Here's a comprehensive list of Top-Level Domains (TLDs) categorized by type, including generic, sponsored, country-code, new gTLDs, and special-purpose domains. This is ideal for SEO professionals, domain investors, or business owners choosing the right domain extension.
1. Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs)
1. Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs)Traditional and widely recognized.
| TLD | Use Case |
|---|---|
.com | Commercial, general use |
.net | Networks, tech, general use |
.org | Nonprofits, communities |
.info | Informational content |
.biz | Businesses, commercial sites |
.name | Personal websites |
.pro | Professionals (doctors, etc.) |
.co | Startups, commercial use |
2. Sponsored TLDs (sTLDs)
2. Sponsored TLDs (sTLDs)Controlled by organizations for specific sectors.
| TLD | Sponsored By |
|---|---|
.edu | U.S. accredited institutions |
.gov | U.S. government |
.mil | U.S. military |
.int | International organizations |
.jobs | Employment and HR |
.post | Postal services |
.aero | Air transport industry |
.museum | Museums and cultural sites |
.coop | Cooperatives |
3. Country Code TLDs (ccTLDs)
3. Country Code TLDs (ccTLDs)Two-letter codes for countries or territories.
| TLD | Country |
|---|---|
.us | United States |
.uk | United Kingdom |
.ca | Canada |
.au | Australia |
.de | Germany |
.fr | France |
.cn | China |
.jp | Japan |
.br | Brazil |
.in | India |
.ru | Russia |
.za | South Africa |
.ng | Nigeria |
SEO Tip: Many ccTLDs like .io, .ai, and .tv are used for branding, not geography.
4. Popular New gTLDs (since 2013 ICANN release)
4. Popular New gTLDs (since 2013 ICANN release)Modern alternatives and niche targeting.
| TLD | Typical Use |
|---|---|
.app | Mobile apps, tech sites |
.blog | Bloggers, content creators |
.store | E-commerce |
.online | General businesses |
.tech | Tech startups, developers |
.xyz | Generational branding, web3 |
.site | Personal or business websites |
.design | Designers, creatives |
.digital | Digital services or agencies |
.agency | Creative, marketing agencies |
.media | News, media brands |
.life | Wellness, lifestyle blogs |
.space | Creatives, outer-space themes |
.finance | Fintech, investment firms |
.lawyer | Legal professionals |
.health | Medical professionals |
.photo | Photographers |
5. Technical / Infrastructure TLDs
5. Technical / Infrastructure TLDs| TLD | Use Case |
|---|---|
.arpa | Internet infrastructure only |
.localhost | Reserved for local testing |
6. Special Reserved Domains (Non-purchasable)
6. Special Reserved Domains (Non-purchasable)| TLD | Purpose |
|---|---|
.test | Testing/development |
.example | Documentation, examples |
.invalid | Invalid domain name testing |
.localhost | Localhost-based services |
7. Trend-Driven and Niche Extensions
7. Trend-Driven and Niche Extensions| TLD | Popular In |
|---|---|
.ai | Artificial Intelligence startups |
.io | Tech startups |
.tv | Video, streaming, creators |
.vc | Venture capital firms |
.gg | Gaming and esports |
.eth | Ethereum identity (Web3, ENS) |
Bonus: Domain Hacks (Creative use of TLDs)
Bonus: Domain Hacks (Creative use of TLDs)instagr.am(Armenia.am)del.icio.us(United States.us)bit.ly(Libya.ly)taco.cat(Catalonia.cat)
How to Choose the Right TLD
How to Choose the Right TLDAsk yourself:
Is it easy to remember and brandable?
Does it fit my industry or region?
Will it appear credible and trustworthy to users?
Does it support SEO or restrict it based on country targeting?
