Google+ allowing more users to claim custom URLs this week

Starting this week, many more Google+ users will be able to secure a custom URL that’s easier to remember than the lengthy addresses assigned to accounts by default. Google initially began offering custom URLs to brands and celebrities more than a year ago, but now it’s opening up the option for all users that meet three straightforward requirements: you must have a minimum of 10 followers, your Google+ account must be at least 30 days old, and it must contain a profile photo. So long as you meet that criteria (and we suspect must active Google+ members will) you’ll be able to select a custom URL. But it’s important to note that you won’t be able to simply enter your ideal web address. Rather, a help page notes that Google will let users pick from a list of URLs they’ve been approved for. Even then, Google says you may be asked to tack on a few extra letters or numbers to make a URL “unique to you.” We’ll have a better sense of just how customizable URLs are as the feature rolls out over the next week.