+++
date = "2011-02-07"
title = "Using your Firefly URL Shortener with Twitter for iPhone"
tags = ["twitter", "firefly", "url shortener"]
slug = "using-your-firefly-url-shortener-with-twitter-for-iphone"
+++
The Twitter for iPhone app ([itunes][1]) can be configured to use your very
own Firefly URL shortener! Here's how.

 [1]: http://itunes.apple.com/nl/app/twitter/id333903271?mt=8
~
<img src="https://ariejannet.s3.amazonaws.com/images/custom-urlshortening.png" alt="Custom URL server..." border="0" align="right" />

Actually, it's quite simple. First, [setup your own Firefly instance][2],
possibly [using Heroku][3].

When that's done, simple open Twitter for iPhone, then follow this path:

 * Tap the three dots
 * Open _"Accounts & Settings"_
 * Tap the _"Settings"_ button at the bottom
 * Open _"Services"_
 * Choose _"URL Shortening"_
 * Then pick _"Custom..."_

All right, you're now ready to enter your magic URL. Simply replace the
`YOUR_DOMAIN` and `YOUR_API_KEY` placeholders with your actual
domain name and API key (you can find them in your `config.ru`)

``` text
http://YOUR_DOMAIN/api/add?api_key=YOUR_API_KEY&url=%@
```

Then hit _"Save"_ and you're set! Twitter for iPhone will now
automatically use your Firefly instance to shorten URLs!

Looking for the [Firefly source code][4]?

 [2]: https://github.com/ariejan/firefly#readme
 [3]: http://ariejan.net/2010/06/06/setup-your-own-firefly-url-shortener-in-25-minutes/
 [4]: https://github.com/ariejan/firefly