What is a gTLD?
Standing for generic top-level domain, a gTLD is the last segment of a URL address after the full stop. Using popular extensions such as .com, gTLD can be deployed to promote general types of websites, services or products – and, unlike ccTLDs, are not associated with any specific country or locale.
Defining a gTLD
A gTLD is a generic top level domain – the last part of a domain name after the final dot (that makes up the URL of a web address aka the site’s domain name). Domain names are registered within the Domain Name System (DNS), which acts like a directory for the internet.
This system is vital as each domain – or web address – actually starts out as an IP address, a long string of numbers and letters, which is the server's IP, where the website is hosted. Remembering an IP address is impractical plus copying and pasting them into your browser would become very frustrating, very quickly.
Enter DNS that turns an IP address into a domain name that is usually simple enough to be recalled from memory and typed in – plus logged more easily and accurately. For instance, OVHcloud’s website IP address is transformed into the more manageable and memorable website address – ovhcloud.com
3 parts of a domain name
Customisable, a domain name can be split into three different segments. The second level domain (SLD) are letters to the left of the final period. These letters are typically the organisation’s name, so in our case, the SLD is ovhcloud. The top level domain (TLD) comes after the final period. For example, ours is .com. Bring that all together and you get ovhcloud.com
The third and optional component is called a subdomain, which appears to the left of the SLD. These are utilised to denote specific areas of a website. For instance, our blog section can be accessed via blog.ovhcloud.com
What is a gTLD?
So now we know what is a top level domain – but what is a generic version? The word ‘generic’ means ‘common’, in other words, non-specific. And that’s what generic top level domains are, offering a generalised ending to a URL without being explicit about the nature of the organisation; think .org, .net or .com
But while they may appear bland, these gTLDs are coveted by many businesses. For instance, the gTLD .web was sold at auction for $135 million. And the world’s most expensive SLD/gTLD combination? That will be cars.com, which was valued at $872 million, proving that gTLDs are anything but bland. To see what domain names are available, you can check your domain name online.
Where did gTLDs come from?
In the mid-80s, the Internet Engineering Task Force published a policy statement, the RFC 920. In it, the first gTLDs were introduced. These were:
.com
A gTLD originally denoted for commercial and business organisations but is now used by all kinds of websites.
.org
A gTLD originally denoted for non-profit organisations but is now used by a wider range of outfits including communities and schools.
.net
A gTLD originally denoted for companies working within the network technologies sector but is now being used by any website.
.edu
A gTLD originally denoted for educational institutions across the world but is currently only used in the US. It is also now officially an sTLD (see below).
.mil
A gTLD denoted for US military use only and remains so to this day. It is also now officially an sTLD.
.gov
A gTLD denoted for US government agencies only but today it is used by governmental bodies right across the US from states and towns to native American tribes – for example, there is the Native Sovereign Nations (NSN) Domain Program, which enables tribes to register a .gov domain. Finally, .gov is now officially an sTLD.
From 6 to 1,600
Since these six gTLDs kick started the process, the number of generic top level domains available has grown to nearly 1,600 today. Examples of gTLDs include .biz, .info, .store, .tech, and many more. Expect new gTLDs to continue being created as the need for new and original general top level domains continues to grow.
What are top level domains gTLD vs ccLTD vs sTLD?
Country code top level domains (ccTLD)
A ccTLD lets you ‘signpost’ your website address with a country-specific two-character identifier code. For instance, a generic .com can be replaced with .fr for France or .de for Germany. Other examples include:
.ph (Phillipines)
.ca (Canada)
.it (Italy)
.jp (Japan)
.cn (China)
There are also ccTLDs available for non-English speaking nations. These include .한국 (South Korea), .சிங்கப்பூர் (Singapore) and .ไทย (Thailand).
Sponsored top level domains (sTLD)
These sponsored top level domains can only be deployed for a specific theme or community purpose. Only once approval has been given can the organisation use the sTLD. Examples include .edu (this can be only used by US educational institutions) and .aero (this can only be used by the aviation industry).
When to choose a gTLD vs a ccLTD?
This all comes down to the needs of the business or organisation:
Choose generic top level domains
… if you need a top level domain example that is universal and suggests a global presence, not one specifically associated with a particular country or region.
• A strong gTLD like .com introduces a certain level of credibility to an enterprise.
• The right gTLD that ties closely the business’s products or services can help boost SEO rankings.
• Deploying suitable generic top level domains can help create brand identities that are memorable, recognised, even innovative.
Choose country code top level domains
… if you wish to serve a particular country’s citizens by offering them a localised website:
• This will introduce a specific country gTLD – a ccTLD – allowing you to offer content in the country’s language.
• Also, local currency pricing and region-specific discounting/offers can be featured that are only available in that region.
• Ultimately, deploying a ccTLD demonstrates genuine respect for local languages and cultures.
For the ultimate global domain name strategy, choose both types of domain because country code top level domains can also act as subdomains of generic top level domains. This enables an organisation to create a worldwide presence using a gTLD, while creating country-specific subdomains with a ccTLD. In other words, the best of both worlds.
How to get a gTLD
Sourcing a generic top level domain name is done using an accredited ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) registrar. OVHcloud offers a free search service that allows you to input your desired name. With a single click, you can instantly check availability before selecting the domain name/gTLD combo wanted. If the domain name has already been sold, we can approach the current owner on your behalf and, if they wish to sell, we use our deep secondary market experience to secure and transfer the domain name/gTLD to your website.
OVHcloud and gTLD
We offer the simplest and most direct way to build your website, host it quickly and easily, and secure the domain name that’s right for you and your business at no cost. Also use our simple but powerful tools to find your perfect domain name and check that it’s available to purchase. From site creation to hosting, we have every angle covered.
