What Is a Domain? and the Different Types of Domains?

Types of Domains – A domain name is an address that web users type into a browser to find a website. Domain names can be helpful tools in raising brand awareness, marketing your products and increasing sales. In this article, we discuss domain names, five different types of domains and tips for choosing a perfect domain name for you.

What is a domain name?

A domain name is the unique name of a website. It functions like the site’s home address on the World Wide Web.

The term “domain name” is used interchangeably with the term “domain.” The only difference is that one is the name of the thing and one is the thing itself. 

Not including its extension, like “.com”, the maximum length a domain name can be is 63 characters. The minimum length can be one character.

A domain name generally has a three-part structure, and each part of the domain is separated by a dot:

1. Subdomain or third-level domain, such as www 
2. Second-Level Domain (SLD), which is the name of the website
3. Top-Level Domain (TLD), such as com

The combination of only the domain name and top-level domain is known as a “root domain.” The “http://” is part of a page’s URL but not its domain name and is known as the “protocol.”

7 types of domains and examples

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, also known as ICANN introduced domain name extensions in 1998, marking the creation of the first six top-level domain extensions: .org, .gov, .mil, .edu, .net and .com. These extensions were designed to categorize domain names into groups.  While you may recognize the main TLDS mentioned above, there are actually over a thousand TLDs, offering a wide range of choices for your online store, small business website or online resume.

Look at the different domains and what they are used for:

1. Generic TLD (gTLD)
2. Country-code TLD (ccTLD)
3. Internationalized country code TLD (IDN ccTLD)
4. Generic-restricted TLD (grTLD)
5. Test TLD (tTLD)
6. Sponsored TLD (sTLD)
7. New TLD (nTLD)

01. Generic TLD (gTLD)

Generic top-level domains consist of three or more characters and can be registered by anyone. These TLDs are the most regular and are what users anticipate encountering while browsing the web. The .com domain is notably the most popular, with 54% of global websites using it as of January 2022.

The following are some additional gTLDs:

• .info – for information platforms
• .agency – for agencies
• .site – for a wide range of websites
• .email – for websites related to email services
• .live – for websites with live streaming content
• .top – for a unique and memorable name
• .me – for a personal touch
• .studio – for any type of studio, design or photography
• .company – for companies or business-focused domains
• .design – for designers and creative industries
• .fitness – for sports and wellness businesses
• .work – for employment and job listings
• .website – for small businesses
• .technology – for tech-related content
• .shop – for eCommerce and online retailers
• .solutions – for problem solving service websites
• .directory – for businesses that categorize content
• .fun – for websites related to entertainment and leisure
• .tokyo – for businesses associated specifically with the city of Tokyo, Japan
• .london – for businesses associated specifically with the city of London, UK

02. Country-code TLD (ccTLD)

Country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs) are two-letter extensions reserved for countries, sovereign states and territories. Each country has its own ccTLD, but you don’t have to use one just because you live in that country. ccTLDs are available to organizations from the corresponding country or territory, as well as to corporations with a presence in the region. Websites can use ccTLDs to show viewers the country they’re based in and serve. ccTLDs also help Google geotarget your site for more accurate search results.

Here is a list of common ccTLDs:

• .at (Austria)
• .be (Belgium)
• .br (Brazil)
• .ca (Canada)
• .ch (Switzerland)
• .co (Columbia)
• .de (Germany)
• .fr (France)
• .in (India)
• .me (Montenegro)
• .mx (Mexico)
• .nl (Netherlands)
• .tv (Tuvalu)
• .co.uk (United Kingdom)

03. Internationalized country code TLD (IDN ccTLD)

Internationalized country code top-level domains are essentially the same as ccTLDs, but with non-Latin characters. They allow for domain names in other writing systems, such as Cyrillic or Chinese, making it easier for local populations to identify and use websites assigned to their region or language.

04. Generic-restricted TLD (grTLD)

Generic-restricted top-level domains are similar to generic TLDs, but with stricter requirements. These limitations may involve presenting evidence of trademark ownership or membership in a certain sector.

These domain extensions are grTLDs:

• .biz
• .name
• .pro

05. Test TLD (tTLD)

Test top-level domains, also known as tTLDs, are domain names exclusively for testing and development purposes. These domains cannot be registered with the DNS, which allows software developers and testers to freely experiment without worrying about conflicts with existing or future domain names. This creates a safe and flexible environment for testing software updates and developments.

The four main tTLDs are:

• .test
• .example
• .invalid
• .localhost

06. Sponsored TLD (sTLD)

Sponsored top-level domains (sTLDs) are specialized domains requiring eligibility verification. They cater to certain communities or industries, providing targeted online experiences. Sponsoring agencies determine eligibility. Similar to generic top-level domains, sTLDs offer industry-related information, helping users find official and trustworthy content quickly. To obtain an sTLD, apply through an ICANN-accredited registrar and meet defined criteria.

Options of sTLDs include:

• .gov
• .museum
• .edu
• .mil (U.S. military)

07. New TLD (nTLD)

New top-level domains (TLDs) are the latest innovative domain extensions introduced by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority, or the IANA in 2013. These newer extensions offer website owners a wider array of descriptive and creative alternatives, allowing brands to differentiate themselves in a crowded online environment. Much like traditional domains, new TLDs are subject to eligibility requirements set by ICANN, which range from general use to industry-specific purposes. This expansion of domains reflects the evolving landscape of digital branding.

Examples of new TLDs include:

• .blog
• .art
• .design
• .photography
• .store
• .digital
• .media
• .ninja
• .love
• .party
• .club
• .christmas
• .holiday
• .guru
• .yoga
• .training
• .rocks
• .finance
• .expert
• .tips
• .online
• .today
• .world
• .center
• .cloud
• .land
• .life
• .llc

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