What are the different types of TLDs?

Typically there are 3 common referenced TLD types. These are gTLDs (Generic TLDs), ccTLDs (Country Code TLDs), and new gTLDs (New Generic TLDs).

gTLDs (Generic TLDs)

Historically are known as the generic extensions that are commonly used globally such as .com, .org, .net.

ccTLDs (Country Code TLDs)

Extensions specifically assigned to particular countries or territories such as .ie for Ireland, .uk for the United Kingdom and .fr for France. These are used for local targeting or a regional business presence and in certain circumstances can be restricted to be registered by individuals or organisations with an address located in that country.

New gTLDs (New Generic TLDs)

New generic domain name extensions that have been getting rolled out since 2013 such as .tech, .shop, .blog, .guru often to target a specific type of website or industry. With the increasing exhaustion of available traditional gTLDs, these new gLTDs were introduced to provide more options for new domain name registrations.

Other gTLDs

Mostly restricted for specific types of organisations or government departments also exist which include both historic gTLDs such as .mil, .edu, and .gov as well as some new gTLDs such as .museum and .aero. Some global brands also manage their own TLDs such as .apple, .google and .bmw.

Learn more about demystifying domain names:

1. What is a domain name?
2. What are the different types of TLDs?
3. What is a registry, registrar and registrant?
4. What is DNS?
5. What is the WHOIS database?
6. How do I choose a domain name?
7. How do I choose a TLD?
8. The future landscape of domain names