Tld
Executive summary
TLD stands for “top-level domain,” the last segment of a web address (the part after the final dot) — examples include .com, .org and newer industry or language‑specific extensions [1] [2]. The root zone managed by IANA/ICANN contained about 1,264 actively delegated TLDs as of March 31, 2025, though historical counts and ongoing launches push the broader list over 1,400 when reserved/retired and other entries are included [3] [4].
1. What a TLD actually is — DNS’s highest label
A top‑level domain is the final label in a domain name and tells the DNS how to route a query to the right zone and registry; the familiar example is “.com” in networksolutions.com [1]. ICANN (through IANA) maintains the root zone with the authoritative list of delegated TLDs; when a string is “delegated” it becomes part of the global, public DNS and resolvable on the open internet [4] [5].
2. How many TLDs are there — counts and why they move
Counts vary by how you count: the IANA root‑zone database listed 1,502 TLDs in April 2021 but the number of actively delegated TLDs dropped to about 1,264 by March 31, 2025, reflecting retirements, removals and other status changes [3]. Cloudflare and registry trackers report over 1,400 entries when including reserved or non‑delegated entries and various IDN/legacy entries — different trackers use different inclusion rules, which explains discrepancies [4].
3. Types of TLDs — ccTLDs, gTLDs and the “new” TLD era
TLDs break roughly into country‑code TLDs (ccTLDs like .uk), legacy generic TLDs (.com, .org), and many new generic TLDs (gTLDs) launched since the ICANN expansion. By 2025 the new wave produced industry‑specific and language‑targeted extensions — registries have introduced strings such as .shop and Japanese IDNs like .みんな as part of that expansion [6] [7] [5].
4. Why organizations launch new TLDs — branding, niches, control
Registries and companies pursue new TLDs to strengthen brand identity, carve industry spaces, and exercise policy control over who can register under a string. Analysts say many recent launches target niche markets (e.g., .food, .deal) or sector signals (.ai for AI firms), with mixed uptake beyond their core audience [7] [6].
5. The launch lifecycle — Sunrise, Landrush, general availability
New TLD launches follow predictable phases: Sunrise (trademark holders get priority via the Trademark Clearinghouse), Landrush (higher‑cost early registrations), and then general availability. Successful delegation into the root zone follows technical and policy tests; only after delegation does the TLD become globally resolvable [5] [6].
6. Conflicting metrics and agendas — why numbers and narratives diverge
Public commentary and tools use different definitions: “delegated,” “active,” “reserved,” “retired,” or inclusion of alternative/non‑ICANN roots all change counts [3] [4]. Registrars and marketing pieces emphasize new TLD utility to sell domains (commercial agenda) while technical sources stress stability and root‑zone accuracy (operational agenda) [7] [1].
7. Practical takeaways for domain buyers and researchers
If you’re choosing a domain, understand the TLD’s purpose: established TLDs like .com remain universally recognized; recent gTLDs can signal industry alignment or provide creative names but adoption varies [1] [7]. Use authoritative IANA/Icann listings for an accurate delegated‑status check; secondary lists and launch schedules help you track upcoming releases [8] [3].
Limitations and transparency: this briefing uses only the supplied sources. Available sources do not mention detailed market share figures for specific TLDs, nor do they provide post‑March 2025 delegation counts beyond the aggregates cited here [3] [4].