Currently there isn’t a top-level domain (TLD) named “.tunes”. Top-Level Domains are the last segment of a domain name – the letters immediately following the final dot, like .com, .org, .net etc. They are developed and maintained by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), a department of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). As of today, there are over 1,500 TLDs available according to the official ICANN website.
One of the most well-known TLD categories are generic TLDs (gTLDs), which include familiar extensions like .com, .net, .org, .info etc. However, in recent years, ICANN has expanded the domain name system (DNS) to include a wide range of new gTLDs. These can refer to professions (.lawyer, .doctor), locations (.nyc, .london), or specific industries and interests (.fashion, .music), amongst other categories.
In order to establish a new gTLD, one needs to submit an application to ICANN during their open application periods. The process is costly (the application fee alone is $185,000 – as last recorded in 2012 gTLD application round) and complex, requiring thorough technical, financial, and operational capacities assessments.
Specifically, in the music industry TLD space, the .MUSIC top-level domain is currently awaiting launch. But as mandated by ICANN’s rules, this TLD will follow a “community-based” approach, where priority is given to those who can show substantial support from within their respective music-related communities.
As the “.tunes” TLD doesn’t currently exist, one example that might be similar is the .fm TLD which is used by many radio stations and music podcasting websites. The .fm TLD is the country-code of the Federated States of Micronesia but has been marketed worldwide as the ‘FM radio’ domain. Shoutcast and Last.fm are popular examples of websites utilizing the .fm domain.
However, if a company or an individual wanted to create a “.tunes” TLD, they would follow the same procedure mentioned above – waiting for ICANN to open up their application period for new TLDs, submitting a detailed application and paying the corresponding fee. If approved, the “.tunes” TLD could indeed be established.
In summary, as there is currently no “.tunes” TLD, the process to create one will involve a robust application process, subjected to available application periods by ICANN. It’s important to note that creating new TLDs requires heavy financial investments and the ability to demonstrate the necessary technical, financial and operational capacities.
References:
1. https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/tlds-2012-02-25-en
2. https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/about/governance/bylaws-en/#article1
3. https://www.icann.org/news/announcement-2012-06-13-en
4. https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/applicants/agb/guidebook-full-04jun12-en.pdf
5. https://www.music.us/
6. https://get.fm/faq/
