls how much referrer information is included when navigating from one page to another.

Unique Visitor

A distinct individual who visits a website within a specified time period, counted only once regardless of multiple visits.

Page View

A single instance of a web page being loaded or reloaded in a browser, used as a basic measure of website traffic.

Bounce Rate

The percentage of users visiting a website who view only the first page and then leave. An indicator of page quality and user experience.

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FAQ

Are there cases where the referrer can't be obtained?

Yes - when navigating from HTTPS to HTTP, due to browser privacy settings, Referrer-Policy headers, or when accessing from bookmarks, the referrer may not be sent.

What is referrer spam?

It's a technique that sends fake referrer information to leave a site's URL in access logs. It pollutes analytics data and needs to be filtered out.

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