Now that you have a clear idea of ​​what domain names are and exactly how they work, let’s dive into the different types of top-level domain names that are available for you to register. 

When most people want to build a website, they usually think of the most popular and standard ‘.com’. While this is one of the most common and popular extensions, there are several different types of extensions available.

However, there are five different types of top-level domain extensions available to you. However, some of these domain extensions will not be available to you unless you run a certain type of website. But, below we will discuss in detail these 5 top-level domain extensions.

#1 Top-Level Domain Extension

In fact, top-level domains are at the top of the Internet classification of domain names and are commonly referred to as TLDs. There are over thousands of different TLDs domain extensions available for your website. In recent years, ICANN has introduced new TLD registrations and approvals, allowing companies and individuals to pitch and register unique TLDs for their websites. As a result, this has increased the number of TLDs available.

Remember that when you choose a top-level domain extension for your domain, you choose one that relates to or enhances your brand and overall domain. Just because a specific TLD is available, does not mean that you will register it, it may be a standard.Com domain extension. So, choose many TLD vanity extensions vs something that should be used for the foundation of your site.

#2 Country Code Top Level Domain Extension

Next on the list is our country’s Code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD). As the name implies, these domain extensions are technically linked to different countries. We know that each country has its own ccTLD, but since you live in a specific country you do not need to use this type of domain extension.

For example, ccTLD .co is technically for websites in countries outside of Colombia, but it is commonly used by Internet startups such as AND.CO

These domain extensions can be effective if you want to create a website for a specific country and signal to your visitors that using these domain extensions has brought them to the right place. For example, websites outside the United States may use the ‘.us’ extension, while companies in Bangladesh may use the ‘.bd’ extension.

#3 Generic Top-Level Domain Extension

Next, we’ve got generic top-level domains (gTLDs). This is more of a definition than an actual type of domain and as the description recommends, it’s just a different variation of a TLD. So, you could technically classify this type of domain extension as a TLD as well. By now there are a lot more (18,00+), gTLDs available including things like .coffee, .hiphop, and .lgbt.

The generic aspect of this domain extension refers to the types of applications that are intended for these domains.

Let’s look at the matter through an example. Military clubs may use the ‘.mil’ extension, while educational institutions may use ‘.edu’ and ‘.org’ for use by nonprofit organizations.

Lots of GTLDs can be registered even if you don’t meet the requirements, but you must meet the requirements for something like ‘.mil’ and ‘.edu’.

#4 Second-Level Domain Extension

Second-level domains in terms of stratification are below the highlighted TLD. This does not mean that they are less authoritative, or more valuable. Rather, it helps to describe the second part of the domain name, such as ‘pcgn’ in ‘www.pcgn.com’

There are also country code based second-level domain extensions, which may look like the following:

• co.uk – UK companies usually use it.
• .gov.uk – Used by government agencies across the United Kingdom.
• .gov.au – It is used by government agencies across Australia.

#5 Third Level Domain Extension

Third- domains rank lower than comparative second- domains in domain name classification. These are not complete domain names in and of themselves but only a part of a domain name.

For example, in the domain name “www.pcgn.com”, ‘www’ will be the third level domain. Or, if you want to use a subdomain to create an additional section of your website, it will also be a third-level domain.

You don’t need to have a third-level domain name to get a fully functional domain name. For example, ‘pcgn.com’ will work fine. Even the ‘www’ domain name that was required is no longer required.

In fact third-level domains we use just when we need to add a subdomain to an existing domain. Subdomains can be used for different purposes on different websites, such as adding a blog, creating a resource section, creating an online store, etc.