Namecheap, one of the most prominent players in domain registration, has shared its 2024 Domain Insights & Trends Report, offering a rich snapshot of an industry in constant motion. Managing over 20 million domains globally, the company’s report highlights the top performers, surprising shake-ups, and shifting patterns across the domain world. Here’s a closer look at the findings.
Top 20 TLDs of 2024: .Shop Shines While .Com Reigns Supreme
The undisputed leader of domain registrations remains .com, which racked up 3.66 million registrations in 2024. Its reliability and widespread recognition continue to attract businesses and individuals alike. However, .shop emerged as the breakout star, securing second place with 721,532 registrations. This growth reflects the increasing shift toward e-commerce and retail-centric websites.
Former runner-up .xyz saw a dip, landing in third place with 519,800 registrations. Other notable entries included .site (371,021) and .org (323,537), showcasing the diverse needs of internet users. Playful TLDs like .fun (113,962) and .lol (104,167) held their own among more traditional options, highlighting the growing demand for creativity in domain names.
Top 20 TLDs of 2024
- .com – 3,661,899
- .shop – 721,532
- .xyz – 519,800
- .site – 371,021
- .org – 323,537
- .info – 271,127
- .online – 261,399
- .store – 249,892
- .net – 227,271
- .pro – 202,737
- .click – 144,804
- .me – 143,244
- .co – 119,134
- .fun – 113,962
- .lol – 104,167
- .us – 93,226
- .co.uk – 75,439
- .sbs – 70,023
- .live – 68,049
- .cfd – 63,122
Top gTLDs and ccTLDs: A Global Perspective
Namecheap’s breakdown of generic TLDs (gTLDs) and country-code TLDs (ccTLDs) provides a global lens on domain trends. Among gTLDs, .com, .shop, and .xyz topped the charts, while .me, a ccTLD, dominated its category with 143,244 registrations.
Other high-performing ccTLDs included .co (119,134) and .us (93,226), showing the enduring popularity of country-based domains. Tech-savvy extensions like .ai (52,715) and .io (44,051) remained favorites among startups and innovators, while .ca (41,470) continued to resonate strongly with Canadian users.
Newcomer .my, Malaysia’s country-code TLD, impressed with 6,545 registrations since its mid-2024 debut, signaling a warm reception in its home market and beyond.
Top 15 gTLDs of 2024
- .com – 3,661,899
- .shop – 721,532
- .xyz – 519,800
- .site – 371,021
- .org – 323,537
- .online – 261,399
- .info – 271,127
- .store – 249,892
- .net – 227,271
- .pro – 202,737
- .click – 144,804
- .fun – 113,962
- .lol – 104,167
- .sbs – 70,023
- .live – 68,049
Renewal Rates: The Stickiest Domains
Renewal rates reveal the value users place on specific domains. TLDs like .dev, with a 57% renewal rate, led the pack, followed closely by .ca (54%) and .app (47%). These high renewal rates suggest a loyal customer base and strong utility for these extensions.
In comparison, .com, despite its dominance in registrations, showed a lower renewal rate of 32%, indicating higher turnover. Creative and tech-focused domains like .gg (45%), .tv (45%), and .io (46%) outpaced the traditional heavyweights, reflecting their importance in niche markets.
A Decade in Review: Long-Term Trends
Looking back over the past decade, Namecheap’s data revealed that some TLDs enjoy a longer lifespan in users’ hands. Domains like .ca, .ai, and .tv emerged as long-term favorites, with owners holding onto them longer than the industry average.
Even though .com leads in sheer numbers, its average ownership span of 2.1 years indicates frequent turnover, driven perhaps by domain speculation or the ease of acquiring new .coms.
Top 15 ccTLDs of 2024
- .me – 143,244
- .co – 119,134
- .us – 93,226
- .ai – 52,715
- .io – 44,051
- .ca – 41,470
- .cc – 40,339
- .de – 39,516
- .in – 29,722
- .id – 21,972
- .uk – 13,817
- .nl – 12,970
- .eu – 11,991
- .my – 6,545
- .gg – 5,461
TLDs with Best Renewal Rates (2024)
- .dev – 57%
- .ca – 54%
- .app – 47%
- .io – 46%
- .gg – 45%
- .tv – 45%
- .org – 36%
- .net – 35%
- .com – 32%
- .in – 32%
- .co.uk – 30%
- .tech – 29%
- .uk – 29%
- .art – 27%
- .de – 24%
- .cc – 23%
What’s Ahead for Domains in 2025?
As the dust settles on 2024, it’s clear the domain industry is evolving rapidly. Traditional heavyweights like .com and .org will remain relevant, but newer players like .shop, .me, and .dev are carving out significant spaces. Niche domains tailored to specific industries or creative needs are gaining traction, offering users fresh alternatives to traditional extensions.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur launching an online store, a developer seeking a unique identity, or just someone with a creative idea, the domain landscape in 2025 promises endless possibilities. Namecheap’s 2024 report underscores the importance of staying informed and adaptable in this fast-paced market.
