The domain industry never stands still – and the 2025 Global Domain Name Report is a testament to that.
In a report of 80 pages, registrar InterNetX and aftermarket platform Sedo have taken a deep dive into what’s currently going on in the industry: from TLD trends to new technologies, regulations, and the domain aftermarket – drawing not just on statistics, but also on interviews with industry leaders.
Don’t have time to read the report yourself? In this post, we have compiled six topics from the report that domain resellers should know about. Whether you’re managing a large portfolio or looking to grow your domain business, here’s what to keep an eye on in 2025:
.com vs. niche TLDs – shifts in the numbers
.com is still the world’s most registered domain extension – but it’s no longer growing. With short .com domains becoming harder and harder to come by at an affordable price, many .com domains registered these days are long and harder to brand. 43.4% of all .coms on the Internet are 14 characters or more, while only 7.8% are under 7 characters.
Meanwhile, traditional TLDs like .net, .org, .info, and several European ccTLDs remain steady performers – the latter especially in their local markets. European ccTLDs carry a strong connotation with security, showing through their high rates of SSL, SPF and DNSSEC adoption.
What’s growing? New gTLDs. Almost all TLDs that showed strong growth in 2024 fell under this category, with .bond, .sbs, and .shop being standouts when it comes to absolute numbers.
The fastest-growing TLDs by percentage in 2025 are also almost all new gTLDs, showing how adoption in this segment is picking up. At the top of the leaderboard this year is .feedback. Despite launching way back in 2016, it saw significant traction in the past year. Other notable climbers include .loan, .christmas, .lol, .pink, and even .motorcycles – proving that niche and novelty TLDs can still find their market.
Meanwhile, the fastest-growing ccTLD of 2025 is .sx, the ccTLD for Sint Maarten. Its short, meaningful domain options and lack of local presence requirements have made it a surprise success.
GeoTLDs, a category of new gTLDs tied to regions, languages, or cultures, are also gaining ground – such as .asia and .lat. European cityTLDs also continue to perform well, thanks to strong local initiatives, cultural relevance, and high digital literacy.
Key takeaway for resellers: Offer a broader mix of TLDs – including new gTLDs, geoTLDs, and ccTLDs – to meet changing demand and help your customers find brandable alternatives.
The impact of AI – no longer just a hype
AI is no longer just a buzzword – it’s changing how people interact with domains. AI-powered name generators are helping users find relevant, brandable domains faster, often leading them to new gTLDs. Behind the scenes, registrars and registries are also using AI to streamline operations, automate support, and spot trends. It’s also transforming domain management, with smart tools starting to replace traditional control panels.
The .ai domain, once a niche ccTLD, is now one of the fastest-growing extensions. With nearly 600,000 registrations and strong demand from AI startups, .ai has become the go-to choice for anyone building in this space.
The aftermarket is active too, with high-value sales continuing even as the median price stabilizes. It’s a sign that .ai demand isn’t just hype – it’s becoming part of the mainstream domain landscape.
Security is another area where AI is making an impact. From phishing detection to real-time abuse monitoring, AI tools are helping providers catch threats earlier and act faster. But as AI-based attacks become more sophisticated, the industry needs to keep pace. Expect more predictive threat mitigation and AI-backed security features to roll out in 2025.
Key takeaway for resellers: Embrace AI-powered tools to improve your services, and be ready to support TLDs and platforms that appeal to AI-first businesses.
Web3 and the crypto resurgence
Web3 domains aren’t just a concept anymore. With around 10 million names registered, they’re starting to build a real presence. These blockchain-based domains connect to crypto wallets, smart contracts, and decentralized websites – making them useful for Web3-native users and projects. Popular extensions like .eth, .crypto, .wallet, and .nft lead the pack, managed by platforms like ENS, Unstoppable Domains, and Freename.
That said, adoption is still limited. Just under a third of respondents in the Global Domain Report say they own or are considering a Web3 domain. And while interest is growing, there’s still confusion around naming collisions -where the same domain name exists across multiple blockchains. Without standardization, mainstream use will be slow. For now, Web3 domains remain a niche play, especially relevant to crypto-focused businesses and developers.
Still, it’s a space worth watching. As wallet adoption grows and blockchain use cases mature, Web3 domains may start to blend more seamlessly with traditional domain infrastructure.
Key takeaway for resellers: Keep an eye on Web3 trends and be ready to guide customers who want to explore blockchain-based domains alongside traditional options.
NIS2 is here
The NIS2 Directive is raising the bar for domain security and data handling across the EU. It applies to registrars, DNS providers, resellers, and anyone offering domain services to EU customers – even if based elsewhere. The rules cover data validation, disclosure requests, published policies, and stricter cybersecurity standards.
While NIS2 came into force in January 2023, most EU countries missed the October 2024 deadline to implement it. That delay is creating uncertainty, but the requirements are already being enforced. Registrars and resellers are expected to report major incidents within 24 to 72 hours and strengthen their security practices.
Despite this, 47% of respondents in the report say they’re not familiar with NIS2 at all. Among those who are, the top concerns are compliance costs, technical changes, and legal risks. If you’re a reseller, now’s the time to get your systems and agreements in order – before enforcement catches up.
Key takeaway for resellers: Start preparing now. Align with partners that support NIS2 compliance and review your policies to avoid surprises later.
Sustainability in the domain industry
Sustainability is becoming part of the conversation across all industries – and domains are no exception. While sustainability isn’t exactly driving the domain industry just yet, it’s starting to influence how people search, register, and brand online.
According to the report, 31% of respondents highlighted sustainability and eco-related themes as rising keyword trends in 2024. That puts it ahead of categories like entertainment and media, though still behind more dominant topics like tech and crypto.
We’re also seeing more businesses choose domains that reflect values like carbon reduction, ethical business, or environmental impact. While the infrastructure side of the industry hasn’t widely adopted green standards yet, interest is growing – especially among companies that want their digital presence to align with their environmental positioning. It’s early, but the shift has begun.
Key takeaway for resellers: Offer domain options and messaging that align with sustainability-minded businesses—this could become a competitive edge.
Domain security
Domain security is no longer a nice-to-have – it’s an expectation. In 2024, 75% of businesses faced domain-based phishing attempts, pushing the industry to respond with faster takedowns, better abuse detection, and tighter collaboration between registrars, registries, and public agencies. TLS/SSL is now standard across most TLDs, while SPF adoption is growing quickly thanks to better awareness around email spoofing.
Meanwhile, DNSSEC adoption remains relatively low, especially among gTLDs, due to its technical complexity. But there are exceptions: some European ccTLDs lead the way, with usage rates above 70%, driven by stricter national regulations and stronger awareness of DNS threats.
Customers are also demanding greater protection. TLS/SSL certificates, domain security, and WHOIS privacy rank among the most valued add-ons. Registries are stepping up with 24/7 abuse teams, automated detection systems, and support for protocols like DMARC, SPF, and DKIM. As phishing tactics become more sophisticated – especially with the help of AI – security needs to be built in from the start.
Key takeaway for resellers: Make domain security a core part of your offer. It’s what your customers expect – and what sets you apart.
You want to grow your domain business. But the industry is complex.
As a domain reseller, you need to stay ahead of market trends, meet growing security demands, and stay compliant with changing regulations like NIS2. But with tight margins and rising expectations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
At Openprovider, we understand the challenges resellers face – because we’ve helped thousands of businesses solve them.
With access to over 1,900 TLDs, powerful automation tools, high-value security features, and our unique Membership subscription model, we give you everything you need to grow – without the hassle. Our platform is built for resellers who want flexibility, performance, and support from a partner who knows the industry inside out.
Here’s how to get started:
- Become an Openprovider Member.
- Get access to better pricing, tools, and support.
- Start growing your domain business with confidence.
Success in 2025 doesn’t come from chasing trends. It comes from choosing the right partner.
