What Are Generic TLDs?
Generic TLDs are open top-level domains that anyone can register without special requirements or qualifications. These encompass established extensions like .com, .org, and .net, alongside modern options such as .app, .shop, and .tech. Generic TLDs operate under a public registry model where the registry operator generates ongoing revenue through domain registrations, renewals, and value-added services. This business model offers unlimited revenue potential through scalable public sales to a global market of businesses, organizations, and individuals seeking memorable, meaningful domain names for their online presence.
Unlimited Revenue Potential
Generate ongoing revenue through public domain sales, renewals, and premium domain pricing. Your TLD becomes a scalable business asset with recurring revenue streams from millions of potential registrations.
Public Registration Model
Open to anyone through standard domain registrars worldwide. No restrictive eligibility requirements maximize your potential registrant base and market reach across every industry.
Global Market Opportunity
Access the worldwide market of businesses, organizations, and individuals seeking domain names. Billions of potential customers across every industry and geographic region.
Scalable Infrastructure
Built to handle thousands or millions of registered domains. Modern registry systems support automated registration, DNS management, and portfolio operations.
Premium Domain Sales
Generate significant revenue from high-value, desirable domain names. Premium domains command registration prices from hundreds to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Registry Business Model
Proven, predictable revenue streams with established operational frameworks. Leverage registry service providers for turnkey backend operations.
Domain Portfolio Management
Comprehensive tools for managing your TLD's domain portfolio. Monitor registrations, track renewals, and optimize pricing strategies for maximum revenue.
Value-Added Services
Expand revenue beyond domain registrations with premium services like DNS hosting, security features, and domain marketplace platforms.
Generic TLDs in Action
See how successful Generic TLDs operate in the real world and generate revenue through public registrations.
The original and most recognized TLD - With over 160 million registrations, .com is the gold standard for domain names and generates billions in annual revenue.
Trusted by organizations worldwide - The preferred choice for non-profits, organizations, and communities with over 10 million registrations building trust.
Go-to destination for e-commerce - Rapidly adopted by online retailers globally with hundreds of thousands of registrations, positioning itself as the premier shopping TLD.
Secure home for applications - Google's registry requires HTTPS for all .app domains, making it the secure choice for app developers and tech companies worldwide.
Popular choice for content creators - Empowers bloggers, writers, and publishers with memorable domain names that clearly communicate content-focused websites.
Hub for technology companies - Adopted by startups, tech companies, and developers seeking modern, industry-relevant domain names for their digital presence.
Versatile option for any website - Universal appeal across all industries with an intuitive, easy-to-understand meaning for businesses and individuals worldwide.
Perfect for online retail - E-commerce retailers choose .store for clear, descriptive domain names that tell customers exactly what to expect.
The 2026 Application Window
ICANN opens applications for new Generic TLDs from April 30 to August 12, 2026. This is a once-in-a-decade opportunity to launch your own domain registry and capture market share in the global domain industry.
Investment
$379,000
Application/Delegation Costs. Includes $227,500 ICANN application fee; paid as per payment schedule.
$88,800/year
Ongoing Annual Costs. Includes $25,800 ICANN registry fee.
Timeline
18-36 months
From application submission to TLD delegation, including evaluation, technical and financial reviews, potential contention resolution, and final contract execution.
Revenue
Unlimited Potential
Ongoing revenue from domain registrations, renewals, premium domain sales, and value-added services. Your TLD operates as a scalable business with unlimited income potential.
Eligibility
Open Registration
Public registration model allowing anyone to register domains through standard registrars. No restrictive eligibility requirements, maximizing your potential registrant base and market reach.
Model Your Generic TLD
Use our Generic TLD Calculator to analyze revenue projections, break-even analysis, and growth modeling for your domain registry. Model registration scenarios, pricing strategies, and premium domain sales.
Launch Generic TLD CalculatorReady for Your Generic TLD?
The 2026 application window is your opportunity to launch your own Generic TLD registry and establish your position in the global domain market. Secure your TLD before competitors claim the most valuable generic extensions.