What Are the New TLDs?

As the internet has matured, the number of relevant domains has dwindled. Finding the perfect domain extensions can feel impossible with limited options like .com and .net. These traditional choices are widely used, leaving businesses struggling to stand out online. 

Enter new top-level domains or new TLDs—innovative domain extensions that are tailored for industries, locations, and niches.  

A study from Hubspot suggests a trend in using brand-focused TLDs, such as .google, strengthens the identity of companies. These trends highlight the growing importance of domain customization and relevance in the TLD landscape.   

Domain extensions are relevant to your website’s presence. Let’s examine the new TLDs introduced in 2024 and see how relevant they are for businesses.

New TLDs released in 2024

There are already more than 1,000 gTLDs listed in the IANA root database, and more are added every year. The world of domain extensions greatly evolved with the introduction of several new Top-Level Domains (TLDs). Here are the categorized new domain extensions that were introduced for 2024:  

Industry-specific top-level domains  

Industry-specific domain extensions are designed for specific industries that offer businesses the opportunity to showcase their expertise. At first glance, you’ll know what industry these domain extensions are focused on, which adds value to their identity.   

Here are industry-specific new TLDs that made general availability in 2024: 

New TLDs	Industry	Use cases
.diy	Do-it-yourself (DIY)	DIY enthusiasts, home improvement blogs, and craft stores
.food	Food and beverage	Restaurants, food bloggers, and culinary brands
.living	Lifestyle and real estate	Interior designers, real estate agents, and lifestyle blogs/bloggers/influencers
.lifestyle	Lifestyle	Fashion brands and lifestyle influencers
.vana	Wellness and retreats	Wellness centers, retreat organizers, and health blogs

Location-based top-level domains   

There is only one new location-based TLD made public for this year, the .tr domain extension.  

.tr is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye). It entered its general availability in August 2024. This new domain extension is highly recommended for companies operating or considering operations in Türkiye. 

Location-specific TLDs such as .nyc, .london, and .tokyo provide a regional identity to businesses and organizations. They’re particularly beneficial for:   

• Local businesses targeting customers in a specific city or region.   

• Tourism boards promoting travel destinations.   

• Cultural events or festivals showcasing regional pride.   

A location-based domain extension is particularly used to appeal to local audience and boost search relevance in the area. Let’s say you own a restaurant in New York City, instead of using restaurant.com, it’s best to register your domain as restaurant.nyc to indicate that your store is in New York City.   

Community or niche top-level domains   

.music was introduced to the public in June 2024. This new TLD is dedicated to individuals who are connected to the global music community.  

Since these TLDs target a specific group of people, it is best for businesses that offer niche products or services. Yes, you can still use .com or .net, but community or niche TLDs ensure your business reaches your intended audience.   

Internationalized Domain Names (IDN)   

Internationalised Domain Names (IDNs) are domain names that include characters from non-Latin alphabet such as Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic, or other regional alphabets. They allow users to register new domain names in their native language and script, making the internet more inclusive and accessible globally.   

This year, the .みんな domain extension made its debut. This new TLD is targeted specifically towards the Japanese market and community. The term “みんな” translates to “everyone” in the latin alphabet. The purpose of this domain extension is to give people, organizations, and companies a place to construct websites that are especially about Japanese language, culture, and hobbies. Anyone from anywhere in the world can register .みんな domain, despite its provincial focus. 

New TLD rollout phases

Every domain under a specific TLD is listed in a central database called a registry. The person or entities in charge of providing registry services are referred to as Registry Operators, sometimes called Network Information Centers (NICs).

Once a new TLD is approved, the registry operator for that TLD handles the steps to launch and register new domains. Launch phases typically consist of the following:

• Sunrise period. A special phase during the launch of a new TLD when trademark holders get priority access to register new domain names that match their trademarks. Only those with a trademark registered with the Trademark Clearinghouse (TMCH) are permitted to register domains during this period. This period is designed to protect the intellectual property of trademark owners and prevent cybersquatting—where someone registers domains associated with well-known brands—to resell them for profit.  An auction is held if multiple people claim a domain. Sunrise Periods come in two varieties: [1] end date sunrise (at least 60 days long) and [2] start date sunrise (a 30-day notice before it begins, with a minimum length of 30 days).
• Landrush period. The Landrush Period is when people can start registering domains for a new TLD. It comes after the Sunrise Period and is usually a short time when anyone can apply to register a domain. Registry operators open to the public specific, premium domain names at a higher cost than they would during general availability. An auction may result from several parties vying for the same domain.
• Early access. The Early Access Period (EAP) usually occurs during the first week a new domain is available. As the week progresses, new domain extensions decrease in cost. This allows individuals and businesses to spend more in order to purchase a new domain earlier. The time length generally doesn’t exceed a week. Some new domain extensions have an early access period (EAP) that lasts about a week. In some cases, the registry operator may not treat the landrush and early access periods differently. Other times, they may offer special pricing during the first week when the new domain becomes widely available.
• General availability (GA). This is the list of new TLDs and gTLDs currently available to the general public. Of course, these can be purchased if no other entity has secured the domain already. You can search by domain name.   

New gTLDs vs Old gTLDs 

New domain extensions or old domain extensions, is there really a great difference between the two? Is one better than the other? Get to know the benefits and downsides of both new and old generic top-level domains or gTLDs.   

• Benefits of gTLDs – Traditional TLDs are tried and true. There’s a reason .com still reigns supreme in terms of how many sites are registered each year. Having traditional domain extensions like .com, ensures a certain quality and reliability. Everybody knows and understands what’s involved when accessing a .com site.  

• Downside of gTLDs – It’s much harder to generate a desired web address with a gTLD. It’s then equally difficult for your website to stand out.  

• Benefits of new gTLDs – New TLDs are creative and fun. With them, it’s possible to express more than with the older gTLDs. The level of specificity achieved is more significant than what can be provided by standard gTLDs like .com and .net, and many more domain extensions are available.  

• Downside of new gTLDs – Because of the number of new TLDs being created, the demand for particular domain extensions can be significantly high. This pushes the prices up in an unpredictable way. Those who find a popular TLD might end up paying considerably more than a traditional gTLD (whose prices stay relatively even throughout time).  

Upcoming new TLDs and future trends  

The domain landscape continues to evolve by introducing new TLDs designed to cater to diverse industries and communities. Staying informed about upcoming TLDs can provide businesses and individuals with opportunities to secure domain names that align closely with their brand and objectives.  

Upcoming domain extensions and their anticipated applications 

TLD	Anticipated launch date	Description
.eco	December 2024	Ideal for environmental organizations, eco-friendly businesses, and sustainability initiatives.
.crypto	January 2025	Suited for cryptocurrency platforms, blockchain projects, and fintech startups.
.art	February 2025	Perfect for artists, galleries, and creative communities to showcase their work.
.shop	April 2025	Tailored for e-Commerce platforms, retailers, and online marketplaces.

New TLD List 

Always stay informed for new TLDs! To keep updated on the latest new domain extension releases and their schedules, you can consider the following sources:   

• TLD-List Launch Schedule: This site provides a comprehensive and frequently updated list of upcoming TLDs along with their expected launch dates.   

• ICANN’s New gTLD Programme: ICANN, the organization that coordinates DNS globally, offers official information on new generic TLDs. This includes application statuses and delegation timelines.   

• IANA Root Database: IANA (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority) Root Database is an authoritative directory that contains information about all the Top-Level Domains (TLDs) in the global DNS. This database ensures the stability and proper functioning of the internet by maintaining a centralized registry of every TLD type: ccTLDs, gTLDs, and sponsored TLDs.  

How to submit new TLDs?

Over recent years, new TLDs have emerged to address the growing need for flexibility and creativity in new domain names. Since many are using domain extensions like .com, businesses are now looking for more specific, memorable, and relevant TLD options. This demand sparked the introduction of the new gTLD program to increase customer choice and competition.     

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is spearheading the New gTLD Program, an initiative that is facilitating the domain name system’s greatest expansion.  

The new gTLD program seeks to improve consumer choice, competition, and innovation through the introduction of new TLDs.  

Applying for a new TLD isn’t the same as buying a domain name. When you apply for a new gTLD, you’re actually applying to start and run a registry business that supports the internet’s domain system. This comes with a lot of big responsibilities because you’d be managing an important part of how the internet works. That is why most of the time, on;y distinguished people or organizations would dare to apply for new domain extensions. 

If you want to submit a new TLD, here are the steps according to ICANN’s application guidebook. 

1. Prepare and submit your application

The first thing you need to do is to create an account and submit your application through ICANN’s TLD Application System (TAS).

The application requires a lot of details, including:

• Technical info: How you plan to manage the registry. You’ll need to show your technical ability to handle the TLD and ensure security and stability.
• Financial info: You must prove that you have the financial resources to run the registry long-term, covering things like operations, infrastructure, and ICANN fees.
• Legal documentation: You might need to provide some legal paperwork, including how your business will operate and any trademarks related to your gTLD.
• Costs: There’s an initial application fee (about $185,000) and ongoing annual fees once your new TLD is approved.

2. Administrative completeness check

After you submit your application, ICANN will review it to make sure all the required fields are filled out and the documentation is correct. If something’s missing or incomplete, they’ll ask you to fix it.

This is more of a “housekeeping” step to make sure you’ve provided everything that’s needed to continue the process.

3. Initial evaluation

• Technical evaluation: Here’s where ICANN really looks at your ability to manage a TLD. They’ll check if your application meets the technical requirements for running a registry, including security, stability, and the systems you plan to use.
• Financial evaluation: ICANN also checks if you have the financial resources to manage the TLD. This isn’t just about the application fee—it’s about your ongoing ability to maintain and operate the registry.
• Public comment period: During this stage, ICANN opens up the application to public feedback. People, including other organizations or individuals who might be impacted by your TLD, can submit comments. This allows for community involvement, especially in cases where the new domain extensions might affect trademarks or cause confusion.

4. Objection and dispute resolution

During the public comment period, if someone has a legitimate objection to your new domain extensions (e.g., it conflicts with a trademark or violates public policy), they can file an official objection.

Types of Objections:

• Legal Rights Objection: If the string you’re applying for conflicts with an existing trademark or violates someone’s legal rights.
• String Confusion Objection: If two similar strings could cause confusion, multiple parties may file a dispute.
• Public Interest Objection: If your gTLD violates public morals or national law, objections may be filed by governments or relevant institutions.
• How Objections Are Handled: ICANN has a Dispute Resolution Service Provider (DRSP) that handles objections. If you get an objection, it will go to arbitration or mediation to resolve the conflict. If you lose, your application could be blocked.

5. String contention

If more than one entity applies for the same gTLD string (e.g., multiple technology companies apply for .tech), ICANN calls this string contention.

If your application is in contention with another, you have two options:

1. Private settlement: Work it out with the other applicant to see if you can resolve the conflict.
2. Auction: If you can’t settle, ICANN will hold an auction where you and the other applicants can bid for the rights to the gTLD.
3. Outcome: The highest bidder wins, and they get the rights to operate that TLD.

6. Extended evaluation

If ICANN determines there are issues with your application during the initial evaluation (for example, if they need more technical or financial details), they may extend the evaluation process.

Sometimes, applicants may not fully meet the requirements initially but can still prove their qualifications with additional documentation. Extended evaluation gives you time to fix issues and show you meet the requirements.

7. Registry agreement and contracting

If you successfully pass all the evaluations, you’ll move to the next stage: signing a registry agreement with ICANN. This contract outlines your obligations as the new TLD operator, including compliance with technical standards, operational rules, and financial commitments.

You’ll have to pay annual fees to ICANN to maintain your TLD, and you’ll be required to submit reports and audits to ensure compliance with ICANN policies.

Before the TLD goes live, ICANN will test your registry systems to make sure they’re secure, stable, and compliant with technical standards. Think of it as a final “check” before you can go public.

8. Delegation

Once you pass the tests, your TLD gets delegated into the root zone, which means it’s officially a part of the global DNS system. This is the moment your TLD goes live, and people can start registering domains under it.

Once your gTLD is delegated, you’re officially in business! You can start promoting your TLD and making it available for registrations.

9. Ongoing compliance and post-delegation issues

Your responsibility doesn’t end after delegation. You still have to comply with ICANN’s rules, including maintaining security and stability, and meeting reporting requirements.

There are also post-delegation dispute resolution procedures (PDDRP). If issues arise after your TLD is live (such as trademark conflicts), you’ll need to handle them through ICANN’s dispute resolution system.

Operating a TLD is an ongoing responsibility. You must ensure that your registry is running smoothly, that you’re meeting ICANN’s contractual obligations, and that you’re providing a stable service to registrants.

Register new TLDs with Domain.com 

If you think applying for a new TLD is too much of a bother, you can simply opt to register new TLDs recently rolled out online. 

Registering a new TLD is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to secure a domain that perfectly fits your brand, business, or organization: 

Step 1: Search for your desired domain  

Use a reliable domain lookup tool, such as Domain.com. Enter your desired domain name and explore available domains.  

Step 2: Check availability and pricing  

Confirm that your chosen domain name is available. Make sure that the new domain extension is available. If your chosen domain extension is not available, don’t fret. Domain.com will provide relevant suggestions from which to choose. And if you are still looking for the perfect domain name, we have the free AI domain name generator to help you find creative domain name ideas.  

Once you’ve chosen, review its pricing, including initial registration costs and annual renewal fees. You can also add the Domain Privacy + Protection service in this process to ensure that your information is secure.  

Step 3: Complete your registration  

At the Domain Add-ons page, you can add essential security features like SSL certificates to protect your website and establish user trust. If you missed privacy protection during checkout, you can also add it now.  

There are other domain add-ons that you might find useful before billing. These include:   

• Google workspace email. Get a custom email address that matches your domain name for instant credibility.  
• Quickstart Website Launch. Have experts create your website from designing, content copy, and SEO to set your website for launching.  
• Website Builder. Create a website with an AI-powered website builder without the need of coding knowledge.  
• SiteLock. Protect your website from malicious attacks: malware, hackers, and viruses.  

After selecting an add-on, proceed to billing.  

Step 4: Ensure renewal costs and trademark protection  

Be aware of renewal fees to maintain ownership of your new domain. If applicable, secure trademark rights to prevent others from using similar domains that could confuse your audience.  

Also, be aware of important dates like domain expiration. There might be unexpected or unforeseen situations where you’ll fail to renew your domain name registration before expiration. Be aware that some lurk and wait for your registration to expire and pounce once your domain name is available.   

Before this happens, you might consider Domain Expiration Protection to keep your registered domains under your name for a year even when payment fails.  

Step 5: Registration success!  

Congratulations on your new registered domain name! But it does not end there. After buying a new domain name, you don’t let it simply sit there. You’ll need to work on how to build your online presence. But for now, you have secured a new domain extension that is fit for your business.  

If you need assistance during registration, Domain.com has a dedicated customer support team to guide you every step of the way. Our support team can help with domain selection, registration options, and additional services to ensure your website is ready to launch.  

How to choose the right domain extensions for your brand  

Choosing the right domain extension involves evaluating several key factors directly impacting your brand’s online identity and effectiveness. Here’s a deeper dive into the considerations:  

Relevance to your business or target audience  

Make sure that your new domain extension reflects the nature of your business. If you’re founding a tech or software development company, .tech might be a great choice. If you want to show off your teaching credentials and publications, consider a .prof domain, or a .edu is an option for educational institutions or websites.

Memorability to improve brand recognition  

If you want to stand out, think outside the box. Top-level domains offer creative ways to create a memorable domain name that adheres to your brand.   

You can pair a unique top-level domain with your brand name to strengthen recognition. You can come up with domain names like bakebetter.food or gameon.sports.  

Creating unique and fresh-sounding pairing makes your domain name catchy and hard to forget. You can also use a second-level domain name if the domain extensions you are looking for are unavailable. If bakebetter.food is not available, you can try other domains like bakebetter.food.com.  

Uniqueness to stand out in a competitive market  

Many businesses still rely on traditional domain extensions like .com. Stand out by choosing unique options such as .diy or .living.  

You can also have a creative edge by using new TLDs to make your domain more memorable and engaging, especially in competitive industries. For industry like retail, you can use .boutique instead of .store. You can also opt for .cloud for technology instead of .tech.  

Wrap up your brand with new domain extensions  

New domain extensions are reshaping how businesses and organizations establish their online presence. Whether it’s a niche-focused .prof domain or a location-based .nyc, the right TLD can set you apart in a crowded digital landscape.  

Explore Domain.com’s extensive offerings today to find the perfect domain extension for your brand. Secure your ideal domain before someone else does and take the first step toward building a memorable and impactful online presence.20-en