Create Expiring Text Notes (Self-Destructing Links)
Send long messages, passwords, or sensitive text as a short link that auto-expires after a set time or number of views.
What Is a Self-Destructing Text Note?
A self-destructing text note is a piece of text (message, password, instructions) that you convert into a link which automatically becomes inaccessible after a condition is met — commonly after the first view, after a set number of views, or after a set time (minutes/hours/days).
Why Use Expiring Text Notes?
- One-time secrecy: Share a password or OTP without leaving permanent traces.
- Temporary access: Useful for time-limited collaboration or event details.
- Reduced leakage: Even if the link is forwarded, it stops working once expired.
- Low friction: Recipients open a link — no account required.
Quick example: Share a Wi-Fi password or a Zoom passcode via a link that
expires automatically after first view.
How It Works (High Level)
- Text is submitted to the server and stored encrypted or in transient storage.
- A short slug (example:
blinkurl.in/Ab12) is generated and returned. - The link is served to recipients. On first valid access (or after configured views/time), the server deletes the data or marks it expired.
- Visitors after expiry see a friendly “content expired” message.
Step-by-Step: Create an Expiring Text Note (BlinkURL)
- Go to blinkurl.in.
- Choose “Text Note” (or paste your message into the text box).
- Pick expiry options: one-time view, n views, or time-based (minutes/hours/days).
- (Optional) Enable password protection for extra safety.
- Click Create Note — copy the generated short link and share it.
Security reminder: Don’t include extremely sensitive data (full credit card
numbers) unless you have end-to-end encryption and strong access controls.
Best Practices
- Share the passcode separately: If you used a password, send it over SMS or a secure messenger, not the same email chain.
- Use one-time view for the most sensitive items.
- Limit permitted views: If recipients might need a second look, allow 2–3 views rather than permanent access.
- Audit — for business use, log when links were accessed and by which IP (beware privacy constraints).
Common Use Cases
- Share OTPs, temporary passwords, or payment details during P2P trades.
- Send private meeting notes or interview feedback that shouldn't remain online.
- Share promo codes or temporary credentials for a short campaign window.
How Expiring Notes Compare
| Type | Best for | Security |
|---|---|---|
| One-time view | OTP, passwords | High |
| n views | Small teams that need limited rechecks | Medium |
| Time-based expiry | Event details, short offers | Medium |
Developer Notes — Safe Implementation
If you’re building this feature, follow these security patterns:
- Store note content encrypted at rest; decrypt only on valid access.
- Use server-side expiry and view counters; do not rely on client signals.
- Hash any password with a slow algorithm (bcrypt/argon2); never store plaintext.
- Implement rate limits and monitor anomalous access patterns to detect scraping/abuse.
Want a ready-made solution? BlinkURL supports one-time and time-based expiring notes with optional password
protection — try it free.
UX Tips
- Show clear expiration messaging: “This note expires in 10 minutes / after 1 view.”
- Offer copy buttons for both link and separate password.
- Provide an option to regenerate a note (create a fresh link) instead of editing existing content.