The top-level domain (TLD) ‘.kim’ is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) that debuted in 2013. A top-level domain is the last segment of a domain name – the letters that come after the final dot of any domain name. For example, in the domain name www.example.com, “.com” is the TLD.
Afilias is the registry behind the ‘.kim’ domain extension. Afilias is known for providing a wide array of back-end domain services. This includes database and DNS services, contact and transfer services, what’s known as shared registration system protocol applications, and coordination with third parties such as Versign and Neustar’s registry teams. Some of Afilias’s sources include www.afilias.info.
The ‘.kim’ TLD is open to anyone, with no restriction on registration. This can be beneficial to individuals and organizations with the surname Kim, creatively used for words ending with ‘kim’, or for shorthand—‘Knowledge Information Management’. There are currently over 8,000 domains globally with the .kim TLD, according to data from Domain Name Stat.
One popular use of the ‘kim’ TLD is by celebrities named Kim, such as Kim Kardashian. For example, searching for ‘Kim.Kim’ will lead you to a fan-made website for the reality TV star, although it is not an official website. Another example might be ‘Seoul.Kim’, a hypothetical domain for a local travel blogger based in Seoul.
With ‘.kim’ being a fairly new TLD, it offers up a host of opportunities for businesses and individuals alike to create unique, impactful domain names. As the internet continues to grow, the use of such TLDs is anticipated to increase. TLDs like ‘.kim’ are an essential part of how the internet is organized and help users find and recognize websites they wish to visit.
All in all, the ‘.kim’ TLD provides a unique and personalized way to identify your website. As of now, anyone can register a ‘.kim’ domain with a domain registrar. Examples of domain registrars include the likes of GoDaddy, Namecheap, or eNom.
Sources:
1. “About Afilias.” www.afilias.info/about
2. “Domain Name Stat.” https://domainnamestat.com/
3. “What is a Domain Name and How Does it Work? Info Guide from GoDaddy.” www.godaddy.com/garage/what-is-a-domain-name/
4. “Domain Registration – Search and Buy Domain.” www.namecheap.com/domains/registration/
5. “Domain Name Search | Check Available Domains – GoDaddy.” www.godaddy.com/domains/domain-name-search
6. “Buy Domains – eNom.” www.enom.com/domains/buy-domains.
