Random Link Script: Modern Alternatives

The original Random Link redirected to random URLs. Today, web discovery has evolved into social bookmarking and content discovery platforms.

Web Discovery

Content Discovery Platforms

Mix (formerly StumbleUpon)

The spiritual successor to random link buttons. Discover interesting content based on your interests. Personalized recommendations.

Free Personalized Discovery-focused
Reddit Random

Reddit's /r/random takes you to a random subreddit. Endless discovery of niche communities and interesting content.

Free Community-driven Random subreddits
The Bored Button

Click the button, get taken to a random interesting website. Simple concept, endless entertainment. Modern random link experience.

Free Entertainment
Product Hunt Random

Discover random products and startups. Great for finding new tools, apps, and interesting projects.

Free Tech products

JavaScript Implementation

Client-Side Random Redirect

Simple JavaScript to redirect to a random URL from your collection. No server-side scripting needed.

const links = [
  'https://example1.com',
  'https://example2.com',
  'https://example3.com'
];

function goRandom() {
  const randomIndex = Math.floor(Math.random() * links.length);
  window.location.href = links[randomIndex];
}
Weighted Random Selection

Give certain links higher probability of being selected. Useful for sponsor rotation or featured content.

const links = [
  { url: 'https://sponsor.com', weight: 3 },
  { url: 'https://partner1.com', weight: 1 },
  { url: 'https://partner2.com', weight: 1 }
];
// Sponsor gets 60% of clicks, partners get 20% each

Modern Use Cases

A/B Testing Links

Randomly direct users to different landing pages to test conversion rates.

Affiliate Rotation

Fairly distribute traffic among multiple affiliate partners.

Random Portfolio Item

Showcase random work samples or case studies.

Random Article

Let visitors discover random content from your archives.

Feature Comparison

Feature 1990s Script Modern Solutions
Server neededYes (CGI)No (JS)
Weighted selectionManualEasy
AnalyticsLog filesFull tracking
A/B testingNoBuilt-in
URL managementText fileDashboard/CMS
PersonalizationNoAI-powered

Recommendation

Simple redirect: Vanilla JavaScript

A/B testing: Google Optimize

Link management: Bitly or Short.io

Discovery: Mix or Reddit

Link Services

All Examples Random Link Overview