Freename

Freename and Endless Domains Partner Up. A Step Forward for Web3

Iftikhar Alam — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 07:55:13 GMT

Web3 domains came to the scene when the Ethereum Name Service (ENS) launched in 2017. At that point, no one knew how powerful and widespread the concept would be, given that blockchain was still somewhat new.

Fast forward to 2026, and the dominance of Web3 domains is clear as day, even as some critics declared Web3 domains dead.

Endless Domains has partnered with Freename to sell Web3 domains on its platform under a variety of custom TLDs. This partnership solidifies Freename’s position as the Web3 infrastructure provider and the domain ecosystem’s value offering. Unlike traditional domains with centralized infrastructure and only partial ownership, Web3 domains offer full ownership and profitability.

Endless Domains Partners with Freename

Endless Domains, a Web3 identity platform and domain marketplace, has partnered with Freename to sell domains with some of Freename’s TLDs. Through this partnership, Endless Domains will be able to offer its audience a wide range of Web3 domain names to own and operate. This partnership essentially extends the reach of Web3 domains by consolidating the offerings for both Freename and Endless Domains audiences.

The TLDs list involved in this partnership include:

.metaverse
.hodl
.satoshi
.genesis
.token
.sat
.airdrop
.rwa

Once these TLDs are added to the Endless Domains catalog, users will be able to buy, mint, and own domain names with these TLDs, many of which are heavily used in the Web3 space.

This partnership has been realized through the Freename reseller API, which lets exchanges, registrars, and even brands offer Web3 domains to their audiences.

How This Partnership Reinforces the Future of Web3 Domains

The collaboration between Freename and Endless Domains sends a clear signal: Web3 domains are far from fading into irrelevance.

Although some early movers and high-profile projects have stepped back or shifted focus, the broader ecosystem is quietly expanding. Partnerships like this confirm that demand for decentralized naming systems still exists, and, in many cases, is growing.

Consider this: just 15 Web3 TLDs have over six million domain name registrations. Simply put, Web3 domains are far from dead; they’re thriving.

One of the strongest indicators of this momentum is the rise of new resellers and distribution channels (like Endless). Instead of relying solely on a few dominant players like Ethereum Name Service, the market is becoming more decentralized in its access points as well.

Platforms like Endless Domains are stepping in to aggregate and distribute Web3 domain inventory. And through that, it’s becoming easier for users to discover and purchase names across multiple TLDs in one place. In fact, as resellers advertise and spread the word, even more people might discover Web3 domains, who probably didn’t even know what they are.

This shift reflects a broader trend: accessibility is improving, and with it, adoption potential.

Even as narratives fluctuate, the infrastructure is strengthening, distribution is widening, and new entrants are capitalizing on the opportunity.

What Does Endless Domains Offer?

Endless Domains offers a Web3 domain digital identity and even runs a Web3 domain marketplace. It offers a wide range of domain name options that can be purchased and minted on various chains like Ethereum and Solana.

On the marketplace, it facilitates the exchange of Web3 identities, giving owners a chance to profit from their Web3 domain and even TLDs.

With Freename’s Web3 domain infrastructure, Endless Domains will be offering domain names under TLDs like .hodl, .satoshi, and .token. These TLDs are extremely sought-after, especially in the blockchain world, as they immediately indicate a connection with the crypto universe.

Any brand building something decentralized and based on blockchain can benefit from a domain name with these TLDs. But it’s not just for startups. It’s also for individuals who can own their very own Web3 domain with one of the offered TLDs and use it for payments as a wallet address.

And all of that will happen on the Endless Domain platform, powered by Freename in the background.

How Web3 Domain Resellers Can Take Advantage of the Freename Reseller API

For Web3 entrepreneurs, registrars, and marketplaces, the reseller model powered by Freename offers a practical shortcut into the domain economy, without the liability of building backend infrastructure from scratch.

Normally, launching a domain service involves managing registries, integrating with blockchain networks, implementing minting systems, and maintaining ongoing technical infrastructure. The Freename Reseller API removes that complexity.

Instead of acting as a full registry, resellers can plug directly into Freename’s existing infrastructure and immediately start offering Web3 domains under multiple TLDs.

Resellers don’t have to worry about:

Smart contract deployment or maintenance
Blockchain compatibility and uptime
TLD creation and management
Minting logic or ownership verification systems

All of that is handled within Freename’s ecosystem. What remains is the business side: the part where resellers can actually create value. They simply have to sell.

Everyone Can Get a Slice of the Web3 Domain Pie

The Web3 domain space isn’t just for early adopters or deeply technical builders. Now, it’s opening up to a much broader ecosystem, thanks to Freename and its resellers like Endless Domains.

Anyone can own Web3 domains, including TLDs, and profit through aftermarket sales as demand grows among reseller audiences and as awareness of these digital identity assets' capabilities increases.

For resellers, this is a clear invitation to step in. You don’t need to build a registry, manage blockchain integrations, or develop minting systems. The infrastructure is already there. What’s missing is your brand, your audience, and your strategy.

If you’ve been looking for a way to enter Web3 with a scalable business model, now is the time to plug into the ecosystem and become a Web3 domain reseller.

Web3 Domains Aren't Dead. They're Growing

Gherardo Varani — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 16:05:46 GMT

Some big players have stepped back. Others view it as nothing more than temporary hype.
The data tells a different story.

Web3 Domains Entering their Most Meaningful Phase

For those observing the domain name industry recently and the new Global Domain Report 2026 where our BD Gherardo Varani provided Web3 insights and data analytics, you’ve heard the hype. High-profile players have shifted from Web3, some citing low adoption, others regulatory uncertainty. The news has been negative. But news is not data, and data paints a very different picture.

Web3 Domains Did Not Crash

Web3 domains did not crash. They matured. The speculation of the market of 2022-2023 has been replaced with something more enduring. A market characterized by real value, on-chain integration, and a growing community of builders and users who see decentralized identity as infrastructure, not a passing fad. This post describes the key signals of where we are with Web3 domains today.

Registration volumes, demand for TLDs, the drivers of adoption, and the emerging issues of TLD collisions. More and more people in the industry own TLDs. Just Because.

Demand is Real and It's On-Chain

What shows a healthy namespace? It's not the hype. It's the action. And what do people do with their Web3 TLDs? They do a lot. Domains are being used as:

payment addresses
wallet addresses
NFT identities

DAO governance participations

The top TLDs are not being used for generic vanity handles, but have instead specialized into specific functional niches. This is true for .wallet and .crypto, where payment addressing and financial identity are the core use cases. .eth also has a specialized use case, as it drives a whole identity layer for Ethereum participants. .dao and .blockchain serve governance and infrastructure communities. This kind of specialization is not a sign of stagnation. It shows a deeper ecosystem.

TLD	Total Registrations
.eth	1.5M
.nft	800K
.crypto	758K
.wallet	618K
.bnb	474K
.x	408K
.blockchain	335K
.zil	321K
.arb	230K
.bitcoin	228K
.dao	167K
.888	167K
.polygon	137K
.metaverse	104K
.go	62K

In just 15 TLDs, we see a domain registration count surpassing 6 million. These names are not just parked in passive wallets. They are tied to wallets, DeFi, NFT, and Web3 app identities. That is a substantive namespace.

From Peak to Plateau (and That’s a Good Thing)

The volume story may be discouraging at face value. Registrations reached their highest numbers in 2023 and have since dropped. However, the context is important here.

2022-2023

Driven in large part by speculation. Users were buying domain names as if they were buying NFTs as financial instruments, not as means to an end. That kind of market behavior causes numbers to inflate in the short term and then correct. This happened with traditional domains in the early 2000s. It happened with crypto as a whole. And it happened with Web3 domains.

2024-2025

What the numbers for 2024-2025 show is a market stabilizing around real demand. More than 3 million registrations per year is not a dying market, it's a maturing one. Additionally, the projection for 2025 shows growth above 2024, suggesting a floor has been established with the trend beginning to rise.

"The end of speculation is not the end of the market. It's the beginning of the real one."

The businesses, developers, and communities registering Web3 domains in this environment are not doing it because of FOMO; rather, it is because it solves an actual problem for them. That is a far stronger foundation for long-term growth than any hype.

Year	Registrations	Remarks
2022	6.89M	Speculative surge
2023	8.92M	Peak year
2024	3.14M	Market reset
2025	3.30M	Projected steady growth

Why People Register Web3 Domains

The key to understanding the logic behind Web3 Domains lies in the adoption triggers. The available data has recorded five main motivators, in this case, the spectrum runs from the purely investment-driven logic to the deeply infrastructural.

Category	%
Speculation & investment value	40%
Crypto payments & wallet addressing	39%
Marketing, branding & novelty	37%
Integration with Web3 apps & marketplaces	36%
Decentralized & self-sovereign identity	28%

A few things stand out here

First, even past the peak of speculation, investment value is still a driver, though it is only marginally above crypto payments (40% to 39%). That near-equal standing suggests that utility has almost matched speculation as a driver, which is an important change.
Second, the extensive range of drivers, Web3 app integration and decentralized identity, represent the areas of greatest potential for growth. While still outside the mainstream, these are exactly the areas of growth that will be a result of the maturing blockchain infrastructure. As wallets, DeFi protocols, and dApps start to support Web3 domain resolution, the self-reinforcing utility case will be a reality.

At Freename, we focus on the three main pillars of lasting value for Web3 domains:

ownership
utility
openness

We also think that when these pillars are embraced by both registries and registrars, the ecosystem works better for registrants, builders, and brands.

TLD Collision is a Problem (and Is a Growing). But it is not a Death Sentence

One of the current issues concerning Web3 technology is the collision of TLDs (Top-Level Domains) created by different registries and standards bodies, resulting in multiple competing or overlapping TLD registrations across various chains or resolution systems.

Currently, over 4,300 TLD collisions and over 200 differing second-level domains (SLDs) have been documented in the Web3 Digital Ecosystem. TLDs like .podcast, .dao, and .polygon are currently in dispute and contain other TLDs like .wifi and .anime.

This is not exclusively a Web3 issue. The conventional DNS developed a similar fragmentation issue with ccTLDs (country-code top-level domains), gTLDs (generic top-level domains), and regional registries. The collapse of the domain industry didn’t help resolve anything, the emergence of more definitive standards and interoperable systems did.

Web3 is undergoing the same thing. The collision issue is responsible for the emergence of resolution standards, increased browser compatibility, and the ability to carry domains across different systems which will ultimately benefit the ecosystem in the long run. These are not fatal issues, more like growing pains.

The Forces Shaping the Next Chapter

The future trends with the most impact on the Web3 domain market tell a story of the industry’s consolidation and professionalization.

Market Consolidation (36%)

The leading trend is consolidation of registrars, marketplaces, and registries. This is similar to traditional domains and fintech, where consolidation follows a lot of new registrations. Consolidation brings a better user experience, improved integration, and more reliable resolution. It helps the ecosystem by clarifying trust hierarchies.

New gTLD Activity & Launches (35%)

The new gTLD program by ICANN is especially important to Web3 TLD operators. The launch of new traditional TLDs means a greater need to strategically position Web3 vs. Web2. Some Web3 TLD operators are already securing traditional equivalents to protect their brand.

AI-Driven Name Generation (31%)

AI is meaningfully assisting users in discovering, evaluating, and registering both traditional and Web3 domains. Intelligent name suggestions, availability checks, and portfolio optimization tools are reducing friction for new registrants.

More Widespread Web3 Adoption & Regulation (31% each)

The macro tailwinds are still present. Global crypto adoption is still increasing. Although regulatory policies are developing in an evolving manner, they are beginning to provide more clear guidelines instead of total prohibitions in significant jurisdictions. Clearer laws mean less institutional reluctance, and more enterprises will interoperate Web3-native tools, and further, beyond the domains of identity.

"Web3 domains are still in the emerging phase for most Web2 players — which means the window to build a meaningful position is still wide open."

What This Means for you

It’s a yes for you builders and brand and investors figuring out if Web3 domains have a future.
The speculative gold rush is over and what is now is a growing and functional namespace.
It has real utility, real adoption drivers, and an ecosystem actively undergoing its own tech challenges.
Most of the players that stepped back were optimized for the bull market. Meaning that they needed volume, hype, and quick and easy wins.
Web3 domains in 2025 will require patience and a commitment to the ecosystem.
It will also require a true belief in decentralized identity as infrastructure. That’s the kind of market that rewards long term positioning over short term opportunism and is the kind of market that Freename was built for.

Author: Gherardo Varani
Full Global Domain Report 2026 (source here)

How to Buy Domain with Crypto (Quick Guide)

Iftikhar Alam — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:10:13 GMT

Just as you can use Bitcoin or crypto to buy things and services, you can also use digital currency to secure domains. In fact, it’s becoming the go-to payment method for entrepreneurs who value privacy and security when purchasing domains.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to buy a domain with crypto, what you need beforehand, and how the process differs between traditional and Web3 domains.

Can You Buy a Domain with Crypto?

Yes, you absolutely can. There are two main categories of domains you can purchase using cryptocurrency:

Traditional Domains (Web2)

These include domain names with TLDs like .com, .net, .org, .io, or even country extensions like .uk, .de, etc.These domains operate through ICANN-accredited registrars and work like any standard website domain. The only difference is that instead of paying with a credit card, you pay using cryptocurrency.

Web3 Domains

These include blockchain-based names like, .hodl, .sat, .chain, and .crypto. Web3 domains are minted on blockchain networks and are owned directly by your wallet. And they exist on the blockchain without the need to renew the lease again and again through a registrar.

While you can pay with crypto for both, it’s important to understand that paying in crypto for a traditional domain doesn’t make it a Web3 domain. The domain system itself determines that, not the payment method.

Benefits of Buying a Domain with Bitcoin or Crypto

There are several reasons why you might want to use cryptocurrencies to buy a domain for yourself or your business:

Better privacy: Crypto transactions don’t require sharing credit card or personal information. Some registrars also offer reduced KYC requirements when paying in crypto.
Borderless payments: If you live in a country with banking restrictions or international payment limitations, crypto bypasses those barriers entirely. That way, you can buy a domain that may not be available with a local registrar or marketplace.
Faster and cheaper transactions: Crypto settles globally within minutes (depending on the network), without waiting days for bank processing. Also, there’s little to no fee compared with credit card transactions, which may incur a processing fee.

Web3 alignment: If you're building a crypto project, DAO, NFT brand, or decentralized app (dApp), paying in crypto aligns naturally with your ecosystem. You can easily mint a Web3 domain using blockchain-based digital assets.

How to Buy a Traditional Domain with Crypto (Step-by-Step)

The process for traditional domains is different, and not every registrar accepts crypto, so the first step is finding one that does.

Step 1: Choose a Registrar That Accepts Crypto

Not all registrars accept cryptocurrency, so confirm payment options first. Make sure they:

Are reputable
Have clear renewal pricing
Support your preferred crypto (accept more mainstream ones like Bitcoin, ETH, or USDT)

Step 2: Search for Your Domain Name

Use the search tool on the registrar’s website to check availability, review pricing, and compare extension options. Short, brandable names with .com TLD usually cost more.

Step 3: Add to Cart and Select Crypto Payment

At checkout, choose cryptocurrency as a payment method, select which coin to use, and review the final converted price. You’ll typically see the required crypto amount and the payment time limit (often 10-30 minutes).

Step 4: Send Payment from Your Wallet

Copy the provided wallet address carefully. Send the exact required amount.

Step 5: Confirm Domain Ownership

Once the transaction is confirmed, you’ll receive an email confirmation. The domain will appear in your account dashboard. You can now configure DNS settings and start using the domain.

How to Buy a Web3 Domain with Crypto (Step-by-Step)

The process is different because Web3 domains live on blockchain networks.

Step 1: Search for an Available Domain

Enter your desired name, for example, [yourname].eth or [brandname].crypto. If available, you’ll see the registration cost.

Step 2: Confirm and Pay Gas Fees

You can proceed to buy the domain name and choose crypto payment as the method. You’ll then pay the fee from your wallet. You’ll see a transaction approval window in your wallet showing the domain cost, network fee (gas), and total payment. Approve the transaction.

Step 3: Claim and Mint the Domain

Once paid for, you can go ahead and mint the domain. This minted domain is in your absolute ownership. Here’s what you can do with it:

The domain can be tied to your wallet.
You can set wallet addresses.
You can connect it to decentralized websites.

You can sell it as it’s essentially a blockchain-based domain.

Where to Buy Domains with Crypto?

You can buy booth web2 and web3 domains on Freename.com. It’s the leading marketplace for minting Web3 domains, using different payment methods.

You can find a wide range of domain names with crypto-related TLDs. You can also purchase Web3 TLDs directly with Freename.

Web3 domains can be bought with a variety of payment options:

Visa
Mastercard
Gpay
Applepay
Metamask
Bitcoin.com

Web2 domains can be purchased with PayPal. Start your search for your next domain!

FAQ

Is it safe to buy a domain with crypto?

Yes, it’s safe to buy a domain with crypto, especially if you use a reputable registrar and verify payment details carefully.

Can I get a refund if I pay with crypto?

Usually no. Crypto transactions are irreversible.

Can I transfer a crypto-purchased domain?

Yes. Traditional domains can be transferred between registrars. Web3 domains can typically be transferred between wallets. Learn how to import Web3 domains.

What cryptocurrencies can I use to buy a domain?

This depends on which crypto is accepted by the platform or seller. You can typically buy using Bitcoin, ETH, and stablecoins. If you have another crypto, you can use it to buy an acceptable crypto and then use that to mint your Web3 domain.

Search and Find your domain. Happy Domaining and Minting!

Best Web3 Browsers: An In-Depth Guide

Iftikhar Alam — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 09:48:13 GMT

Web3 is here and is making waves. With decentralized applications (dApps), tokenized assets, and blockchain-based identities becoming a central part of the Internet, it’s become necessary to have a browser that can easily access all of these new technologies, aka, Web3 browsers.

Unlike traditional browsers like Chrome or Safari, Web3 browsers are built specifically to interact with blockchain networks, decentralized domains, and crypto wallets.

In this guide, we’ll list the best Web3 browsers in 2026, compare their features, and help you choose the right one based on your needs.

What Is a Web3 Browser?

A Web3 browser is a browser designed to interact directly with blockchain-based applications and decentralized infrastructure. Instead of relying only on centralized servers, Web3 browsers allow users to:

Connect to decentralized applications (dApps)
Manage crypto wallets natively
Interact with smart contracts
Access decentralized domains like .sat, .crypto, .hodl etc. (that platforms like Freename provide)
Browse content hosted on IPFS

How Web3 Browsers Differ from Traditional Browsers

Traditional browsers typically rely on centralized web servers. They don’t natively support blockchain interactions. In fact, you need extensions for crypto functionalities. That’s because blockchain-based apps are decentralized and not made for traditional centralized Internet infrastructure, including browsers.

As opposed to traditional browsers, Web3 browsers provide:

Built-in non-custodial wallets
Token-based authentication
Seamless dApp interaction
More privacy controls
Decentralized storage networks

Basically, Web3 browsers are built for blockchain-native activity and are much better at it than Web2 browsers.

5 Best Web3 Browsers

Web3 browsers and their adoption have been growing fast. Now, you have a lot more options to choose from. But here are the best ones we’ve tried, tested, and highly recommend:

1. Brave

Brave is arguably the most popular Web3 browser, and for good reason. It combines Web3-native functions with the same level of user-friendliness we’ve come to expect from browsers.

It was originally launched as a privacy-focused alternative to traditional browsers. However, it later integrated blockchain functionality directly into its core architecture. Unlike Chrome-based setups that rely on third-party wallet extensions, Brave includes a built-in non-custodial wallet known as Brave Wallet. This native integration reduces extension-related vulnerabilities and creates a smoother experience for interacting with dApps.

Brave also has a strong privacy framework. It blocks trackers and intrusive ads by default, supports IPFS for decentralized content access, and works seamlessly with Ethereum and other EVM-compatible chains.

2. Opera/Opera Crypto Browser

Opera Crypto Browser was purpose-built for Web3 rather than retrofitted with blockchain features later. The popular Web2 browser company Opera launched the browser as a standalone application in 2022, but as of 2024, it has integrated all those functions into the flagship browser.

One of Opera’s biggest strengths is accessibility. The browser features a “Crypto Corner” dashboard that aggregates blockchain news, NFT drops, and token updates. That makes it beginner-friendly, as newcomers can navigate Web3 with context.

Its interface is clean and user-friendly because it’s essentially the same as the Web2 browser with built-in Web3 functionalities. Opera Crypto is especially appealing for those entering Web3 for the first time and seeking a guided, all-in-one environment.

3. Carbon Browser

Carbon Browser is a mobile-first Web3 browser that delivers great speed and efficiency, with integrated blockchain access. It’s built on a Chromium foundation, so it offers familiar performance while embedding Web3 tools directly into the browser.

It includes a built-in crypto wallet and supports multiple blockchain networks. Its lightweight design and optimization for smartphone users.

Since most crypto investors and Web3 enthusiasts mostly use their phones to access dApps, Carbon can easily become the gateway to that world on the go. Freename created a .carbon TLD for the Carbon Browser Community.

4. MetaMask

MetaMask is best known as the industry-standard Ethereum wallet, but its mobile app also includes a built-in Web3 browser that lets you access dApps directly. While it does not function as a full desktop browser in the traditional sense, its mobile dApp browser is among the most widely used gateways to decentralized finance and NFT platforms. Particularly for Ethereum users, it can serve as the default entry point into Web3.

What makes MetaMask powerful is its ecosystem compatibility. Most Ethereum-based dApps are designed with MetaMask integration in mind, which results in seamless connectivity.

The browser component within the mobile app lets users explore DeFi platforms, staking protocols, and NFT marketplaces without switching apps. You can also connect a MetaMask wallet to a domain name.

5. Status

Status isn’t so much a Web3 browser but a super app that combines decentralized messaging, a crypto wallet, and a Web3 browser into a single mobile application. Unlike browsers that primarily focus on browsing and wallet functionality, Status integrates communication directly into the decentralized experience. That’s what makes it great for users who participate in DAOs, NFT communities, and blockchain-native social networks.

Security and privacy are pretty reliable. For instance, messages are encrypted end-to-end, and users maintain control of their private keys through the integrated wallet.

The Web3 browser inside Status allows direct interaction with Ethereum-based dApps. For users who want encrypted communication alongside blockchain access, Status offers the exact combination in a user-friendly mobile app.

Learn more about Web3 with Freename blog.

FAQ

How do Web3 browsers differ from wallet extensions?

Web3 browsers are full browsers built with native blockchain functionality, while wallet extensions are add-ons installed inside traditional browsers like Chrome or Firefox. A Web3 browser typically includes a built-in non-custodial wallet, dApp integration, decentralized domain resolution, and, in some cases, IPFS support built directly into the core.

Are Web3 browsers safe?

Web3 browsers are generally safe, but safety also depends on user behavior. Most Web3 browsers include built-in phishing detection, smart contract warnings, and encrypted wallet storage. For example, browsers like Brave and Opera Crypto Browser integrate wallet protection and anti-tracking features to enhance security.

Can I access Web3 domains with Web3 browsers?

Yes. Many Web3 browsers support decentralized domain systems and other blockchain-based naming services. Some browsers also support IPFS-hosted content directly without requiring additional plugins.

Do Web3 browsers save private keys?

Most Web3 browsers with built-in wallets store private keys locally on the user’s device in encrypted form. These are typically secured with a password and protected by industry-standard encryption. The browser itself does not control your keys. Still, it’s important to back up private keys offline.

Why Freename is Revolutionizing the Domain Name Industry

Freename — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 13:58:54 GMT

For decades, domain names have followed the same basic model: you rent a web address from a centralized registry, renew it annually, and hope it’s still available when you need it. But as digital identity, blockchain infrastructure, and decentralized ownership came about, that traditional system started to show its weaknesses.

Unlike conventional domain registrars that operate within Web2’s rental-based framework, Freename introduces blockchain-powered domains that users truly own. But that’s not all: Freename is blending Web3 into the traditional ICANN-operated Web2 domain world, so the adoption is simple, and users can get the best of both worlds. And that’s exactly how it’s revolutionizing the domain name industry with Web3 domains.

If you have been too busy thinking about your life-changing project, fear not: here is a recap for you of all the amazing things Freename did last year.

What Is Freename, Really?

Freename is a domain name provider and marketplace that is hybridizing Web2 and Web3 domains. Freename is more than simply a domain registrar. It is pioneering new ways to offer a digital identity to individuals and businesses.

Freename is a more than just another domain registrar, it's a pioneering digital identity provider for the Web3 era: integrated the traditional DNS infrastructure with new blockchain-based naming systems.

Rather than just letting users register a website address, Freename helps users create a more human-readable identity that extends across websites, crypto wallets, payment systems, and dApps (decentralized applications). Freename is creating a brand new way to define and possess identity online.

A Little About Web3 Domains

Web3 Domains are registered on the blockchain rather than on the leased/rented basis of Web2.0 Domains. Rather than being issued and controlled by central authorities like a .com domain, Web3 Domains are minted on the blockchain. This ensures ownership of the domain is recorded on the blockchain and remains under the control of the individual through the possession of their private keys.

Web3 Domains allow their owners to do many things:

Allow the simplification of complex, lengthy, and cryptographic, wallet address
Provide users with a digital identity to be used in dApps (decentralized applications)
Allow for the sending and receiving of cryptocurrency
Provide the ability to connect to and access websites that are hosted on a decentralized storage network
Non-expiring: most Web3 Domains are owned permanently instead of being subject to annual renewal
Additionally, individual ownership of web3 domains, particularly TLDs, make it possible to offer domain names (subdomains) beneath that TLD

What Makes Freename Unique?

With coverage in Business Insider, Bloomberg, and even Forbes, Freename stands out as an innovative leader in Web3 domains, and most certainly, one of the first to registration with domain marketplaces. Freename has certainly changed the game with what is possible when it comes to Web3 domains. The following features and achievements make Freename the Web3 domain marketplace when it comes to true decentralized domain ownership:

Integrates Web2 and Web3 Domain Management

Most blockchain-based naming providers function as Web3-only services. This results in a disconnect for businesses that rely on conventional web hosting, email systems, and browser compatibility. Freename's methodology is the opposite. Freename integrates Web2 and Web3 domain management, allowing users to manage both conventional DNS-based domains and blockchain domains in one place.

This hybrid approach is designed to simplify users' experiences and eliminate the dilemma of choosing between compatibility and ownership. Centralized intellectual property, centralizes IP, centralizes patents, centralizes trademarks, centralizes copyrights, centralizes trademark law, centralizes copyright law, centralizes trademark, centralizes copyright.

Empowers Identity Possession with Decentralized Web3 Domains

Issuing Web3 domains (blockchain-based domains) offers true digital ownership as users do not rent domains from centralized registries that can revoke or control access. With Web3 domains, users hold domains via private keys, which shifts the power dynamic.

With blockchain domains, ownership attains verification, transferability, and resistance to censorship. Furthermore, a domain is not simply a web address; it is an asset on the blockchain. This can be stored in a wallet, transferred via P2P, or used with other blockchain-based systems aligned to the decentralized web domains.

Provides Web3 Domain Owners the Ability to Earn Royalties

Freename's royalty model for blockchain-based domains is the first of its kind. With traditional web domains, registries and registrars profit off of renewal fees, while primary market and secondary market sales do not pay the creator of the domain or website.

Freename offers a new model from which Web3 domain owners, and especially those who create and issue their own top-level domains (custom TLDs), have the ability to earn royalties from subsequent resale of their domain site. As an example, you've bought and minted the TLD ‘.decentral’. You can earn a passive income by collecting royalties every time a new domain is registered with your TLD. All you have to do is mint the TLD and create a royalty license.

Collaboration with Bitcoin.com Wallet

For the first time, Freename is now using Web3 Domains by collaborating with Bitcoin.com Wallet. One of the main reasons to have a Web3 domain is to utilize it as an easy-to-read wallet address (linked to your real wallet).

Freename added this capability to Bitcoin.com. As a result, over 75 million users of Bitcoin.com can send and receive Bitcoin using Web3 Domains instead of wallet addresses (that are based on the TLD .sat). This means users can simplify their transactions by adding their Web3 Domains to their crypto wallets. This means that errors are also reduced. Mistyping a wallet address is very common. By using a Web3 Domain address instead of a wallet address, the crypto payments process is simplified and will allow more users to enter the space.

Bonus achievement: Freename has launched the first Web3 on-chain domain .sand which is the first domain created on SANDchain.com

What is the importance of Freename and Web3 domains?

It is the first time users can own domains as verifiable digital assets on the blockchain instead of renting domains from a centralized registry. These domains can also act as a multi-functional tool and integrated identity layers across websites and even crypto wallets. Then, they can also facilitate payments and decentralized applications.

Instead of typical crypto wallet addresses, they can just use the domain as a wallet. Overall, Web3 domains boost control for the users and make blockchain technology easier to use. It all starts with Freename, the company that integrates the model by connecting traditional DNS systems with blockchain naming.

Freename patented technology that integrates Web2 DNS with Web3

This patented technology gives the ability to browsers to use Web3 domains. This helps users, especially business people, to work with both Web2 and Web3 systems. The current era of decentralized ecosystems has both risks and rewards.

Brand protection has extended beyond .com domains to naming systems on the blockchain. Organizations can protect their identity on both layers of the internet with Freename.

Furthermore, Web3 domains offer new economic models such as embedded royalties and ownership that can be transferred.

Freename Domains Use Cases: How Web3 Domains Are Impacting Online Identity

Freename along with its ecosystem of Web3 domains fosters innovation through real world use cases. Here are a few: Sending Crypto With a Simple Domain Instead of Complicated Addresses.

One of the most straightforward and immediate uses is in making crypto payments. Traditional wallet addresses are long strings of characters that are an extreme hassle to remember and are downright frightful to use, especially for someone new to crypto. Instead of that lengthy blockchain address, you can send crypto to bullish.hodl or willberich.crypto

Unified Identity Layer Across Web Login, Wallets, Email, and Payments

Web3 domains serve as portable identity layers. Instead of having to keep track of multiple usernames, wallet addresses, and payment endpoints, a single domain works across numerous digital touchpoints. It can serve as a login credential for a DApp, a crypto wallet alias, a website, or a payment identity.

Additionally, Web3 addresses can be associated with standard Web2 domains. This means that a single domain can be used for traditional web hosting and also operate in decentralized ecosystems. This creates a cohesive digital identity.

Custom Brand Names or Digital Identities for Creators, Businesses, and Communities

Freename lets creators, entrepreneurs, businesses, and communities to mint custom digital identities that are blockchain-secured and uniquely theirs. These domains can represent personal brands, online communities, DAOs, or emerging crypto-native startups. For creators, especially, Web3 domains provide portable brand identity independent of social platforms. Instead of relying solely on usernames controlled by centralized networks, creators can anchor their digital presence to an owned blockchain domain. For businesses, this also mean brand protection in decentralized spaces.

NFT Rewards Tied to Domain Registration

Freename domains can also integrate with NFT-based incentives. Because Web3 domains are blockchain-native, they can be paired with NFT rewards like exclusive digital collectibles, membership tokens, or loyalty badges. And those rewards are tied directly to domain registration. This opens up new engagement models. For example, a community could reward early adopters with NFT perks, or a brand could issue limited-edition NFTs to domain holders.

Freename Innovating Again: Revolutionary Marketplaces

Freename has also launched two innovative complementary marketplaces to broaden the ways in which customers can get, sell, and exchange digital identities. Users can list and buy Tradiitional Domains, Web3 domains and TLDs within the Freename ecosystem via the Freename Aftermarket, which enables customers to buy previously owned domains.

Furthermore, Domora.com has created a novel concept for trading domains through fractionalized ownership. Premium web2 domains registered at Domora can be divided into individual sellable pieces, giving several players the opportunity to own digital asset with a high price, and receive a share of the revenues from the sale of the domain. Together, these marketplaces build a more dynamic and liquid ecosystem and can be used as valuable, exchangeable assets.

The Domain Standard

Freename also became a paper and digital publisher in 2025 with a brand new magazine: The Domain Standard. Each quarter, The Domain Standard publishes a report that covers a specific aspect of the rapidly changing digital economy and the impact of domain names.

Freename's contribution to the domain industry involves merging expert opinions, industry data, and market analytics to identify trends and patterns. Extensive analyses and interviews with experts provide domain investors, founders, and domain specialists with a brief, yet clear, focus on the direction of the Internet's naming layer.

Wrapping Up

There are changes occurring within the domain name industry. With Freename, the fusion of naming flexibility and the blockchain system alongside programmable, transferrable, and economically adjustable features creates a new pathway for the industry.

For creators seeking brand sovereignty, brands looking to protect their name across Web2 and Web3, and crypto users wanting simpler transactions, Freename offers a forward-looking solution built for the decentralized era.

There is also a developing new domain economy in Freename. Users in Domora ecosystem can sell and buy Traditional domains fractionalised into units. Premium domains can be turned faster in liquid assets through fractional ownership, allowing a number of consumers to own a piece or a percentage of a Premium Domain.

Freename Revolutionized the Industry in 2025. It's Not Over Yet

Follow our house organs closely because Freename innovation isn't over yet. Freename going to push the boundaries of how online presence and Business identities are created, managed across the Internet. What is coming next (early 2026) will unlock entirely new capabilities for digital identity for individuals, start-ups and online businesses.

Stay Tuned.

You Don't Need a Browser Extension to Open Freename Web3 Domains

Freename — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 08:00:01 GMT

How the Noto Protocol's DNS infrastructure makes Freename Web3 domains accessible from any browser

Web3 domains have long been stuck behind a frustrating barrier: to resolve a '.crypto' or '.hodl', or any other blockchain-based domain name, users typically had to install a dedicated browser extension. The extension acts as a translation layer between the standard internet and the blockchain-native naming system, because web3 domains exist outside the traditional DNS root infrastructure managed by ICANN/IANA.

The Noto Protocol (introduced in 2024) changes this equation entirely. And the key is how it integrates with VPNs and DNS-level infrastructure.

The Core Problem: Web3 Domains Live Outside the DNS Root

To understand why this matters, you need to understand why web3 domain resolution has traditionally required an extension. When you type a traditional domain like 'mydomainname.com' into your browser, your operating system fires off a DNS query. That query travels up through a hierarchy of DNS resolvers until it reaches the authoritative root, the ICANN/IANA root servers. Those root servers don't recognize let's say .eth. So the query fails, and your standard browser returns an error.

Browser extensions work around this by intercepting the request before it reaches the OS DNS layer and routing it through a blockchain resolver instead. So you need the extension installed, kept updated, and properly configured. If you switch browsers or devices, you start over.

What the Noto Protocol Does Differently

The Noto Protocol is a B2B infrastructure layer designed to be the universal source of truth for the decentralized internet. Rather than patching the problem at the browser level, it solves it natively at the network infrastructure level specifically through its DNS Layer.

From the Noto Protocol white paper:

"The DNS Layer provides DNS infrastructure for domain resolution, aligning with standard ICANN/IANA protocols. By leveraging TCP/IP, DNS enables device-level resolution of web3 domains, extending support to networks, routers, operating systems, and applications dependent on internet connectivity."

In simple terms: Noto runs a DNS server that speaks standard DNS (the same protocol your router, your OS, your Chrome, Safari or Firefox browser and every FTP client and SSH tool already speaks).

Point your DNS settings at Noto's servers, and web3 domains resolve natively, no extension required, no special software, no additional configuration.

How This Works in Practice: The VPN Model

The most frictionless deployment of the Noto DNS Layer for end users is through a VPN.

A VPN, by design, routes all of a device's network traffic through a tunnel — and that includes DNS queries. When a VPN provider integrates Noto's DNS infrastructure into their service, every connected device automatically gains web3 domain resolution capability. The user does nothing beyond connecting to the VPN they may already be using.

This is one of the explicit deployment targets described in the Noto white paper:

"By leveraging the web3 DNS capabilities of the Noto Protocol, VPNs and ISPs can integrate their customized versions of private web3-enabled DNS."

The same principle applies to ISPs (Internet Service Providers) and network routers — if your router or network provider uses Noto's DNS, every device on that network resolves web3 domains automatically. Your phone, your laptop, your smart TV oor any device that makes DNS queries gets web3 resolution for free.

What's Under the Hood? How Noto Resolves a Web3 Domain via DNS

When a DNS query for a Freename web3 domain hits the Noto DNS Layer, here's what happens:

1. The request is received. The Noto DNS server receives a standard DNS query (the same format used for any '.com' or '.org' domain).

2. The domain is identified as a web3 domain. Noto determines that the requested domain name belongs to a blockchain-based namespace and needs to be resolved against its indexed blockchain database (not the traditional ICANN root).

3. The ZONE is resolved inside the Noto DNS. Noto resolves the appropriate zone using its internal database (constantly updated index of domain records sourced from multiple blockchains).

4. The record is retrieved using standard DNS protocol. The resolution record (an IP address, IPFS hash, or other) is returned using the standard DNS protocol.

5. Your browser loads the content. From your browser's perspective, this was a completely normal DNS lookup. No extension was consulted (No special APIcalled).

The Indexing Engine Behind It All

The reason Noto's DNS Layer can resolve web3 domains at all is because of its blockchain indexing infrastructure. This is the engine that keeps Noto's database current.

Noto deploys block indexers, specialized tools that continuously scan blockchain ledgers across multiple chains for domain-related events: new registrations, transfers, record updates.
When an event is detected, the indexer:

Identifies which smart contract and blockchain fired the event
Fetches the updated domain data directly from the originating blockchain
Normalizes the data into a unified schema
Commits it to Noto's centralized resolution database

This all happens in real time, with no third-party intermediaries. When you register or update a Freename web3 domain, that change propagates into the Noto resolution database automatically.

Collision Management: Handling the Complexity of a Fragmented Web3 Naming Landscape

One of the trickiest problems in web3 DNS is collisions the same domain name registered in two different blockchain namespaces (also read about a recent US patent from Freename to avoid this issue). For example, 'myname.sat' might exist on Ethereum and on Polygon under different registries.

The Noto Protocol handles this with a Collision Management Engine that applies a rule-based scoring system. When multiple matching domains are found during resolution, the engine:

Applies pre-resolution and post-resolution rules (including geographic or organizational rules)
Scores each candidate domain using a proprietary algorithm based on qualitative and quantitative characteristics
Returns the domain with the highest score as the definitive resolution result

For the DNS Layer specifically, this collision resolution is pre-computed. Noto maintains a "resolved dump" of the entire web3 domain namespace, with collisions already decided and censored or inaccessible domains already removed. This is what makes DNS-layer resolution fast enough to work in practice, there's no runtime collision computation happening per-query.

Why This Matters for the Future of the Decentralized Web

The browser extension model for web3 domain resolution is sandboxed to a single browser. They don't work at the OS or network level, which means they can't support FTP, SSH, email protocols, or any non-browser application.

The Noto Protocol's DNS Layer approach resolves all of these limitations. By integrating with the infrastructure layer of the internet (DNS) it makes web3 domain access and universal as traditional domain name access.

For Freename users, this means your web3 domain isn't just a blockchain asset. It's a fully functional, universally resolvable domain name accessible from any browser, on any device, through any VPN or network that has integrated Noto's infrastructure. No extension required.

Key Facts of Noto Protocol (FAQs)

For Web3 domain accessibility, the key facts are:

Noto Protocol is DNS-native. It resolves web3 domains using standard DNS protocol, which means it is compatible with any application or device that uses DNS.
No browser extension is required when a VPN, ISP, router, or operating system is configured to use Noto's DNS servers.
Freename web3 domains registered through the Freename registry are indexed by Noto and resolvable through this infrastructure.
The resolution is transparent to the end application. Browsers, email clients, FTP clients, SSH tools (none of them need modification). They issue a DNS query, Noto answers it, the connection is made.
VPN integration is the primary consumer-facing deployment model for providing this capability without requiring any per-device DNS configuration from the user.

This article is based on the Noto Protocol Light Paper (Q4 2023, Version 11.05) by F. Costa & D. Vicini.

How to Determine a Domain Name’s Value (2026 Guide)

Freename — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 09:00:00 GMT

A domain name’s value depends on its demand, brandability, and technical characteristics, such as the top-level domain (TLD).

It’s essentially what someone is willing to pay for it, which, in turn, is based on real-world factors like keywords, extension, competition, and even market trends.

But there’s another factor at play that can affect how a domain name is valued: Web3. Unlike traditional domains, Web3 domains are actual digital assets, and their use isn’t limited to websites.

This article explains everything.

What “Domain Name Value” Really Means

Domain name value is its market worth. It’s what someone might pay to acquire it. It’s the intersection of branding psychology, search demand, digital scarcity, and commercial opportunity.

A domain becomes valuable when it:

Is easy to remember and repeat
Aligns with a large or fast-growing market
Matches a recognizable business category (“loans”, “AI”, “games”, “health”)
Reflects the terms users already search for or a valuable brand name
Has measurable traffic or SEO authority
Signals future upside to buyers

Core Factors That Determine a Domain’s Value

Each core factor below contributes to how buyers perceive risk, opportunity, and long-term strategic advantage of owning a specific domain name:

Brandability (The #1 Factor)

A domain is brandable when it’s short, memorable, easy to say, and emotionally resonant. This is what drives most high-value domain sales.

Brandability is, in fact, the single biggest multiplier in valuation. After all, domains are identifiers, and the most valuable domains make identity more visible.

This is what makes a domain brandable:

Pronounceability: It should roll off the tongue naturally.
Spelling simplicity: No hyphens, confusing pluralization, or alternative spellings.
Emotional tone: Words that evoke strength, speed, intelligence, or trust command higher value.
Distinctiveness: Unique enough to trademark, but intuitive enough to understand.
Category alignment: A fintech startup, for example, wants something modern and trustworthy. A gaming company may prefer something energetic and bold.

Normally, a short, powerful one-word domain can be worth exponentially more than a longer, keyword-stuffed alternative. For example, the domain name ‘ai.com’ recently sold for $70 million.

Search Volume and SEO Impact

Domains containing relevant keywords can make them easy to discover. That can also result in better click-through rates, improve perceived relevance, and signal authority within a niche.

Although Google no longer gives automatic ranking boosts to exact-match domains, keywords still influence user behavior, and that affects performance. People are more likely to click on an exact-match or something closer, even if it’s not the top result.

Domain Extension (TLD) Value

The domain extension influences trust, liquidity, resale potential, and market reach.

The same keyword can vary dramatically in value depending on the extension. When it comes to extensions and their impact on value, it’s important to distinguish between the Web2 and Web3 domains (because TLDs work differently in each).

Web2 TLDs

For traditional domains, the more ubiquitous TLDs tend to have a higher value. But the value can also be higher for niche or country-specific TLDs.

.com Still the gold standard. Highest trust, global recognition, strongest liquidity.
ccTLDs (.uk, .de, .ca) Valuable in strong national markets.

Niche TLDs (.ai, .io, .dev) Popular in startup and tech ecosystems.

Web3 TLDs (Freename Ecosystem)

Web3 domains introduce an entirely new valuation framework. The very business name or keyword can be the TLD, from which SLDs and extensions come (for example, .computer instead of computer.com).

Typical value drivers include:

Namespace scarcity: Owning the TLD gives control over all subdomains.
Community adoption: The more users adopt a namespace, the more valuable it becomes.
Utility in wallets and dApps: Domains function as identity layers.
Multi-chain compatibility: Usability across blockchains.

Revenue generation potential: TLD owners can monetize second level domains issuance (with Freename royalties).

Unlike Web2 domains, Web3 TLD ownership can create recurring economic models, meaning value goes up over time based on multiple factors and how the domain is actually used. In that sense, its value is more dynamic.

Comparable Sales (Market Demand Evidence)

The most reliable indicator of domain value is what similar domains have sold for. Historical sales establish pricing benchmarks.

When evaluating comps:

Compare similar length and structure
Compare similar industries
Match the same TLD
Factor in current trends

You can use platforms like NameBio, Sedo, DNJournal, and Web2/Web3 marketplaces like Freename to compare the value of existing domains similar to yours.

Age, Traffic, and Historical Data

A domain with age, a clean history, and organic traffic has measurable intrinsic value.

Older domains may have well-established backlink profiles, indexed history, and brand recognition signals.

If you’re considering buying a domain, find out:

Organic traffic volume
Referring domain quality
Spam or penalty history
Archive history consistency

A domain generating even modest, consistent traffic can justify higher valuations due to monetization potential. Clean history is super important in pricing domains. Any domain previously associated with spam or penalties may suffer long-term value suppression. Generally speaking, avoid buying domain names with a troubled history, even if it’s cheap.

Commercial Intent & Buyer Type

The type of buyer targeting a domain significantly impacts its valuation ceiling.

Different buyers assign different strategic value. For instance, startups want distinctive, venture-ready brand names.

Web3 builders usually want identity functionality and namespace control.

Also, domains in high-funding industries like AI, fintech, crypto, and health tech tend to command higher premiums because buyer budgets are larger and urgency is stronger.

Understanding who your likely buyer is helps you price strategically.

Web2 vs Web3: How Domain Valuation Differs

Domain valuation can be quite different in the Web2 and Web3 worlds. Web2 domains’ value depends on brandability, discoverability, demand, traffic potential, and extension. On the other hand, Web3 domains derive value from identity, namespace ownership, and community.

In that sense, Web3 domains go beyond the traditional factors like extensions and keywords and branch into the potential role the domain can play. For instance, a Web3 domain for an emerging technology could be incredibly valuable. Also, the more it’s adopted and used, the more value it can generate for the owner.

It’s also important to make the distinction on how ownership works for these two types, as ownership is tied to value. Traditional Web2 domains are technically leased as you have to pay for them annually. If you fail to pay, you could lose the domain, and by extension, the value it holds.

That’s not the case with Web3 domains. Once minted, they live on the blockchain and are owned by you until you choose to actively sell them to another party.

Here are the two types and their value systems compared:

Value Factor	Web2 Domain	Web3 Domain
Ownership	Registrar-controlled	User-owned
Use Cases	Websites	Identity, wallets, branding
Scarcity	TLD-dependent	Namespace-dependent
Liquidity	Mature	Rapidly growing

How to Estimate Your Domain’s Value (Step-by-Step)

If you own a domain or are thinking of buying one and trying to estimate its value, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Analyze Brandability

Evaluate clarity, memorability, pronunciation, and industry alignment of the SLD (in case of Web2) and TLD (in case of Web3).

Step 2: Check Keyword Demand

Research search volume, CPC, and industry competition for the keyword (domain name). You can use a free keyword research tool like Google Keyword Planner (requires Ad account).

If the term has high search volume, it can potentially be high value.

Step 3: Compare Similar Sales

Anchor expectations using historical transaction data. NameBio is a good place to start, as it has an extensive database of domain name sales. However, it focuses solely on Web2 domains.

Step 4: Assess Traffic & Backlinks

Determine organic authority and monetization potential by analyzing backlinks to that domain. Of course, this step is only valid for an active domain with a website. You can ask the owner for this data.

Step 6: Evaluate Buyer Types and Industry Trends

Consider whether the domain aligns with high-growth sectors like AI, crypto, fintech, gaming, or health.

Combining all six steps provides a realistic valuation range.

Final Takeaway: Domains Are Digital Assets With Real Financial Value

Domains are technical infrastructure, and they can be strategic assets that shape brand perception, marketing efficiency, SEO performance, and even digital identity. That’s all the more true for Web3 domains, which are all about ownership and treating them as valuable assets.

Whether in Web2 or Web3 ecosystems, premium domains continue to appreciate when aligned with expanding markets and strong buyer demand.

If you own a Web2 or Web3 domain and want to understand its value, explore Freename.

FAQS

What makes a domain name valuable?

Brandability, market demand, extension strength, keyword relevance, traffic, and buyer competition determine the value of a Web2 domain name. For Web3 domains, value also comes from ownership, use, demand, and community.

Do keyword domains still rank better?

Not automatically, but they can improve click-through rates and reinforce perceived authority for brands or people.

How do you calculate domain value manually?

Analyze brand strength, keyword metrics, comparable sales, TLD trust, traffic, and industry trends.

Does traffic increase domain value?

Yes. Verified organic or type-in traffic adds measurable revenue potential.

Why are Web3 domains growing in value?

They function as identity assets across wallets, dApps, and multi-chain ecosystems. They’re not limited to websites like Web2 domains.

Is domain investing still profitable in 2026?

Yes, particularly in short brandables, AI-related terms, high-CPC industries, and emerging Web3 namespaces.

Quarterly report - Registrations (Q3 2025)

Freename — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 13:55:14 GMT

Most Important TLDs

By the end of September 2025, the combined domain base for .com and .net stood at roughly 171.9 million registrations. This represents a modest rise of 1.4 million domains, or 0.82%, compared with the 170.5 million recorded at the close of June 2025. Year over year, the total increased by 1.3 million, reflecting growth of about 0.7% from the 169.6 million registered in September 2024.

Most Important gTLDs	Q4 2024	Q1 2025	Q2 2025	Q3 2025
Registrations	169	169.8	170.5	171.9
Growth % compared to previous Q		+ 0.47%	+ 0.41%	+ 0.82%

Breaking down the distribution, .com domains accounted for 159.4 million registrations, while .net domains reached 12.5 million. New registrations for these two TLDs in Q3 2025 totalled 10.6 million, up from 10.4 million in the previous quarter and from 9.3 million in the same period of the prior year.

All TLDs	Q4 2024	Q1 2025	Q2 2025	Q3 2025
Registrations	364.3	368.4	371.7	378.5
Growth % compared to previous Q		+1.12%	+0.89%	+1.83%

In the third quarter of 2025, the total number of registered domain names across all top-level domains reached 378.5 million. This figure reflects an expansion of 6.8 million compared with the previous quarter’s 371.7 million, amounting to a 1.83% increase quarter over quarter. On a yearly basis, registrations grew by 16.2 million relative to the 362.3 million recorded in Q3 2024, corresponding to an annual growth rate of 4.47%.

ccTLDs	Q4 2024	Q1 2025	Q2 2025	Q3 2025
Registrations	140.8	142.9	143.4	144.8
Growth % compared to previous Q		+1.49%	+0.34%	+0.97%

As of the end of September 2025, country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs) reached a total of 144.8 million registrations. This reflects an increase of 1.4 million, or 0.97%, compared with the 143.4 million recorded at the end of June 2025. On a year-over-year basis, ccTLD registrations rose by 4.7 million, a 3.35% increase from the 140.1 million reported in September 2024.

ngTLDs	Q4 2024	Q1 2025	Q2 2025	Q3 2025
Registrations	36.8	37.8	39.5	42.9
Growth % compared to previous Q		+2.72%	+4.49%	+8.6%

By the end of Q2 2025, new generic top-level domains (ngTLDs) reached 42.9 million registrations. This represents a quarterly gain of 3.4 million, or 8.6%, compared with the 39.5 million recorded in the prior quarter. Relative to the same quarter in 2024, when registrations totaled 35.4 million, ngTLDs increased by 7.59 million year over year, amounting to a 21.44% rise.

Other Legacy gTLDs	Q4 2024	Q1 2025	Q2 2025	Q3 2025
Registrations	17.6	17.9	18.3	18.9
Growth % compared to previous Q		+1.70%	+2.23%	+3.27%

By the close of Q3 2025, legacy generic top-level domains (gTLDs) excluding .com and .net totaled 18.9 million registrations. This reflects a rise of 0.6 million, or 3.27%, relative to the 18.3 million recorded at the end of Q2. Year over year, these legacy gTLDs expanded by 1.6 million registrations, a 9.24% increase compared with the 17.3 million reported in the same quarter of 2024.

Key Takeaways

Overall Domain Market Shows Stable Growth

The global domain market keeps growing at a steady clip, with total registrations now over 378 million. Growth has been consistent quarter to quarter, suggesting the market is holding up well even
if it’s not exploding. As the digital economy expands, demand for domains continues along with it.

Traditional gTLDs Are Saturating

.com and .net maintain their dominant position, but their growth is slowing. We’ve said this before, but it seems they’ve hit a maturity point where the biggest, most recognizable domains are filling up. Don’t expect dramatic gains here anymore. Registries will need to get creative if they want to pull in
new registrations in these spaces.

Emerging and Alternative TLDs Drive Significant Growth

New gTLDs and legacy gTLDs are where the real action is. NgTLDs are growing at over 8 percent per quarter, which tells you that users and businesses are actually adopting alternative domains in meaningful numbers. These TLDs are pushing the market forward.

Traditional gTLDs Are Saturating

Market Concentration Highlights Geographic and Segment Trends

A handful of TLDs control most of the market: .com leads overall, .cn dominates ccTLDs, and .xyz tops ngTLDs. Growth is happening, but it’s concentrated in specific regions and domain types. For registries and investors, this means going after popular or emerging TLDs makes more sense than trying to break into crowded, saturated segments.

Conclusion

The domain market in Q3 2025 is healthy and growing, mostly thanks to new and alternative TLDs gaining traction. Traditional domains like .com and .net are showing their age, with only modest upticks that suggest they’re close to full. The market’s still expanding overall, but future growth is going to come from diversification rather than leaning on legacy TLDs. New gTLDs are rising fast, and country-code domains in China, Germany, and the United Kingdom continue performing well.

Both geographic concentration and segment-specific growth will keep shaping where this market goes. Total registrations will likely keep climbing at a moderate pace, but the real opportunities
for growth and innovation are in emerging domains and underused TLDs. Businesses and individuals are looking for alternatives to the crowded traditional options, and that’s where the next phase of growth will likely come from.

Methodology

The data presented in this report is based on domain registration statistics obtained from a combination of industry sources and internal analysis. For Q3 2024, we use data published by the Domain Name Industry Brief (DNIB), a recognized and authoritative source on global domain trends. For Q2 2025 and Q3 2025, the data comes from Freename’s own queries on publicly available zone files, which are open resources widely used across the industry to monitor domain registrations. This
mixed-method approach ensures both accuracy and real-time relevance, allowing us to deliver up-to-date insights into the domain name ecosystem.

About The Quarterly Report | Registrations

The Domain Standard Quarterly Report - Registrations provides an in-depth analysis of global domain registration trends across all top-level domains (TLDs) for each quarter. It offers insights into the performance of the most prominent generic TLDs (gTLDs), country-code TLDs (ccTLDs), and new generic TLDs (ngTLDs), providing a comprehensive view of the state of the domain name market.

Who's this report aimed at?

This report is designed for investors, analysts, and industry professionals who require up-to-date data on the registration patterns and growth trajectories of domain names. It tracks key metrics such as the total number of domain registrations, quarter-over-quarter growth, year-overyear changes, and the performance of individual TLDs.

Furthermore, it highlights significant trends, emerging opportunities, and shifts in the market, making it a valuable resource for decision-makers in the domain and digital property sectors. The report offers both a high-level overview of the global domain landscape and detailed insights into specific segments of the market, including the continuing dominance of .com and .net, the growing popularity of localized ccTLDs, and the explosive rise of ngTLDs. By analyzing these trends, the report aims to inform strategic decisions, uncover investment opportunities, and guide stakeholders through the ever-evolving domain name ecosystem.

Here you can find other Quarterly Reports:

Do you want to read more and have access to more data and insights?
Download TheThird Issue of The Domain Standard for free.

Helmuts Meskonis on Building Domain Summit Africa

Helmuts Meskonis — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 11:09:28 GMT

Domain Summit Africa 2026

This premier domain industry event is recognized as the largest B2B domain conference on the African continent, bringing together domain service providers, registrars, investors, IT entrepreneurs,
and digital industry leaders from across Africa and beyond. The summit features a comprehensive program including keynotes, expert panels, workshops, and an exhibition, with roughly 90% of speakers hailing from the African region. It focuses on fostering real business opportunities and partnerships within the domain ecosystem.

Villa Rosa Kempinski (Nairobi, Kenya, February 23–24)

The event kicks off with a pre-event day on February 22 featuring an exclusive KeNIC office tour and a networking drinks reception at the venue. Attendees benefit from continuous networking opportunities over meals and informal gatherings, with many choosing to stay at the official venue, Villa Rosa Kempinski, which offers special rates. The Domain Summit Africa 2026 is a 100% business-focused event aimed at connecting top African domain registrars and ccTLD operators with global digital leaders to grow business networks across the continent’s digital infrastructure landscape.

“The long game for Domain Summit Africa is to run it consistently, year after year for 10 years, and to do this with a dedicated African team of Domain Summit.”

Why Nairobi, Why Now: Helmuts Meskonis on Building Domain Summit Africa

Freename: Helmuts, great seeing you back on the pages of The Domain Standard. After the success of Domain Summit London and Domain Summit Asia, you’re now bringing the event to Africa, and specifically to Nairobi. What drew you to Kenya, and why do you think now is the right time to host a summit here?

Helmuts Meskonis: This seems to be a collection of fortunate life events :)

We became friends with the new KeNIC team after Andrew Lewela Mwanyota, the CEO of KeNIC, came to Domain Summit London in 2023. After that we kept in touch. A lot of this is also down to the super friendly nature of KeNIC’s CMO, Gitau Muraguri. For me, Kenya was never just “a dot on the map”. It felt like an answer to a question I’ve had for years: How do we take Domain Summit global, with partners we can actually trust? Nairobi seems to be that answer. Also, Kenya has a huge 57.5 million people and is one of Africa’s biggest and most dynamic economies. In early 2025 there were about 27+ million internet users in the country, with internet penetration almost close to 50%.

It is a regional hub, and many registered attendees already appreciate it :) Flights from Europe, the Middle East and across Africa connect through Nairobi every day. That matters a lot when you run an international B2B event. I have heard that Kenya itself has more mobile SIM cards than people and mobile money is a daily habit, not a “future trend”.

This makes is a very very unique and interesting market. KeNIC has grown .KE from fewer than 1,000 registrations in 2002 into a serious ccTLD player. And even more - the energy of Andrew and Gitau feels familiar to me. It is the same “let’s build something real together” spirit we have in Europe, but with even stronger family traditions in the background. Why now? Because African domain markets are moving from “potential” into “execution”. And because there is
a gap: there are effectively no dedicated B2B domain-industry events for the continent. Of course, this wouldn’t be possible if today 2 major forces Site.Pro and Freename didn’t financially support the upcoming Summit which helped me covering all the main hotel costs (that are very significant, of course). The main idea of Domain Summit Africa is to help unite that African domain name ecosystem, allow foreign businesses talking and doing business in Africa and create a proper annual meeting point here in Nairobi.

Freename: I noticed reading the program of the conference that for Domain Summit Africa you’re planning for around 90% of the speakers to come from the continent itself. That’s a strong statement. What’s behind that decision, and how do you think it will shape the kind of conversations and partnerships we’ll see in Nairobi?

Helmuts Meskonis: Yes, I am planning that around 90% of the speakers come from Africa. And, yes, maybe this is a brave plan and difficult to realize it. I will do my best to achieve this! Now with a new Global Partner like Team Internet on board, this number may shift a bit. Major sponsors usually get stage time. That is part of the game for all the events organizers and a common courtesy for good business. Still the principle stays the same: this event should sound like Africa, not like a rerun of the same global speaker list. At many “local” events I attend, quite often I see the same well-known international names on stage. They are great and super professional people, no doubt for that, though sometimes you leave without really understanding the local market.

You hear polished case studies. I really want stories from registrars in Lagos, Nairobi or Kigali, where experience is shared how they actually fight for every customer and what are the lessons learnt. Africa is the world’s second-largest continent. It has 54 countries and a very young population. And, by the way, this is the only continent in the world with a growing population. Yet in our industry, many companies still treat it as “one region” on a slide. So the 90% local-speaker goal is also a mirror we hold up to the global players: Do you really have strong, empowered representatives in Africa? Do they have a real African voice and regional expert, or are they just “someone on the ground”? If we do this right, the conversations in Nairobi will be very practical: real pricing tactics, registry–registrar agreements, reseller networks, local marketing, mobile- first onboarding. Less theory. More business. More deals. This is the plan :)

Freename: You’ve always emphasized that the Summit isn’t just another conference. It’s about building real connections. What kinds of opportunities will attendees have this time to actually network, collaborate, or even make deals on the spot?

Helmuts Meskonis: I always design Domain Summit as a place where policy is in the background. Deals, partnerships and growth should be in the front plan. And, Nairobi will follow the same logic. We are working to bring together African registries, registrars, marketplaces, hosting companies, infrastructure providers and investors into one building. Then we give them time and space to talk. Practically, that means that we will have an exhibition area where African ccTLD registries can sit down with existing and potential registrars. Of course, there will be lots of break time and networking space, not just back-to-back panels. And yes, we plan to have a super cool KeNic office tour for pre-selected attendees. We will have roundtables and small sessions where people can deep-dive into topics like pricing, reseller models or payments, and of course, the industry common side events and dinners with more relaxed atmosphere, where real trust is built.

Just look at the African ccTLD numbers and the demographics. The growth potential is huge. The continent’s internet economy alone is expected to hit around $180 billion by 2025. The need is here: registries have growth targets that can be reached mostly with their registrar partners, new local resellers and service providers want to meet global infrastructure players, and for all this a cross-border event like Domain Summit seems to be an answer.
My view is simple: businesses should leave Nairobi with new contracts to sign, not just photos for LinkedIn.

Freename: Africa’s digital and domain landscape is incredibly diverse from fast-growing markets like Nigeria and Kenya to emerging ones that are just getting started. How did you approach building an agenda that speaks to that diversity while keeping a global perspective?

Helmuts Meskonis: The main agenda is getting many major African ccTLDs to Nairobi as exhibitors, and the plan is coming together nicely. To get this achieved we are offering 10
complimentary exhibiting tables to selected African ccTLDs. The only gentleman’s request is: invite your registrars and partners to meet you in Nairobi, face to face. And, KeNic are individually inviting all their ccTLD colleagues to the Domain Summit Africa. This helps us
balance the agenda: East, West, North, Southern Africa all having a voice, plus a few carefully selected global players to bring in external experience where it actually helps.

Freename: And finally, looking beyond February 2026. What’s your long game for Domain Summit Africa? Do you see it becoming a recurring event, or perhaps the start of a larger African network within the global domain industry?

Helmuts Meskonis: [...]
to continue reading the full interview download the Third Issue of The Domain Standard for free.

About the Author: Helmuts Meskonis founder of Domain Summit and

HostMaria. Owner of DNForum. com (est 2001), AcornDomains.co.uk (est 2004), ConsultDomain.de (est 2002) and a number of more domain name forums - sending out 38k+ newsletters every Tuesday to our users (domain investors).

How to Choose a Business Name

Iftikhar Alam — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 16:31:57 GMT

How to Choose a Business Name: The Complete “Dual-Stack” Guide

Finding a good business name used to be simple. You brainstormed something memorable, checked whether the .com was available, and moved on. However, now that process is far more frustrating.

For starters, most short, brandable names are already taken, parked, or priced at five or six figures. Then there’s domain saturation, which has turned naming a business into a bottleneck for founders and growing companies alike.

And everyone knows the importance of having a domain that wholly aligns with your actual business name. So, the domain name strategy in 2026 is a little different, and that’s where Web 3 domains enter.

A future-proof name must work in both worlds. This guide explains how to use a hybrid, or “dual-stack,” naming approach to secure reach today while protecting and monetizing your brand tomorrow.

How Web2 and Web3 Domain Naming Differs

You can be creative with the business name you decide. However, if you want to make your business discoverable, you need to think about two things: the name itself and its ownership.

Suppose you find a traditional .com domain for your business and buy it. You’re not really buying it; you're renting it. What you really need is digital ownership across two layers of the internet.

Businesses can now operate simultaneously in:

the Traditional Web (Web2), where visibility and compatibility matter, and
the Owned Web (Web3), where identity, payments, and digital property rights live.

But the differences go way beyond that.

Web2 vs. Web3 Domains

Here’s a quick comparison of these two types of domains:

Feature	Traditional Domain (Web2)	Freename Domain (Web3)
Structure Example	mybusiness.com (Second-Level Domain)	.mybusiness (Top-Level Domain)
Ownership Model	Rental: You lease the name from a registrar (Traditional ICANN Registrar) for a yearly fee. You never truly own it.	Ownership: You mint the name on the blockchain. It is a digital asset you own permanently.
Cost Structure	Recurring Expense: Annual renewal fees ($10–$50/year or more). Premium names can cost thousands.	One-Time Investment: You pay once to mint. No renewal fees, ever.
Earning Potential	None (Cost Center): You pay to keep the website active.	Revenue Generator: You become the registry. You can sell subdomains (e.g., user.mybusiness) and earn royalties.
Control & Governance	Centralized (ICANN): Can be seized, censored, or suspended by central authorities or providers.	Decentralized: You hold the keys. Only you can control or transfer the asset.
Primary Use Cases	Hosting websites, standard email, and search engine visibility (SEO).	Digital identity, crypto payments, Web3 login, and brand protection.
How They Fit into the "Hybrid" Approach	Essential for present-day traffic and general audience reach.	Essential for future equity, brand protection, and community building.

Traditional Domains (Web2)

Traditional domains, like .com, .ai, or .io, are governed by centralized authorities and leased through accredited registrars. While you sort of “own” the domain in practice, you are technically renting usage rights as long as you keep paying renewal fees and comply with registry rules. That means you have to consistently pay a kind of rent to use that name. And if you fail to do so, you risk losing that domain forever.

It has its place in the business operations and how you interact with customers, as it has been for decades now. So, let’s look at the benefits and limitations to better understand the value of the Web2 domain.

Benefits

Universal compatibility with browsers, email clients, and enterprise tools
Essential for search engine visibility and paid media campaigns
Familiar and trusted by mainstream users

Limitations

No true ownership (domains can expire, be seized, or repriced)
No built-in monetization beyond the website itself.

High competition and scarcity for short, premium names

Web3 Domains

Blockchain domains, also called digital roots, are blockchain-native naming assets that exist independently of centralized registries. When you mint a Freename Web3 TLD, like .yourcompany, you become its permanent owner on-chain.

Note: Even brands like Nike have gotten in on the Web3 domain action.

Here’s how they differ:

Ownership is provable and transferable via blockchain
No renewal risk or dependency on a registrar’s policies (you pay once to mint it)
The TLD itself becomes programmable infrastructure

Besides working as a digital asset, it can also offer key functions, which are particularly relevant for any business also operating in the crypto world. These functions include:

Act as a wallet identifier (human-readable payments)
Connect with your social media presence
Enable decentralized identity and authentication
Allow you to issue, sell, or revoke subdomains

Rather than being a single address, a Web3 domain is an ecosystem you control.

Why You Need Both Web2 and Web3 Domains?

Web2 and Web3 domains serve complementary roles, not competing ones. Web2 domains optimize for reach, discovery, and trust. On the other hand, Web3 domains optimize for ownership, control, and monetization.

Using only Web2 leaves your brand vulnerable to future namespace fragmentation. Similarly, using only Web3 limits accessibility today because Web3 browser penetration is still somewhat low. Chances are that a significant chunk of your audience still uses traditional browsers, which have yet to catch on with digital roots.

As opposed to a single side, the dual-stack approach ensures continuity across both.

The 5-Step Framework for a Perfect Name (with a Web2 and Web3 Domain)

For modern entrepreneurs looking to name their business, the hybrid approach works best when it comes to booking the domain for it. And we’ve devised an easy five-step framework for it:

Relevance & Narrative Fit

A strong name should reinforce your positioning. Even abstract or invented names should feel credible in your industry. For example, fintech brands may want something that conveys precision and trust, while consumer brands favor emotion and memorability.

So, first of all, brainstorm some names relevant to your business niche and the product or service you offer.
Simplicity (The Radio Test)

If your name requires spelling corrections, explanations, or repetition, it creates friction everywhere, from word-of-mouth to customer support. Simplicity compounds over time.
Again, simple names might not be available (but remember that’s what we resolve with a Web3 domain). The best approach is to shortlist names that are easy to pronounce and remember.
The Dual-Check Availability Search

This is where modern naming sometimes fails. Once you’ve decided on a name, you discover that a decent TLD isn’t available for it.
- First, check Web2 availability through ICANN registrars such as GoDaddy
- Then, check Web3 availability on platforms like Freename.io
Pro Tip: Don’t lose the Web3 root. Losing it means someone else can control your entire naming namespace, even if you own the .com.
Scalability Across Products and Markets

Ask whether the name still works if you expand into new verticals, pricing models, or geographies. Names tied too closely to a single feature or region may age poorly. Consider the kind of business you want to conduct and where you want to take it.

Don’t base your name around a single product or service, especially if you plan on expanding your offering.
Legal & IP Validation

Trademarks remain essential in both worlds. However, blockchain-based ownership adds an extra layer of defensibility by establishing first-mover provenance, which is especially valuable in emerging digital categories.

Hybrid Business Naming Approach: Practical Guide for Web2 and Web3 names

The hybrid approach treats naming as infrastructure design aside from branding. Once you’ve decided on the name and checked its availability on Web2 or Web3 domain registries, here’s how you actually go about confirming it.

We’ll use an example of a business called ‘Cool Shoes.’

Set Up the Web2 Layer

For this, ideally, you acquire coolshoes.com to host your ecommerce store, run paid ads and SEO campaigns, and support email and customer communications. However, if a .com domain isn’t available, you could look at alternatives with TLDs like .store, .online, or .co, whatever is available and appropriate for your business. (You’ll fix the identity availability with the Web3 domain.)

Create Web3 Layer

Next, you’ll mint .coolshoes, a Web3 domain on a blockchain of your choice with a provider like Freename. With this move, you control every possible subdomain. More importantly, this domain can also establish a trusted root for payments and identity. You also prevent impersonation or competitive misuse.

Here are some examples of functions you can unlock with subdomains under this Web3 TLD:

Loyalty programs via vip.coolshoes
Token-gated experiences via members.coolshoes
White-labeled partnerships via brand.coolshoes

Instead of fighting for attention on crowded platforms, you own the namespace itself.

Secure your Web3 domain with Freename and futureproof your business name and digital identity with a Web3 domain and try our new platform to launch your new online business and digital identity (Freename.ai).