What is a Top Level Domain (TLD)?

A Top Level Domain (TLD) is the last part of a domain name – the section that appears after the final dot. It identifies the category, location, or purpose of a website. For example, in example.com, the .com portion is the TLD.

Every domain name on the internet ends with a TLD, and understanding what it means helps you choose the right one for your project or business.

Types of Top Level Domains

There are several types of TLDs, each serving a different purpose:

1. Generic Top Level Domains (gTLDs)

These are the most common and recognizable TLDs. They include endings such as .com, .net, .org, and .info.

.com – Originally for commercial use, now used by all types of websites.
.net – Often used by technology or network-based companies.
.org – Common for non-profit organizations or community projects.

2. Country Code Top Level Domains (ccTLDs)

These identify a specific country or region. Examples include .au for Australia, .uk for the United Kingdom, .de for Germany, and .us for the United States. Businesses often use ccTLDs to target audiences in a particular country.

3. New or specialized TLDs

In recent years, many new TLDs have been introduced to give more variety. Examples include .shop, .blog, .tech, .design, and .studio. These allow website owners to choose domain names that describe what they do more clearly.

How TLDs work

When someone enters your domain name in a browser, the TLD helps the Domain Name System (DNS) route the request to the correct server. Each TLD is managed by a registry that maintains the list of all domains under it and sets its own registration rules and pricing.

Choosing the right TLD

Selecting a TLD depends on your website’s purpose and audience. A .com is ideal for most businesses because it’s familiar and trusted. A ccTLD may be better if your focus is regional, and new TLDs can help you stand out with a descriptive name.