All About the .xyz Domain Extension

Are you interested in getting a new, innovative domain extension for your site? In 2014, ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), a non-profit organization in charge of managing the global Domain Name System, made it possible for site owners to start using new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) that are more descriptive (and fun) than .com, which remains the most popular extension.. One of these new domain name extensions is .xyz.

If you are thinking about purchasing a .xyz domain for your site, keep reading for answers to all of the potential questions you might have, such as when was it introduced, who runs it, how much does it cost, and what type of sites .xyz domain suits the best. Learn more about the .xyz domain in the sections below.

What Is .xyz and When Did It Launch?

Until 2013, the most commonly used gTLDs were .com, .org, .info and .net. Around that time, ICANN launched a campaign to introduce new gTLDs (domain extensions) to the internet. The main goal of those new domain extensions is to allow businesses to state their purpose in an easier way, and provide new options for businesses to find their perfect domain name.

A number of Domain Registries submitted bids to operate new domain extensions. The .xyz domain extension was accepted in February of 2014, and released for general public use on June the 2nd of the same year.

Who Administers the .xyz Domain?

The .xyz domain add-on is owned by an Internet domain registry called XYZ.com. This company also runs a number of other alternative domain extensions..XYZ domains are registered through domain registration companies, like Domain Name Sanity. 

Why Should You Register a .xyz Domain? What Is It Used For?

Xyz is a common ‘phrase’ used in everyday life. Those are also the last three letters of the alphabet, so it’s very easy to remember them. On the visual side, the .xyz domain extension contains 3 letters, just as do the older extensions such as .com, .net, or .edu. Also, .xyz has way more domain names available, since for example .com is a much older domain extension. 

It’s important to note that, being a gTLD implies that .xyz site would show in Google searches at any geographical location. The .xyz domain is a superb solution for pretty much any kind of website, including blogs, startups and companies of all sizes. 

The .xyz domain extension is especially a great choice for businesses that would like a shorter domain than they might be able to get in .com, and brands that are looking to re-invent their image with a focus on a younger audience (as XYZ initially stood for Generation X, Y and Z).

How Popular Is the .xyz Domain Extension?

By November of 2015, there were already 1.5 million .xyz domain registrations, which was in a way caused by Google’s decision to use abc.xyz domain for their corporate website (Alphabet Inc.). The numbers kept growing, so now, in 2021, they are over 3.6 domains registered in the .xyz name space, which makes it the fifth most popular domain extensions in the world, right after .com, .net, .org and .info.

How Do You Get a .xyz Domain?

The .xyz domain isn’t pricey at all with first year registration from $12.95 and renewals at $19.95 (plus taxes).You can register your .xyz domain with us, here at Domain Name Sanity. Find your new .xyz domain name right away!