The top-level domain (TLD) .AUDIO is a domain extension intended for websites and online services related to audio content. Launched in 2014, the .AUDIO domain extension is managed by Uniregistry, a reputable domain name registry founded by the well-known internet entrepreneur Frank Schilling. You can find this information on IANA’s (Internet Assigned Numbers Authority) official website, which is responsible for coordinating the global internet’s systems of unique identifiers, including domain names.
The .AUDIO domain name targets a broad audience—from music artists, record labels, and DJs, to audio device manufacturers, sound engineers, and podcasters. The aim is to provide an online platform where anyone can share, promote, sell, and discuss music or any audio content. Websites like Beats.audio, a manufacturer of audio products, notably utilize this TLD. You can visit the website to get a sense of how this TLD is used in practice.
One of the main advantages is the immediate recognition that the site is related to audio. This offers a branding advantage and can significantly improve the website’s success as visitors will immediately be informed that the website’s content is related to audio simply through the URL. An example of such a benefit might be witnessed at brands like Dolby Laboratories, using a .AUDIO domain extension could help them to instantly communicate and emphasize their service’s audio technology solutions. Still, as of the moment, they are making use of the .com TLD.
However, it’s important to note that the adoption of these new TLDs, including .AUDIO, has been relatively slow, according to a series of reports by Swiss domain registrar, Switch. Many well-known audio brands, producers, and artists continue to use more established TLDs like .com or .net. Some critics suggest this is due to a lack of public awareness about the new TLDs and confusion about whether or not they are trustworthy.
Registration for a .AUDIO domain happens through domain registrar companies. Most of these have an online interface that allows you to see if your desired .AUDIO domain name is available and to register and purchase it if it is. Prices can vary from registrar to registrar, and it can typically be slightly higher than a .com domain due to the specialized nature of .AUDIO domains.
Even with the perceived lack of widespread adoption, the .AUDIO domain undeniably offers an excellent opportunity for anyone involved in the audio industry to synthesize their brand identity in a unique way. Thus, making a strong branding statement just with the website URL.
Sources:
1. IANA — .audio Domain Delegation Data. https://www.iana.org/domains/root/db/audio.html.
2. New gTLD Quarterly Report Q1 2021, SWITCH. https://www.nic.switch.ch/reports/new-gtlds-2021-q1/.
