How many domains are there in the world? Sounds like a simple question, right? But the answer is surprising: according to the Domain Name Industry Brief, there were a whopping 364.3 million registered domains at the end of 2024 – and the trend is still rising. And in March 2025 alone, over one million new domain names were added.

If you think that “everything is taken” on the Internet, you’re wrong. The so-called nTLDs – new generic top level domains – are currently experiencing a real boom. At the same time, a curious case involving a supposed domain extension is causing a frown.

In this blog post, we take a closer look at the current developments in the domain market: Which TLDs are growing particularly strongly? Where are there declines? And what’s the deal with the extension that isn’t actually a domain at all? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of domains.

What are Top Level Domains (TLDs) – and how many are there?

TLDs are the endings of web addresses, such as .com, .de or .org. According to the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), 1,591 TLDs are currently delegated worldwide. They are made up as follows:

• 1,249 generic TLDs (e.g. .online, .store, .xyz)
• 316 country-specific extensions (ccTLDs, e.g. .de, .at, .ch)
• 10 TLDs for testing purposes
• and the technical infrastructure extension .arpa

Every day, over 150,000 domains are released worldwide because they expire or are not renewed. These can then be re-registered – a lucrative market for companies and domain investors.

Current registration figures at a glance (as of April 01, 2025)

A look at the current domain statistics shows how dynamically the market is developing. While some traditional domain endings continue to grow steadily, others are coming under increasing pressure. The so-called new generic top level domains (nTLDs) in particular are recording considerable growth in some cases.

What do the figures tell us?

The .com domain continues to be the measure of all things online – with an impressive increase of over 246,000 new registrations in March 2025 alone, proving once again its unbroken relevance for companies and brands worldwide.

In contrast, two established classics are losing ground: both .net and the German country code extension .de are experiencing a noticeable decline. This is particularly remarkable for .de, as it has always been very stable in the past.

However, the real winners of the month are the new domain extensions. Domains such as .xyz, .store and .top are each increasing in the six-digit range – a clear signal that the acceptance and attractiveness of nTLDs continues to grow.

Why nTLDs are booming – and what makes them so attractive

The increasing popularity of new top-level domains (nTLDs) is no coincidence. More and more companies, freelancers and content creators are opting for creative and distinctive web addresses that are not only memorable but also offer strategic advantages. There are several reasons for this:

1. increased availability and variety

Traditional domain extensions such as .com have long been occupied by most of the most sought-after names, making it difficult to find a free and suitable address. nTLDs offer a welcome alternative here, as they offer a far greater choice of available domain names. Endings such as .xyz, .online, .tech, .store or .studio open up completely new possibilities for securing a name that is both distinctive and available. This greater variety allows companies and individuals to find the exact domain that best reflects their identity – without having to rely on creative abbreviations or inappropriate additions.

2. targeted branding and greater recognizability

New domain endings are not just a question of availability, but also a strategic opportunity for branding. A domain such as “deinname.store”, “agentur.digital” or “startup.tech” is not only memorable, but also immediately communicates what the company stands for. Such domains are often clearer and more specific than conventional .com addresses and can be used perfectly for marketing measures. You can include the business model or unique selling point directly in the domain address, which increases brand recognition. This is particularly important at a time when online marketing and SEO (search engine optimization) are playing an increasingly important role.

3. target group orientation and direct approach

Many nTLDs directly address specific industries or target groups, which makes the domain a valuable marketing tool. Endings such as .health, .finance, .cafe or .legal are immediately recognizable for companies in the relevant sectors and offer a high degree of comprehensibility. This targeted approach not only saves time, but also strengthens a company’s positioning and credibility. By choosing such a domain, the customer knows immediately which specialist area they are dealing with, without the need for long explanations or additional marketing measures. For small companies or start-ups, this can represent a decisive competitive advantage.

4. flexibility and creativity for start-ups and content creators

Especially for new projects, start-ups and content sites, nTLDs offer an excellent opportunity to stand out from the crowd. Especially for founders looking for a unique name or a meaningful domain, nTLDs offer numerous options that are often no longer possible with classic endings. At a time when online presence and digital visibility are crucial for business success, a well-chosen nTLD can help to attract the interest of potential customers or followers. Content creators, influencers or bloggers have the opportunity to express their creativity in their domain and communicate their personality or topic directly.

5 Technological developments and sustainable use

Another aspect that makes nTLDs attractive is the technological development in the area of domain management and administration. Modern tools and platforms make the administration of domains easier and more efficient than ever before. Many nTLDs also offer additional functions, such as the option to register domains in multiple languages or countries, which simplifies international market access. In conjunction with the growing trend towards sustainability and digitalization, the targeted choice of an nTLD also plays a role in long-term positioning as a future-oriented company.

Pitfall .it.com – an extension that is not an extension at all

In March 2025, a company based in London caused quite a stir: It.com Domains Ltd. announced that it managed over 25,000 domains. Sounds impressive – but the devil is in the detail.

This is because .it.com is not an official country extension such as .it (for Italy), but merely a normal second-level domain. The company offers subdomains under this domain, for example.it.com.

Technically speaking, any domain holder can pass on subdomains to third parties. The success of .it.com shows how high the demand for alternative, brand-related web addresses currently is.

Useful tools for domain research

Finding the right domain is now easier than ever – provided you use the right tools. Here is an overview of recommended tools:

Conclusion: Domains will remain a success factor in 2025

Whether classic or creative – domains are and will remain a key success factor for visibility and brand impact in the digital space. Even in 2025, they will play a key role when it comes to positioning yourself online in a competitive environment. A well thought-out domain strategy can make a significant contribution to increasing reach and strengthening brand identity.

Those who take a strategic approach still have the opportunity to secure attractive web addresses today. The introduction of new top-level domains (nTLDs) in particular is constantly creating new opportunities for companies and brands to present themselves in a unique and memorable way. Domains such as .tech, .store or .digital not only offer greater availability, but also creative freedom that is not always possible with traditional endings.

Our tip: If you are open to nTLDs, you can benefit from low prices, better availability and the opportunity to create original combinations. These new endings are not only a practical tool for differentiation, but also an excellent way of targeting your own target group. Especially for digital companies, start-ups and content projects, nTLDs often offer a clear advantage by pointing directly to the business field and thus promoting strong brand recognition.

In an increasingly digital world, where choosing the right domain is becoming more and more of a competitive advantage, it is crucial to not only consider the traditional options, but also to utilize the potential of the new endings. Choosing wisely not only positions you as innovative and future-oriented, but also sets you up for a sustainable and long-term successful online strategy.