The top-level domain (TLD) “.love” is one of the many domain extensions available for use in the digital world today. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), responsible for managing and coordinating the Domain Name System (DNS) to ensure every address is unique, oversees these domain extensions.
According to ICANN, a top-level domain (TLD) is the last part of a domain name – the letters that come after the final dot. Examples include “.com,” “.net,” “.org,” and recently more creative ones like “.love,” “.xyz,” and “.ninja.” Essentially, they help to define the purpose and geographic location of a website.
The “.love” TLD was delegated to the Root Zone of the DNS on 5th May 2014, as per the information on ICANN’s website. This TLD is managed by the registrar called Merchant Law Group LLP. It represents a generic top-level domain (gTLD), indicating any website with a “.love” domain doesn’t need to meet any location-based requirements.
The “.love” domain is marketed as flexible and open to everyone. Many websites use it to represent romantic love, familial love, customer passion for products, and more. For example, dating services, wedding venues, and even brands trying to create a more personal connection to their customers can use the “.love” TLD. An example of a commercial application would be the domain “www.starbucks.love”, used by the Starbucks Corporation to connect more personally with their customers.
As domain registration is open to the public, purchasing a “.love” domain name for your website can be done from several domain name registrars and service providers. These include recognized providers like GoDaddy, Namecheap, and Hover. Prices vary by registrar, with Namecheap, for instance, listing it at $27.88/year at the time of writing, while GoDaddy offers it for $29.99/year. Discounts may apply for the first year or for multiple-year registrations.
Before registering a “.love” TLD or any other TLD, always ensure the registrar is ICANN-accredited to protect your online property and personal data.
Sources:
1. ICANN’s TLD directory: https://data.iana.org/TLD/tlds-alpha-by-domain.txt
2. ICANN’s guide to domain names: https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/beginners-guide-2012-06-05-en
3. Merchant Law Group LLP: https://www.icann.org/registrar-reports/mlawgllp.html
4. Namecheap’s “.love” domain registration page: https://www.namecheap.com/domains/registration/results/?domain=.love
5. GoDaddy’s “.love” domain registration page: https://www.godaddy.com/domains/love-domain
6. ICANN’s accredited registrars list: https://www.icann.org/registrar-reports/accredited-list.html
