- Judit Ruiz Ricart
- 2 days ago
- 14 min read
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A top-level domain (TLD) is the part of a web address that comes after the last dot, like .com, .org or .net. It’s more than just a technical detail—your TLD can shape how visitors perceive your website, influence trust and support your brand identity.
Once you understand what a domain name is, it’s important to get familiar with what a TLD is and the different types available. Choosing the right TLD can help your site look professional, stand out from the competition and communicate your purpose clearly to your audience.
Picking a domain name is one of the biggest decisions when building your website. Selecting the right TLD comes in a close second. These short, powerful extensions play a bigger role than you might expect in how people find, remember and engage with your website.
TL;DR: What is a TLD?
A top-level domain (TLD) is the part of a web address that comes after the final dot, like .com or .org. This guide explains how TLDs work, the different types available and why choosing the right one matters for your brand. You’ll also find examples of popular and emerging domain extensions so you can decide which is best for your business.
Understanding TLDs can help you build a professional website, improve credibility and align your website with your brand’s goals.
Breaking down the different types of TLDs
Type | What it means | Examples |
|---|---|---|
gTLD (generic) | Classic extensions used around the world, now with new options | .com, .net, .org, .app, .blog |
ccTLD (country-code) | Two-letter domains for countries or territories, some open for everyone | .uk, .de, .jp, .io, .co |
sTLD (sponsored) | Reserved for specific groups or industries | .gov, .edu, .mil, .museum |
Infrastructure | Used for technical internet functions like reverse DNS | .arpa |
Reserved/test | Set aside for testing, not used in public web addresses | .test, .example, .localhost |
What is a TLD?
A top-level domain (TLD) is the rightmost segment of a domain name, located after the last dot. In the domain name "google.com", ".com" is the TLD. Also known as domain extensions or domain suffixes, TLDs serve to recognize certain elements of a website, such as its purpose, owner or geographical area. For example, an .edu top-level domain is for higher educational institutions, .org is for organizations and .gov is for government entities.
The concept of TLDs was created by ARPANET in the 1960s with the goal of easing the process of memorizing IP addresses. It wasn’t until the early 1980s that the earliest top-level domains were developed and the structured categorization you’ll come across when registering a domain name today was introduced. Each top-level domain has an independent registry managed by a designated organization under the guidance of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).
Learn more with our guide to domain extensions.
How do TLDs work?
TLDs are a crucial part of the Domain Name System (DNS), helping to simplify the process of turning domain names into IP addresses. When you enter a web address like “google.com,” the TLD server plays a key role in directing your request to the right destination. Here’s how it happens step by step:
Step 1: Your browser first contacts a root nameserver, the top of the DNS hierarchy.
Step 2: The root server points your browser to the nameserver responsible for the specific TLD you requested.
Step 3: The TLD nameserver directs your browser to the authoritative nameserver for that domain.
Step 4: The authoritative server provides the correct IP address, and your browser connects to the website.
What is the purpose of the different TLDs?
Early on, top-level domains were limited and had a very specific purpose. Over time, however, the top-level domain list has surpassed three digits and most restrictions have long been abandoned in favor of creativity and branding. TLDs help classify domain names, communicate their purpose and make them easier to remember.
While you’ll still need to meet certain principles if you're planning to register your site with a sTLD or ccTLD, choosing a gTLD will most likely come down to the domain name cost and your personal preference. See how the different options pair with your brand name and whether there are any that can particularly strengthen your message.
Learn more:
Different types of top-level domains
The ICANN classifies top-level domains into different categories depending on the site’s purpose, owner and geographic location.
There are 5 official types of TLDs:
Additionally, there are a number of unofficial TLDs organized by individual companies that are not managed by ICANN.
01. Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD)
Generic top-level domains, commonly known as gTLD, are the most popular and familiar types of domain extensions. They are open for registration by anyone and, while the maximum length of top-level domains is 63 characters, most of them are composed of 2-3 letters. The origin of their categorization title dates back to the 1980s, when TLDs were simply differentiated between those related to the geographical location of a site and those that weren't—hence, generic.
Over time, the use of certain generic top-level domains became more strictly controlled to ensure they met certain standards, leading to the creation of a new category known as sponsored top-level domains. Of the initial seven available gTLDs only three can still be registered without restriction: .org, .com. and .net.
In recent years, ICANN has allowed companies to register TLDs that are restricted to trademark owners. These are often referred to as brand TLDs and include examples like .versace and .nescafe. These domains are exclusively managed by the respective trademark owners, offering a unique branding opportunity and a secure online presence for their customers.
Discover the best .com alternatives according to 33 business owners.
The most common usages of generic top-level domains include (and this list includes new top-level domains and popular domain extensions as well):
.com - for commercial sites
.org - for organizations
.net - for networks
.info - for information platforms
.biz - for businesses
.co- for companies & businesses
.shop - for online shopping stores
.me - for personal sites
.digital - for digital related services
.design - for graphic designers and creative industries
.blog - for blogs
.tv - for content and entertainment related sites
.photos - for websites related to photography and visual content
.site - for a wide range of websites
.website - for a wide range of sites
.company - for businesses and companies
.tech - for any tech related site or business
.fitness - for sports and wellness businesses
.email - for websites related to email services
.me - for personal websites or personal branding
.live - for websites with live streaming content
.land - useful for real estate or property sites
.top - for a unique and memorable name
.fun - to convey the true vibe of your site and business
.studio - designed for studios, design, photography or fitness
.email - for websites providing email and communication services
.directory - for businesses that categorize content
.solutions - for problem solving service websites
.space - for innovative websites that offer a wide range of services
In mid-2011, ICANN approved a change to the domain name system that expanded the original gTLDs from 22 to over 1,200. These innovative options, aptly named New gTLDs, saw the incorporation of official domain extensions such as .berlin, .contact and .wow. You can see the complete top-level domain list on IANA’s database (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority, a subdivision of ICANN).
Some more examples include:
02. Sponsored Top-Level Domains (sTLD)
As the name suggests, sponsored top-level domains are those proposed and supervised by private organizations. These entities can be businesses, government agencies or other types of organized groups, and they have the final word on whether an applicant is eligible to use a specific top-level domain based on predefined community theme concepts.
Unlike with gTLDs, the sponsored top-level domain list only includes a small, limited number of options. Some date back to the original 1980s domain extensions (including .edu, .gov and .mil), whereas others have been created in recent years.
Among them, some of the most popular sTLDs are:
.edu - for higher educational institutions
.gov - for United States governmental agencies
.cat - for Catalan linguistic and cultural community
.museum - for museum organizations
.travel - for travel industry businesses
03. ccTLD – Country Code Top-Level Domains (ccTLD)
There are 312 country code top-level domains established for specific countries and territories, identifying them with a two-letter string. These domain extensions have dedicated managers who ensure each ccTLD is operated according to local policies and meets the cultural, linguistic and legal standards of the region.
Besides local businesses and individuals, ccTLDs are widely used by large corporations with regional sites that operate independently. In these cases, domain extensions serve the same purpose as a subdomain. If you plan on using a country code top-level domain on your site, make sure to take this into account when searching for the best domain registrar, as not all platforms offer ccTLD registration.
In 2012, the ICANN announced the addition of the first ccTLDs using non-latin characters to the domain name system root zone. These domain extensions, known as internationalized country code top-level domains (IDN ccTLD) include languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Hebrew and Cyrillic.
Some of the most well-known ccTLD include:
04. Infrastructure top-level domain (ARPA)
This special category contains only one TLD: the Address and Routing Parameter Area (ARPA). The .arpa domain extension is managed directly by the IANA for the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) under the guidance of the Internet Architecture Board (IAB) and is only used for technical web infrastructure purposes.
05. Test top-level domains (tTLD)
Test top-level domains are reserved for documentation purposes and local testing, and cannot be installed into the root zone of the domain name system. According to the IETF, the reason for reserving these specific domain extensions is to reduce the possibility of conflict and confusion.
There are four TLDs:
.example - for place holding
.invalid - for invalid domain names
.localhost - for usage in local networks
.test - for testing purposes
06. Unofficial top-level domains
Unofficial top-level domains are those which are not regulated or managed by the ICANN. This type of TLDs are sold and administered by private companies, and as such they aren’t in the domain name system and can only be used within a certain network or using a private DNS.
One of the most well-known examples of unofficial TLDs nowadays is .eth, which serves as a user accessible address to the Ethereum ecosystem. Other popular cases include .metaverse, .moon, .token and .chain.
The rising popularity of these not-quite-domains is heavily due to the evolution of Web3 and blockchain technology, and the general search for a decentralized network.
How do top-level domains affect SEO?
While top-level domains have no direct impact on your site’s SEO performance, unusual or complex domain extensions can lead to fewer inbound links and direct traffic. Top-level domains (TLDs) may not directly impact your search rankings, but they do influence how people perceive and interact with your site. Well-known TLDs like .com or .org build trust and credibility, making users more likely to click on your link in search results. On the other hand, less familiar TLDs can feel unconventional, which might discourage clicks and affect your organic traffic.
To avoid this, while planning how to build a website, make sure to pay attention to how easy your TLD is to pronounce and remember when it’s combined with your domain name. Furthermore, keep in mind that when browsing on mobile, most smartphones display a button dedicated to domain extensions whose default option is set to .com.
What are the most popular top-level domains?
Here is a list of the top 10 most popular top-level domains (TLDs) in the world:
.com
.net
.org
.cn
.de
.uk
.in
.jp
.fr
.ru
These TLDs are popular for a variety of reasons. .com is the oldest and most well-known TLD, and it's often used for commercial websites. When it comes to what .net is, it's often used for technical websites and .org is often used for non-profit websites. The other TLDs on the list are country code TLDs (ccTLDs), which are used for websites that are targeted to a specific country.
Why are TLDs important?
Top-level domains are important for a website's branding and user perception. Here are some reasons why TLDs matter.
Brand recognition
TLDs contribute to a website's branding and recognition. A well-chosen TLD can enhance brand identity, make the website more memorable and convey the website's purpose or target audience. For example, a tech company might choose .tech or .app to immediately communicate its focus.
User perception and credibility
TLDs can influence how users perceive a website. Familiar TLDs like .com and .org instill a sense of trust and credibility, while newer TLDs may require more effort to establish recognition. Certain restricted TLDs, like .edu and .gov, are highly trusted because only specific organizations can use them, signaling authority and professionalism.
SEO relevance and targeting
TLDs can signal relevance to search engines, particularly for country-code TLDs (ccTLDs). For instance, a website with a .de TLD is likely to be more relevant for German users and may rank better in German search results.
Trustworthiness
Certain TLDs, such as .com and .org, are generally perceived as more trustworthy and established, which can indirectly influence SEO. These TLDs can be a good choice when creating a fundraising website for particular types of sites that involve users submitting their financial information, since they require a greater degree of trust and security. However, this perception is evolving as newer TLDs gain recognition.
Memorability
A memorable TLD, like the widely recognized ".com" used by many commercial entities, can enhance brand recognition and help users easily remember your web address, especially if your website name is unique or less common.
Website discoverability
Choosing the right TLD, a crucial part of the domain name system (DNS) that helps users locate websites online, makes it easier for people to find and remember your site. A domain that aligns with your industry, purpose or audience creates a strong connection and enhances the user experience, giving visitors a clear idea of your site's focus right from the start.
Website organization
TLDs play a key role in organizing and categorizing websites. They help group sites based on purpose or type, such as ".edu" for educational institutions or ".gov" for government organizations. This organizational function makes browsing and navigating the web more intuitive for users.
Essential to DNS
TLDs are foundational to the domain name system (DNS), which is the infrastructure that allows users to find and interact with websites. Without TLDs, the system that connects domain names to their respective IP addresses couldn't function properly.
Purpose alignment
The right TLD can immediately communicate a site’s purpose to users, reinforcing what the website is about and helping attract the intended audience from the start.
How do you choose the best TLD for your website?
When choosing a top-level domain for your website, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
Your target audience: Who are you trying to reach with your website? If you're targeting a global audience, you may want to choose a generic TLD such as .com or .net, especially because people already know what .com is. If you're targeting a specific country, you may want to choose a ccTLD for that country.
The purpose of your website: What kind of website are you creating? If you're creating a commercial website, you may want to choose a TLD such as .com or .store. If you're creating a non-profit website, you may want to choose a TLD such as .org.
Your brand: What is your brand identity? If you have a well-established brand, you may want to choose a TLD that matches your brand name. For example, if your brand name is [Brand Name], you may want to choose the TLD [Brand Name].com.
Your budget: Some TLDs are more expensive than others. For example, .com domains are typically more expensive than .net domains.
You also need to make sure your domain name is available, so do a domain name search. If your first choice isn’t available, pop it into a domain name generator, which can help you find a similar domain name.
As Michael Yerardi, the Property Specialist of Turning Point Home Buyers, shares:
"Also consider purchasing different variations of your chosen domain name (such as .com, .net, .org) to protect your brand and prevent others from using similar names for their own websites. Researching keywords related to your website's topic can also help in choosing a domain name that is SEO-friendly and easy to remember."
Read also: Should you choose a niche-focused domain?
Who's responsible for managing TLDs?
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is responsible for managing top-level domains (TLDs) at the global level. ICANN is a non-profit organization that oversees the coordination of the Domain Name System (DNS), the internet's naming system that translates domain names into IP addresses.
ICANN delegates the responsibility for managing specific TLDs to registrars, which are organizations that sell domain names to individuals and businesses. For example:
Verisign manages .com and .net
Public Interest Registry (PIR) manages .org
Country-code TLDs like .uk, .de or .jp are managed by designated local registries
When you register a domain through a provider like Wix, Wix acts as the registrar. This means they handle the registration process on your behalf under ICANN rules.
ICANN also establishes policies for the domain management of TLDs, such as the rules for creating new TLDs and the procedures for resolving disputes between registrants.
ICANN's key responsibilities:
Creating new TLDs: Evaluates and approves applications for new TLDs, ensuring they’re safe and reliable.
Delegating TLDs to registries: Assigns each TLD to a trusted organization to manage consistently.
Resolving disputes: Helps settle conflicts over domain names to protect owners’ rights.
Protecting the internet: Suspends or revokes TLDs that pose risks to security or stability.
What this means for you? TLDs aren’t owned permanently—you lease them. Renewal is required to keep your domain active.
Is Wix a domain registrar? Learn more.
What are top-level domains? FAQ
How much do different TLDs cost?
TLD costs vary on Wix, as an example:
.com: $13.35/year
.org, .net: $14.95/year
.info: $11.95/year
Country-specific (e.g., .co.uk): $15.95/year
Newer TLDs (e.g., .online, .store): $19.95-$39.95/year
Prices may change during promotions or renewals. Some premium domains cost more. Always check current pricing on Wix's domain registration page.
Can I change my TLD after registering a domain?
You can't directly change a domain's TLD after registration. However, you can:
1. Register a new domain with your desired TLD
2. Set up 301 redirects from the old to new domain
3. Update website and email configurations
4. Inform users and update all your marketing materials
This process effectively "changes" your TLD but it requires registering a new domain.
Are there industry-specific TLDs?
Yes, there are industry-specific TLDs, often called "new gTLDs". Examples include:
.tech for technology
.law for legal services
.photography for photographers
.health for healthcare
.travel for tourism
.finance for financial services
.education for educational institutions
.fashion for the fashion industry
How often are new TLDs introduced?
New TLDs are introduced periodically but not on any fixed schedule. ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) oversees this process. Major expansions occurred in 2012 and 2016. New TLDs are proposed, evaluated and approved in batches and the process can take several years from proposal to launch.
Is .io TLD getting removed?
The .io top-level domain (TLD) remains a viable option for now, but it faces potential removal within the next five years. This uncertainty stems from geopolitical factors, notably the UK's decision to relinquish control of the Chagos Islands. Despite these concerns, the .io TLD continues to be favored by tech startups for its modern and tech-oriented appeal. While immediate changes aren't on the horizon, those using or considering .io should stay informed about its status.
What is a TLD in the military?
In the military context, a TLD like .mil is utilized specifically for United States Department of Defense entities. It ensures that all websites and email addresses under this domain are linked exclusively to U.S. military operations. This TLD is subject to strict registration criteria, reflecting its specialized and secure nature.
What is the difference between a top-level domain and a subdomain?
A top-level domain (TLD) is the last part of a domain name, such as ".com" or ".org" that defines its category or geographical origin. A subdomain is a prefix added before the main domain to organize content, like "blog.example.com." While TLDs are part of the domain's core structure, subdomains act as extensions of a domain to create separate sections or functions for a website. Together, they work to structure and organize how websites are accessed and presented online.
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