Top 10 Emerging ccTLDs and How They Are Gaining Popularity in 2025

In recent years, certain ccTLDs (country code top-level domains) have gained immense popularity outside of their original geographic regions. Extensions like .ai (Anguilla) and .io (British Indian Ocean Territory) are now widely recognized for their association with tech startups, innovation, and cutting-edge industries. These domain names have evolved from representing small territories to becoming global digital assets with strong branding potential.

In this guide, we’ll explore 10 emerging ccTLDs that are shaping the future of online branding and discuss their impact on businesses and startups.

1. .ai (Anguilla)

Why It’s Popular

The .ai domain, originally designated for Anguilla, has become synonymous with artificial intelligence. Companies in the AI space use this extension to emphasize their industry focus and innovation.

Notable Users

• OpenAI (open.ai)
• Crisp.ai (customer messaging platform)
• Jasper.ai (AI content creation tool)

Benefits

• Enhances brand positioning in the AI sector.
• Instantly communicates relevance to technology and innovation.

2. .io (British Indian Ocean Territory)

Why It’s Popular

The .io domain is highly favored by tech startups and SaaS companies. Its sleek, modern look and resemblance to “input/output” (a tech term) make it appealing to developers and entrepreneurs.

Notable Users

• Greenhouse.io (HR software)
• Opensea.io (NFT marketplace)
• Keap.io (CRM platform)

Benefits

• Short and memorable domain names.
• Associated with cutting-edge technology and startups.

3. .co (Colombia)

Why It’s Popular

The .co domain, originally for Colombia, is now a popular alternative to .com. Many startups use .co to create shorter, brandable domains when .com options are unavailable.

Notable Users

• Angel.co (AngelList)
• 500.co (500 Startups)
• Tandem.co (financial services)

Benefits

• Globally recognized as a business-friendly extension.
• Ideal for startups and entrepreneurial ventures.

4. .tv (Tuvalu)

Why It’s Popular

The .tv domain, belonging to the island nation of Tuvalu, has found a niche among streaming platforms, video content creators, and media companies. It’s become synonymous with video and entertainment.

Notable Users

• Twitch.tv (live streaming platform)
• Pluto.tv (free streaming service)
• Mediaverse.tv (digital media consultancy)

Benefits

• Highly relevant to video and entertainment-focused businesses.
• Memorable for audiences familiar with streaming services.

5. .me (Montenegro)

Why It’s Popular

The .me domain, originally assigned to Montenegro, is now used globally for personal branding and user-centric websites.

Notable Users

• About.me (personal profile pages)
• Call.me (communication platform)
• Join.me (collaboration software)

Benefits

• Ideal for personal portfolios and branding.
• Creates a call-to-action (e.g., hire.me, try.me).

6. .dev (Technically a gTLD)

Though .dev is not a ccTLD, it has gained prominence in the developer community due to its strong association with software development and technology. It is often considered alongside emerging ccTLDs for its branding potential.

Notable Users

• Google.dev (developer resources)
• Sentry.dev (error monitoring)
• Stack.dev (developer tools)

Benefits

• Enforces HTTPS automatically, ensuring secure connections.
• Perfect for showcasing developer tools, resources, and projects.

7. .ai.cx (Cayman Islands Variant)

The domain .ai.cx, a hybrid combining Anguilla’s .ai with the Cayman Islands’ branding, is gaining traction as a creative solution for tech businesses in fintech and AI-related services.

8. .xyz (Global Use)

Though technically not a ccTLD, .xyz has surged in popularity due to its association with creativity, startups, and forward-thinking brands. Google’s parent company, Alphabet, famously uses abc.xyz.

Notable Users

• Alphabet (abc.xyz)
• Starship.xyz (robot delivery service)
• Artblocks.xyz (NFT art platform)

Benefits

• Versatile and globally recognizable.
• Appeals to creative industries and tech innovators.

9. .saas (Emerging Specialty Domain)

While .saas is still gaining traction, it shows potential in the software-as-a-service sector, with companies seeking to distinguish themselves in the competitive tech landscape.

10. .shop (Technically a gTLD)

Like .dev, .shop has become highly popular among e-commerce businesses. It allows online stores to create domain names that clearly reflect their purpose.

Notable Users

• Allbirds.shop (eco-friendly footwear)
• Handmade.shop (artisanal goods)

Benefits

• Enhances SEO by clearly signaling an online store.
• Short and brandable for e-commerce businesses.

Why These ccTLDs Are Thriving

1. Industry-Specific Branding

Many emerging ccTLDs are closely tied to specific industries or sectors (e.g., .ai for artificial intelligence, .tv for media). This association helps businesses immediately convey their expertise and relevance.

2. Availability of Shorter Domains

With .com domains becoming increasingly scarce, emerging ccTLDs provide an opportunity for businesses to secure short, memorable domain names.

3. Improved SEO and Click-Through Rates

While Google does not give ccTLDs direct ranking benefits, relevant and recognizable extensions can improve click-through rates (CTR), enhancing overall SEO performance.

4. Strong Global Recognition

Extensions like .ai, .io, and .co have gained international visibility thanks to high-profile users and widespread adoption by tech startups.

Conclusion

Emerging ccTLDs like .ai, .io, and .tv have become essential tools for businesses looking to enhance their online presence and brand recognition. By leveraging these industry-specific domains, startups and tech companies can create memorable web addresses that resonate with their target audience.

Whether you’re launching a tech platform, e-commerce store, or media service, choosing the right ccTLD can give you a competitive edge in today’s digital landscape.