Say hello to Bre.ad, a URL shortener service that introduces a new way to share shortened links. Based on the idea to share ideas during the time it takes for a webpage to load, this startup enables its user to place a message board inbetween current site and the link’s destination.
When somebody clicks on a Bre.ad link, he or she isn’t immediately taken to the webpage it directs to. Instead, it takes that person to a web page created by the person who originally shortened the link. This page displays a message as well as a 720 x 300-pixel billboard image. The user stays on the page for five seconds before being redirected to the actual link. These pages (called “Toasts”) can promote anything from a user’s Twitter account to a charity he or she supports.
Shortening links using Bre.ad couldn’t be any simpler — the user only needs to type “Bre.ad/” before any URL in the address bar. Creating a Toast page is easy as well, just write a message, provide a couple of images and voilà! It’s done and ready.
Users can even add a Toast somebody else made. This is especially useful for them if they want to Toast their favorite artists or brands.
