What is a .AI Domain (and How Do I Get One)?
With artificial intelligence taking over the world, it’s no surprise the .AI domain is getting so much attention. It’s a short, snappy, and easy-to-remember TLD that offers brands a modern, tech-forward image. But it’s not just for businesses working in the tech sector. Anyone can register the .AI extension and, because it’s one of the newer TLDs, it can be easier to find a great web address and make your business stand out in the digital crowd.
What is AI? l What is the .AI domain? l Who can register .AI? l Why get .AI? l Successful Examples l How do I buy .AI?
What is AI?
Only a couple of years ago and the words “Artificial Intelligence” might’ve had you thinking about scenarios straight out of sci-fi: epic showdowns between humans and sentient androids, the rise of the machines, and so forth.
AI isn’t some futuristic notion anymore. It’s here, shaping how we do business and transforming our daily lives. From smart home devices that can preheat your oven to AI-driven apps diagnosing medical conditions, AI is at the heart of it all.
The UK is an AI hotspot – with twice as many AI-based companies as any other country in Europe. London is home to a good handful of the biggest names, not least of all Google’s own research lab, DeepMind. The UK artificial intelligence industry is on course to exceed £4.5 billion this year.
Needless to say: artificial intelligence is here to stay. And as the technology keeps moving on at rapid pace, the .AI extension has become an in-demand choice for all sorts of businesses.
What is the .AI domain?
Surprisingly, the “.AI” web address wasn’t born in tech world, but on an island paradise.
It’s another good example of a ccTLD finding new life beyond its intended use, like “IT” for Italy or “.ME” for Montenegro. Of course, .AI still works very well for businesses based in Anguilla!
The .AI domain has since evolved into something much bigger – a stamp of authority for brands at the forefront. The rise of artificial intelligence has seen interest in the domain skyrocket, making it a go-to choice for startups and enterprises working in technology.
❝.AI has evolved into something much bigger – a stamp of authority for brands at the forefront.❞
According to WHOIS data, the total number registered .AI domains has more than doubled in the last couple of years.
Interestingly, the revenue from .AI domain registrations has actually become a big economic boon for little Anguilla — the government of which receives a slice of the fee for all registrations and renewals!
Who Can Register a .AI Domain?
Similar to other top-level domains (TLDs), there are certain rules in place when it comes to registering a .AI domain. The good news, though, is that .AI is for everyone. You don’t need to be living on a tropical island just to grab this domain. You don’t even need a computer science degree.
But that also means that anyone else out there can snap up the perfect domain before you do! If you’re starting an online venture, there’s no better time than now to buy a .AI web address. Cheers!
Why Get a .AI Domain Name?
1. Short and memorable
With only the two initials, the .AI suffix is easy to remember and share, making it perfect for building a strong brand identity. Because it’s so short and punchy, people are much more likely to remember (and shout about) your web address.
2. Greater availability
Unlike some other domain extensions, .AI is relatively new, so there’s a good chance you can find the perfect domain name for your business. There are only about 400,000 registered .AI registered domains as of 2024. That may sound a lot, but compare that to millions (yes, millions) of .com and .org domains. Early adopters can reap the benefits of having a distinct and meaningful online address that gets them standing out in a competitive market.
3. Show your expertise
Your .AI domain instantly signals credibility and expertise in the field of AI, making a strong impression before visitors even reach your site. It’s like a digital badge of honour or stamp of approval – showing you’re at the forefront of technology.
4. Own your brand
A .AI domain can be a powerful tool for building a strong brand identity. It’s more than just a website address – it’s a statement about your business. This doesn’t only apply to tech firms. Whether you’re a startup, a creative agency, or any sort of business looking to embrace innovation, a .AI domain positions you as forward-thinking.
5. Higher ranking
An .AI domain can give your website a significant boost in search engine rankings, especially when people are searching for AI-related products or services. Because it’s directly related to artificial intelligence, search engines are more likely to see your website as relevant to those queries. This can lead to higher organic traffic and better visibility in search results.
6. Value for money
Many popular domain extensions, like .com, are overcrowded, making it hard for businesses and individuals to find and buy good names at affordable prices. .AI domains are a great new alternative, allowing people to secure ideal names that reflect their brand or identity, but at a fraction of the cost of the other, more-saturated TLDs.
7. Future ready
Choosing a .AI domain shows the world that you’re forward-thinking and committed to using the latest technology. It positions your business as a leader. By securing your .AI domain, you’re not just claiming a website address – you’re staking your claim in the digital future.
Examples of Successful .AI Domains
Still not sure if a .AI domain is right for you? Check out how some major players are using it:
☐ AI.google: Google’s AI division uses the .AI domain to highlight its focus on AI technology and its benefits.
☐ Facebook.ai: Meta (formerly Facebook) uses .AI to showcase its commitment to AI research and development.
☐ Open.ai: OpenAI, partnered with Microsoft, leads the way in advanced AI applications, aiming to ensure AI benefits humanity.
☐ Replika.ai: Replika offers AI-driven chatbot companions and uses .AI to emphasise its focus on conversational artificial intelligence.
☐ Synthetix.ai: Synthetix focuses in synthetic data solutions, showing its innovative approach with the .AI extension.
☐ Vicarious.ai: Vicarious is at the forefront of AI research, particularly in developing more human-like AI systems, and uses .AI to reflect its technological focus.
☐ X.ai: X.ai provides AI-powered scheduling tools, making great use of the .AI TLD to highlight its advanced technological solutions.
.AI has even found a use in creative “domain hacks” (like “www.bonz.ai”) — combining the main part of a domain name with the final two letters of the TLD.
How Do I Buy a .AI Domain?
1.Search for Availability
The first step to securing your .ai domain is to check its availability. Most domain registrars offer domain search tools – and 123 Reg is no exception! Simply input your desired domain name and the .AI extension to see if it’s available. If not, you’ll see plenty of other suggestions.
2. Choose the best .AI for you
To find a suitable domain, consider these factors:
✓ Domain length: Shorter domains are generally easier to remember.
✓ Relevance: Be sure your web address aligns with your brand and what you do.
✓ Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords to improve search engine visibility.
✓ Double Up: You can expand your reach by pairing your .AI domain with complementary options like .com, .net, and .io. Buying domains in bulk can also be a good way to protect your brand online.
Not sure how to choose the best domain name? Check out our guide: Names That Click: How to Choose the Right Domain Name
Manage
Once you own your .AI domain, you’ll need to manage it using a domain management tool. This lets you tweak settings, like DNS, to connect your domain to your website or email. You can also create subdomains for different parts of your site or set up email addresses using your domain name. 123 Reg makes this all super easy. Of course, you’ll also want to create a new website to bring that domain to life.
Protecting your .AI domain is an important part of managing your online presence. At 123 Reg, we offer a security tool called Domain Protection to help keep your personal details private. In a nutshell, that means that our contact details will appear in the WHOIS database, not yours. This helps protect domain owners from spam, identity theft, and unsolicited contact.
Remember: .AI Domains can be registered (and renewed) in 2-year increments up to 10 years. Many registrars put auto-renewal in place as standard, but it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the expiration date of your domain.
Once the digital identifier for a small Caribbean Island, .AI has become the go-to domain for businesses at the forefront of artificial intelligence. This has made it the ideal address for tech innovators and forward-thinking brands alike. The .AI revolution is here. Ready to be part of it?
