Beginner Guide: What is a Top-Level Domain (TLD)?

Have you ever wondered what the difference between a .com and a .org website is? They look the same, they both seem to show up in the search results, and there doesn’t seem to be anything materially different about the way you interact with them. That’s because on the surface, they are exactly the same. The only difference is that they have a different top-level domain, or TLD.

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, however, let’s make sure you know what a Domain Name Server (DNS) is, and how exactly it works.

What is a Domain Name System (DNS)?

The domain name system (DNS), sometimes referred to as the phonebook of the internet, is basically a translator. 

Web browsers use an IP address to identify websites. Those addresses are largely made of numbers that would be hard to remember and are not practical for humans to use. 

The DNS converts IP addresses to what is called the domain name. The top-level domain is the start of your naming process.

What is a Top-Level Domain (TLD)?

A top-level domain is part of the larger domain name. Its job is to identify the purpose, owner, or geographical area of your website. 

Basically, a TLD tells users who or what you are, long before they read the secondary domain or subdomain names. Choose your TLD carefully and make sure it accurately reflects your website.

In the early days of the internet, TLD categories were very specific (.com was meant only for commercial websites and so on). As time has passed, the restrictions have mostly relaxed, and the majority of TLDs are available to everyone without restriction.

Where Do Top-Level Domains Come From?

Despite the relaxing of regulations around TLDs, you cannot just choose any domain name or TLD that you want. That’s because there are still rules you need to follow, based on regulations that come from the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). For example, you cannot register a domain name if someone else has already registered that name. Otherwise, total chaos would ensue every time you typed a website name in your internet browser. 

ICANN has created overarching rules and regulations that TLDs need to follow. From there, these TLDs are divided and assigned to other organizations, known as registries. Registries oversee the day-to-day operations and management of these TLDs, ranging from pricing to promotions to any additional regulations and restrictions.  

What are Examples of TLDs?

There are more than 1,500 top-level domains presently available on the internet, so you are spoiled for choice when looking to find the right one for your needs. But we can help narrow down the options by considering all the different categories available. Here are the main types of TLDs you will encounter:

Generic Top-Level Domains

These domains are the most common. The good news is these TLDs are easily available. They may be a good choice if you are just starting out and aren’t sure of the more detailed options. Here are some examples you will recognize:

• .com
• .net
• .org

There are many more examples that are not as well-known but can help you position your website purposefully, like:

• .live (live streaming sites)
• .art (art commerce or portfolio displays)
• .shop (link your e-commerce or online shop)

Country-Code Top-Level Domains 

This type of TLD features just two predetermined letters to designate a country or region:

• .uk (United Kingdom)
• .eu (European Union)
• .co (Colombia) 

Geo Specific Top-Level Domains 

This type of TLD is aimed at regional or geo-specific websites, for example:

• .asia (open to all users with focus on Asia) 
• .nyc (restricted only to New York City residents)
• .vegas (open to all users interested in Las Vegas)

Sport-Themed Top-Level Domains 

These domains are ideal for fans and related product ecosystem sites: 

• .fit, .ski, .surf (fitness, ski or surfers)
• .boat, .fish .yacht (boat and water sports enthusiasts)
• .hockey, .soccer, .football (fan-related news and paraphernalia)

Industry-Niched Top-Level Domains

These TLD extensions drive home the message of the products or services a business, organization or even medical practice offer. They are self-explanatory:

• .cloud
• .law
• .mortgage
• .contractors
• .financial
• .engineering

Conclusion

There are so many TLD options to choose from to help end users understand the intent of the site owner. These extensions are varied, interesting, and can begin the experience before visitors make the first click.

Feel free to browse our domain search feature to learn about various TLD pricing and availability.