The top-level domain (TLD) refers to the last segment of a domain name or the part following immediately after the “dot” symbol. TLDs are mainly classified into two categories: generic TLDs (such as .com, .net, .org) and country-specific TLDs (such as .uk, .fr, .ca) (Verisign, 2021). These TLDs form an integral part of the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) that we utilize for browsing the internet.
.STUDIO is a specific type of generic TLD that is intended to be used by entities related to the artistic and creative industry. It was introduced and is managed by the Donuts registry, which is a company that manages some of the world’s largest and most diverse domain name portfolios. According to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the global authority for managing and coordinating the Domain Name System (DNS), the .STUDIO domain is one of the numerous new gTLDs that were approved as part of the Biggest Expansion to the Domain Space (ICANN, 2011).
The goal of the .STUDIO domain is to offer an exclusive space for creative artists, studios, design agencies, photographers, and anyone involved in a creative pursuit. For instance, a music recording studio like ExampleMusic.Studio or a photography studio such as ExamplePhoto.Studio can use this TLD to enhance their online presence and instantly communicate what their business is about. This gives members of the creative industry a chance to claim a domain name that truly reflects their crafts and professions.
The use of .STUDIO also offers specific branding benefits. It provides a clear and easy-to-remember digital address as compared to generic ones like .com or .net. It differentiates the studio-type businesses from other businesses online, making it easier for potential customers to find them. Moreover, since it’s a relatively recent addition, there’s an abundantly wider range of names still available, reducing the chances of needing to compromise on the domain name of choice due to unavailability.
In summary, .STUDIO is an innovative top-level domain launched to provide a dedicated online platform to studios, artists, and other creative professionals. By choosing a .STUDIO domain, you are able to immediately let your web visitors know about the creative and artistic nature of your business or organization.
Sources:
ICANN. (2011). New gTLDs. https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/
Verisign. (2021). About top-level domains. https://www.verisign.com/en\_US/domain-names/online/top-level-domains/index.xhtml
Donuts Inc. (2021). The .STUDIO domain. http://www.donuts.domains/domains/tlds/studio.
