What’s a gTLD?

It depends. The registry (an organization managing a particular gTLD) sets a price based on lots of factors. The top domain names can command higher prices, while other domain names are a real bargain. The important thing to remember is if a domain you like is too expensive, keep looking. The generic top-level domain list already includes more than a thousand names — and it continues to grow. You’re sure to find the perfect domain if you just stay on the lookout. 

It’s a pretty big difference. When we look at how the internet is organized — the Domain Name System (DNS), if you’re hip to the term — top-level domains mostly fall into two categories: 

• Country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs) 
• Generic top-level domains (gTLDs) 

The ccTLD, as the name implies, represents a country or territory. The rules for using these domain extensions vary — sometimes you have to reside in the area represented by a ccTLD. On the other hand, gTLD is a term people commonly use for everything else. (There are more than a thousand gTLDs today.) Unsponsored gTLDs are the most common and open for anyone to use. Sponsored gTLDs are fewer and come with more specific requirements. 

Domains can seem really technical, but don’t over think it. A new gTLD isn’t anything special or unique – it probably refers to a TLD that’s been released recently. Just keep an eye out. Cool new generic top-level domains show up regularly and they’re created for all kinds of uses.  

Some are specific to a certain industry, like restaurants or law. Others are just unique alternatives to domain names that have been around for a while. Either way, gTLDs generate lots of demand, so if you see a gTLD you love, grab it quick before someone else gets there first.

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is a non-profit organization that approves new gTLDs as they’re introduced and maintains oversight of the registration process. You can always wait in line like everyone else to get a gTLD, but there are a few alternatives that give you a big advantage: 

• Pre-registration — For no cost, we submit your registration as soon as a gTLD becomes available from the registry. If we can’t get the domain for you, we refund the registration fee.
• Priority pre-registration — You pay a premium to get in line before standard pre-registration applicants and we submit your registration the instant a gTLD becomes available, before those who signed up for pre-registration. If we can’t get it, we refund the registration fee but cannot refund your priority pre-registration fee. 
• Trademark owners — If you have a trademarked name, you can get in front of all other pre-registration groups by providing proof of that trademark and paying a fee. If we can’t get you the domain, we’ll refund your registration fee but cannot refund the trademark registration fee. Of course, if you’re the rightful trademark owner, you’d likely be able to claim your domain through other means. 

With the click of a button, you can follow any gTLDs that have yet to be released. We’ll send you a message as soon as they become available. However, if you’re serious about getting a gTLD, we recommend one of the pre-registration options mentioned above.