Since the advent of the internet, domain names have been invaluable assets for many businesses, helping to create a profitable digital environment. However, with the rapid advancements in technologies such as blockchain for the decentralised web, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Augmented Reality (AR), how will web addresses evolve over the next ten years? In this article we’ll take a glimpse into the future by exploring the trends and innovations that could reshape the landscape of domain names. Please note that some of these ideas are speculative, based on educated guesses about future developments.
The evolution of domain names
Domain names have existed since the early 1980s, with extensions like .com, .net, and .org taking the centre stage. These familiar extensions gave early internet users an easy way to navigate the web. However, the domain market is now saturated, with increasing demand for top-level domain (TLD) and generic TLD (gTLD) registrations.
Today, domain names have become more creative, allowing businesses to showcase their unique brand identity. Extensions such as .tech, .ai, .io, .biz, .xyz, and even .pizza are now available. Similarly, the Domain Name System (DNS), the technology behind domain names, has evolved significantly. The DNS infrastructure now supports billions of queries daily, adapting to a faster, more secure, and more globally interconnected web.
Emerging trends and factors influencing the evolution of domain names
Several factors are shaping the changing landscape of domain names including technological advances, the push for digital inclusion and shifts in how people access the internet. Here are some key emerging trends in domain extensions:
- Shorter and simpler domains
Minimalism is a growing trend in the domain industry. Many businesses are increasingly investing in shorter domain names to improve brand recall, enhance visibility, and boost user-friendliness, especially on mobile devices. - Niche specific domains
Niche-specific domains are rapidly gaining popularity in the domain industry. They can help improve a brand’s online presence and SEO, while attracting targeted audiences searching for specialised content or services. - Domain name inclusion
As of June 2024, ICANN reported a growing number of delegated top-level domains (TLDs) that are accessible in local languages and linguistically diverse for the global population.
The growing trend of Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) is helping to lower linguistic barriers by enabling internet users worldwide to use domain names in their native languages and scripts, thereby promoting digital inclusion. - Country code domains (ccTLDs)
Country code domains have become valuable marketing assets for businesses. ccTLDs allow brands to use localised domains to establish a global presence while offering country-specific services and products to customers in their local jurisdiction.
For example, Amazon, a global online retailer, reaches consumers in different countries by using premium ccTLDs such as .it (for Italian customers), .de (for German customers), .ca (for Canadian customers), .uk (for UK customers) and so on.
Digital transformations that could reshape the future of domain names
Digital transformation is already changing how we navigate the web. As more people explore technologies such as AI, augmented reality (AR), and blockchain, we can only imagine how these innovations will revolutionise domain names. Here’s how current technological developments may reshape domain names and web addresses over the next decade:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
AI is becoming increasingly important in the online space, with AI-driven domain name generators gaining popularity. These tools allow users to creatively generate domain names that resonate with their brands. In many cases, users simply input basic information about their business, product type, services and ideal keywords. The AI then processes the data and suggests relevant domain names in seconds.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
With domain names offering immersive experiences, businesses can leverage AR/VR technology to create a powerful synergy between their customers and their products or services. A catchy, relevant domain name could serve as a portal, bridging the physical and digital worlds.
In the future, domain names may not just lead to websites but to entire virtual worlds or spaces. Imagine entering an AR-enhanced environment where the domain transports users to a 3D virtual storefront or a fully immersive landscape. As this innovation advances, businesses will likely adopt shorter, more intuitive, and highly brandable domains that are easy to remember and to speak aloud. In these virtual worlds, users may rely more on voice commands and visual navigation than traditional URL inputs.
Blockchain domains for a decentralised web
Blockchain is one of the most revolutionary technologies impacting how domain names are used, and this trend is set to grow in the coming decade. It provides a decentralised (Web3) platform for businesses, marking a shift from the traditional website model (Web2) by reducing the need for third-party interventions in transactions and business operations. As a result, more corporations – particularly in the finance, gaming and security industries – are adopting blockchain solutions for payments and digital identities.
Beyond the trend, decentralised or blockchain domains such as .bitcoin, .btc, .crypto, .eth, and .nft, offer significant advantages over traditional domains. They provide increased security, privacy and ownership, making it nearly impossible for a centralised entity to take them down.
A notable by-product of blockchain technology is cryptocurrency, a decentralised peer-to-peer digital currency used over the internet. Traditional cryptocurrency addresses, which are complex, long-string characters, have been simplified by blockchain domain names. This innovation now allows users to send and receive digital assets with a more user-friendly experience.
But this is just the start. In the next decade, blockchain-based TLDs could expand, enabling users to create truly decentralised websites, free from centralised authorities like ICANN. Additionally, decentralised domains with enhanced encryption and secure login protocols may become a standard for domain owners who prioritise secure web practices and seek to protect their online presence.
Digital transformation: will domain names become obsolete?
In the coming decade, domain names will evolve alongside emerging technologies such as blockchain, AI, AR and voice-activated search. While traditional .com or .org domains will still hold value, more decentralised, industry-specific, and geo-targeted domains will continue to rise, adapting to an ever-changing digital landscape.
To stay ahead, businesses will need to adapt by choosing functional and forward-thinking domain names. By leveraging the expertise of domain management services, companies can stay informed about the latest trends for an effective online presence.
Sources:
https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/idn-annual-report-2024-31jul24-en.pdf
https://docs.aws.amazon.com/Route53/latest/DeveloperGuide/registrar-tld-list-geographic.html
