301 vs 302 Redirects Explained
HTTP redirects are how web servers instruct browsers and search engines that a resource has moved. Understanding how status codes work is essential for digital marketing and link management.
What Is an HTTP 301 Redirect?
An HTTP 301 status code indicates a Permanent Redirect. It signals to web crawlers and browsers that the requested URL has permanently moved to a new destination address.
Search engines (such as Google and Bing) treat 301 redirects as a signal to transfer ranking signals and link authority from the old address to the new target URL. Browsers also cache 301 responses locally, speeding up repeat visits.
What Is an HTTP 302 Redirect?
An HTTP 302 status code indicates a Found / Temporary Redirect. It tells clients that the resource is temporarily located at a different destination, but the original URL should continue to be used for future requests.
Unlike 301s, 302 redirects are typically not cached permanently by browsers and do not instruct search engines to replace the original URL in search indices.
Which One Do URL Shorteners Use?
URL shorteners frequently use HTTP 302 or HTTP 301 redirects depending on their architectural needs:
- 302 Redirects: Frequently used when real-time click counting, dynamic destination updating, or link expiration rules are enforced, because requests must hit the edge server each time.
- 301 Redirects: Ideal when permanent link equity and long-term canonical authority transfer are the primary goals.