TL;DR: A Teams meeting link is the original, long invite URL; a short link (e.g. msteams.link/AB12) is a compact redirect to that same meeting. Both open the same meeting — the short link is just easier to share.
"Meeting link", "invite link", "short link"… around Microsoft Teams, the terms get mixed up. This article clarifies what each one means and which to use depending on the situation.
The Teams meeting link
This is the official URL Teams generates when you create a meeting (https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/...). It contains the meeting ID and an encrypted context. It's the real destination link — but it's long and hard to share. To understand why, see: why Teams links are so long.
The short link
A short link (e.g. msteams.link/AB12) is a compact address that redirects automatically to the meeting link. It doesn't replace the meeting: it points to it. Benefits:
- short, readable, easy to dictate and remember;
- stays clickable over SMS, email, messaging;
- can be paired with a QR code;
- doesn't break when copied.
Quick comparison
- Meeting link: official, long (200+ characters), generated by Teams. The real destination.
- Short link: shortened, readable, redirects to the meeting link. Ideal for sharing.
- Invite link: a common term that, in practice, means the meeting link embedded in the calendar invite.
Which one should you use?
Keep the meeting link as your reference, but share the short link with your attendees: it's cleaner, more reliable and more professional. Both lead to exactly the same meeting.
Frequently asked questions
Is the short link less secure?
No: it simply redirects to the official Teams URL. The meeting's permissions (lobby, guests) are still handled by Teams.
Can I create a short link for free?
Yes. Paste your Teams meeting link and get a short link instantly.
In short: the meeting link is the destination; the short link is the elegant way to share it. Create my short link →
Official source: Join a meeting in Microsoft Teams (Microsoft Support)