The top-level domain (TLD) “.LIKE” does not currently exist in the Domain Name System (DNS) used across the internet. A top-level domain (TLD) is the last segment of a domain name, placed after the final dot — for instance, “.com” in “www.google.com”. TLDs are primarily categorized into two types: generic TLDs (gTLDs) and country-code TLDs (ccTLDs). Prominent examples of gTLD include .com, .net, .org, .edu and .gov, whereas ccTLD are specific to countries, such as .us for the United States, .uk for the United Kingdom, .jp for Japan, and so on.
Information about recognized TLDs can be found at the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) website, the organization that oversees global IP address allocation, DNS root zone management, and other Internet protocol resources. As of my research time, there was no .LIKE TLD listed in the IANA database.
To implement a new gTLD, an application must be submitted to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) during their application window. ICANN initiated the new gTLD program in 2012 and the application fee was $185,000 per domain. Due to the complex process and public interest, new applications are currently closed and no date was set for when they may be open again (ICANN).
ICANN has received nearly 2,000 applications for new gTLDs since 2012, with domains ranging from commonly used terms like .APP, .BLOG, .WEB to brand-specific domains like .GOOGLE, .AMAZON. However, “.LIKE” was not among the applications received so far.
The push for such expansiveness is an endeavor to foster competition, encourage innovation, and provide choice with greater domain name availability. For instance, Google’s .APP domain is designed to provide a secure space for app developers, .BLOG stands as a dedicated place for bloggers while brand-specific TLDs such as .BMW or .IBM ensure brand authenticity.
In conclusion, while it is technically possible to create a “.LIKE” TLD, such process has not yet been undertaken or completed. Until that’s done, it remains unavailable for public or private use in domain names.
Sources:
1. IANA Root Zone Database (https://www.iana.org/domains/root/db)
2. ICANN New gTLD Program (https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/about/program)
3. ICANN gTLD Applicant Guidebook (https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/applicants/agb/guidebook-full-04jun12-en.pdf)
4. Google Registry (https://www.registry.google/)
5. Brand TLDs – Making the Case for A Branded TLD (https://www.brandsight.com/blog-article/brand-tlds-making-case-branded-tld)
