Are domain hacks, vanity URLs and branded URLs the same?

If not, what are the differences?

1. Domain Hacks: A domain hack is a web address that uses a combination of a top-level domain (TLD) and a word or phrase to create a unique and memorable URL. For example, the URL blo.gs uses the .gs TLD for South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands to create a shortened version of the word "blogs." Domain hacks can be a creative way to use TLDs in a unique and memorable way.
2. Vanity URLs: A vanity URL is a customized web address that is easy to remember and easy to type, often using keywords related to the website's content or brand and often redirects to a page with a less readable URL. Vanity URLs are often used to promote a specific campaign, product, or service. For example, a clothing brand might use the vanity URL "CompanyName.com/Summer-Sale" or "This.Way.To/The/Summer-Sale/" to promote a summer sale. Clicking this vanity URL might redirect to the not-so-fun URL "CompanyName.com/shop/sales/2023/summer/products". Vanity URLs can help with branding and marketing efforts, as well as SEO.
3. Branded URLs: Branded URLs are web addresses that strictly use a company or brand name as part of the URL. They are often used for social media profiles, such as Facebook.com/content or Twitter.com/content. Branded URLs help to reinforce a company's brand identity and make it easier for customers to find them online. They can also be used for tracking purposes, as branded URLs can be customized with parameters to track clicks and traffic.

Of couse, it is possible to use all three ways in a single domain. For example, "youtu.be/rewind-2022" includes the domain hack "youtu.be", the vanity URL fragments "youtu.be" and "rewind-2022", as well as the branded URL fragment "youtu.be".

In conclusion, domain hacks, vanity URLs, and branded URLs are all ways to create unique and memorable web addresses. However, they serve different purposes and are used in different contexts. Domain hacks are a creative way to use TLDs in a unique way, vanity URLs are used for branding and marketing purposes, and branded URLs are used to reinforce a company's brand identity and make it easier for customers to find them online. By understanding the differences between these three types of URLs, businesses can choose the right URL strategy for their needs.