2025 Most Popular Domain Extensions (and Why .ai Is Surging)

If you're on the hunt for a new domain name or just curious about how the domain world is shifting, then you're in the right place. Domain extensions, often called TLDs (Top-Level Domains), are evolving faster than ever.

Below, we'll highlight five major trends based on the top 200 TLDs by registration count from late 2024 to early 2025. We'll then explore extra insights such as premium and expired domains to help pick the best TLD for your business or project.

1 - .ai Moves Ahead in the Tech World

One of the most eye-catching stories this year is the rapid climb of .ai (fun-fact: it was originally the country code for Anguilla, but has now been widely adopted by tech companies focusing on Artificial Intelligence).

Among popular tech TLDs like .io, .tech, .dev, .app, and .cloud — .ai has emerged as the runaway favorite, here are some interesting takeaways:

Why .ai Is on the Rise

Curious why everyone's jumping on the .ai bandwagon? It's more than a domain extension, it's a statement that you're part of today's most exciting tech movement.

If you're looking to build an AI startup, it's probably best to invest in an AI domain as it's going to give you that instant credibility and will serve as a differentiator when you go to market.

Already have a company name in mind? Try searching for a .ai domain extension today.

2 - The Classics: .com, .net, and .org

It's hard to discuss domains without .com, the internet's original heavyweight.

Though it dipped by -0.1%, .com still carries 153.9 million registrations — making up 48% of all active domains. Meanwhile:

Historically, .com has been the go-to for commercial enterprises, building tremendous brand recognition over decades. .net and .org both emerged shortly after, originally aimed at network services and nonprofits, respectively, though they've since become more flexible.

Despite a flood of newer TLDs, these classics still overshadow others by sheer volume. But the gap in growth rates tells a story: .com remains massive, yet specialized TLDs are growing faster in percentage terms (albeit from smaller bases).

For many businesses, a .com domain still feels like a gold standard, yet if you're after a niche identity or .com is taken, newer TLDs can offer unique branding options.

3 - Creator Economy TLDs: Uneven but Growing

Art, design, writing, and media sites crave domain extensions that highlight creativity. Though these TLDs remain smaller in total volume than .com or .net, they often post big percentage jumps:

Together, they added over 28,000 new registrations. This suggests bloggers, artists, and media outlets want a TLD that reflects their niche rather than defaulting to .com.

Who Uses These TLDs and Why?

4 - Country TLDs: Per-Capita Leaders (Featuring .eu, .nl, ca and more)

Some of the most interesting domain stats come from country-code TLDs (ccTLDs). Tracking "domains per capita", how many domain names exist relative to population, shows how deeply a region embraces online identity:

Why Local TLDs Matter

Many local TLDs boost regional SEO and trust, especially in countries with robust digital infrastructure. That's why .de (Germany) and .nl (Netherlands) outpace .eu, as businesses often prefer home-country extensions for higher local search rankings.

In the U.S., .us never caught on since .com was "home turf," while India and China have lower per-person rates but huge overall totals — hinting at future growth as more people connect online.

Indonesia offers a unique case: specialized TLDs like .web.id and .biz.id have collectively added over 30,000 new registrations — growing faster than the general .id domain. Non-Indonesian users can sometimes register these TLDs but may face extra verification or need a local agent, so always check registrar rules if you're considering an Indonesian extension.

5 - E-Commerce TLDs on the Rise: .store vs. .shop

For online retailers, .store and .shop are growing alternatives to .com:

That's nearly 93,000 new registrations, especially during the holiday sales season. Both TLDs tell customers — right in the URL — that you're an e-commerce business.

Why These TLDs Stand Out

.store has seen slightly faster growth — possibly because it feels more modern and direct — but .shop remains a top choice for businesses wanting auniversal domain that's easy for customers to remember.

Tips for Picking a Domain in 2025

Picking the right domain doesn't have to be intimidating. Whether you're launching a new business, rebranding, or expanding your online presence, here's how to find the perfect fit:

More Domain Insights

Beyond fast-growing TLDs, here are some additional factors to consider when choosing your ideal domain.

Premium Domains: Typically short or highly brandable, these can be pricey but offer immediate recognition (think "my.ai" or "techsolutions.com").

Expired Domains: Sometimes gems with strong backlinks, but check the domain's past to avoid spam or blacklisting.

Multi-Purpose & Competitive TLDs

Not all TLDs are tied to a specific industry. Some are broad and flexible, making them great choices for businesses that want versatility while still making a statement.

Multi-Purpose TLDs – These domains work across various industries and are easy to recognize: .site, .online, .link, .website – Simple, broad, and great for general branding.

Competitive TLDs – These domains are designed to signal authority or exclusivity: .top, .best, .pro, .vip – Ideal for businesses that want to position themselves as leaders in their field.

Influencer & Community TLDs

Trending & Industry-Specific TLDs

Takeaways

To sum it up, here's what you need to know about all of this year's popular domains:

Whether you're launching a brand-new venture or rethinking your online presence, 2025 is bursting with domain choices.

Ready to Find Your Domain?

Head over to Instant Domain Search and see if your perfect name is still available. Good luck — and happy domain hunting!

If you're building a personal or community-based brand, these domains can help set the right tone.

By doing some quick research — and pouncing when inspiration strikes — you'll end up with a memorable, on-brand domain.