What are nTLDs?

nTLDs, also called new Top Level Domains or new domain extensions, are domain extensions introduced through a special programme that allows companies, organisations, and in some cases private applicants to operate their own domain extension.

In simple terms, any organisation with sufficient funding and the technical capability to run a domain registry can apply to manage its own TLD. Since the launch of this programme in 2013, internet users have been able to choose from a much wider variety of domain extensions beyond the traditional options such as .COM, .NET or .ORG.

The programme was introduced by ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) after consultation with the global internet community. One of the main goals was to increase choice and competition in the domain name space.

At the time, many popular namespaces, especially .COM, had become highly crowded, making it increasingly difficult to register short or meaningful domain names. New TLDs include a wide range of categories.

Some are generic and purpose-driven, such as .WEBSITE, .COMPANY, .BLOG, .SCIENCE, and .PHOTOGRAPHY. Others are geographic extensions like .NYC (New York City), .BERLIN, or .LASVEGAS. There are also community and cultural extensions representing identities or interest groups, including .KIWI, .IRISH, and .GAY.