The domain industry continues to change, offering a clear picture of how businesses, individuals, and creators approach their online presence in 2024. Namecheap’s latest report highlights some exciting shifts, from the ever-dominant .com to the surprising success of niche and country-code domains. Let’s dive into the top trends and what they mean for the future of the internet.
Top 20 TLDs of 2024
The .com TLD continues to sit at the top of the leaderboard with 3,661,899 registrations, and for good reason. For decades, .com has been the first choice for businesses and individuals who want credibility and a sense of permanence. However, 2024 brought some interesting shifts in the rankings:
- .shop rose to 721,532 registrations, taking second place. This surge reflects the e-commerce boom, as more businesses recognize the need for clear, shopping-focused domains. Whether it’s a boutique store or an online megastore, .shop makes a bold statement: “Here, we sell.”
- .xyz dropped to third place but still held strong with 519,800 registrations. Known for its flexibility and affordability, .xyz continues to attract tech startups, developers, and forward-thinking projects. It remains a favorite for those seeking an alternative to traditional TLDs.
- TLDs like .site (371,021) and .online (261,399) are becoming go-to options for modern businesses and creators who want sleek, professional extensions that stand out in the crowded web.
Notable mentions include creative picks like .fun and .lol, which cater to entertainment websites, humor-based brands, and niche communities looking to inject personality into their domains.
.COM vs Non-dot-COM TLDs
For years, .com has been the king of the internet, but its dominance is slowly declining. In 2024:
- .com accounted for 39% of all registrations (3,661,899 domains). While still significant, this represents a slight drop from 39.9% in 2023.
- Non-dot-com TLDs collectively made up 61% of registrations, totaling 5,730,594 domains.
Why the shift? Businesses and creators are exploring alternative TLDs that better represent their identity. From .shop for e-commerce to .me for personal branding, non-dot-com options allow users to craft unique, memorable domains. This trend highlights a maturing internet where diversity and creativity are taking center stage.
Local identity on the rise
Country-code TLDs (ccTLDs) are making waves, and 2024 was the year of .me. With 143,244 registrations, .me climbed to the top, overtaking more established ccTLDs like .co and .us.
- .me’s growth reflects a rising interest in personal branding. It’s short, memorable, and perfect for blogs, portfolios, and individual creators.
- .co and .us remain strong contenders, with 119,134 and 93,226 registrations, respectively. .co, often viewed as a modern alternative to .com, continues to attract startups and global brands.
- Other ccTLDs like .ai (52,715) and .io (44,051) are particularly popular with tech companies and AI-driven businesses. These domains have carved out a niche among forward-looking enterprises.
Local identity is becoming increasingly important. For businesses targeting regional audiences, ccTLDs offer an easy way to connect with local markets while maintaining a global online presence.
TLD renewal rates: longevity tells the story
Renewal rates reveal which TLDs stand the test of time. In 2024, some surprising trends emerged:
- .dev leads the pack with an impressive 57% renewal rate. This TLD has become a favorite among developers, coders, and tech-focused projects.
- .ca, Canada’s ccTLD, follows closely at 54%, showing the strength of regional markets and the trust ccTLDs can build.
- TLDs like .io (46%) and .gg (45%) reflect their appeal to niche audiences, particularly within the gaming and tech communities.
Meanwhile, .com, despite its vast popularity, maintains a more modest 32% renewal rate. This figure underscores that while .com remains the first choice for new registrations, many businesses also experiment with alternative TLDs.
Which domains do users keep the longest?
Retention data offers insights into user loyalty. Over the last decade, .ca topped the list, with customers holding their .ca domains for an average of 2.8 years. This reflects strong long-term value for businesses targeting Canadian audiences.
Other high-retention TLDs include:
- .ai – 2.6 years: Ideal for AI-based businesses and tech innovators.
- .tv and .dev – 2.4 years each: These domains appeal to content creators, developers, and professionals who see them as a core part of their brand.
- Surprisingly, .com ranks lower with an average ownership of 2.1 years, emphasizing its transactional nature as a high-volume TLD.
This data reveals that niche TLDs often build deeper loyalty among users who prioritize long-term domain strategies.
Domain ownership distribution
The domain industry remains dominated by individuals and small businesses:
- 59.4% of Namecheap customers own just one domain, showing that affordability and accessibility remain key drivers.
- 27.9% own between 2-5 domains, suggesting small business owners are experimenting with multiple TLDs.
- Only 0.4% of users own 100+ domains, a segment likely dominated by professional domain investors and businesses managing large portfolios.
These statistics underscore how domains empower creators, bloggers, and small businesses to establish their unique space online.
Key domain sales and new TLD launches
2024 saw the auction of telepath.com for an impressive $100,501, demonstrating the continued value of premium domains. Auctions and aftermarket sales remain a key way for businesses to secure highly sought-after web addresses.
Namecheap also launched several new TLDs in 2024:
- .my (Malaysia’s ccTLD) led the way with 6,545 registrations since its launch in June.
- Other notable additions include .now (2,554 registrations) and .food, appealing to niche communities and specific industries.
These new TLDs give businesses and individuals even more tools to differentiate their online presence and connect with targeted audiences.
Final thoughts
Namecheap’s 2024 domain insights reveal a changing industry where creativity, local identity, and niche focus are becoming more important than ever. While .com remains the dominant force, alternative TLDs like .shop, .me, and .ca are creating new opportunities for businesses and creators alike.
Whether you’re launching a new venture, building a personal brand, or simply exploring domain options, 2024’s trends point to one thing: the internet is more dynamic, flexible, and inclusive than ever.
