What is gCTLD?
A gCTLD stands for geographic Country-Code Top-Level Domain — though technically, it’s not a formal classification on its own. The term gCTLD is often used to describe a generic top-level domain (gTLD) that has a geographic or regional focus, even though it’s not a country-code TLD (ccTLD) like .uk or .jp.
In simple terms, a gCTLD is a domain extension that represents a city, region, or geographic identity, but it's part of the gTLD family, not ccTLDs. It’s managed globally (through ICANN) rather than by individual countries.
Examples of gCTLDs
Some common examples of gCTLDs include:
.london— for websites targeting audiences in London.nyc— for New York City-based entities.berlin— for Berlin, Germany.tokyo— for the city of Tokyo.paris— for the capital of France
These domains can be used by local governments, businesses, events, or even individuals who want to highlight their connection to a specific place.
How gCTLDs Are Different
Unlike traditional country code domains like .fr (France) or .de (Germany), gCTLDs are not limited to two-letter codes, and they’re not managed by a national registry. Instead, they’re part of the new wave of domain extensions introduced by ICANN as part of the domain expansion program in 2013 and beyond.
gCTLDs are usually operated by private companies or organizations, often in partnership with city governments or regional authorities.
Who Can Use Them
In many cases, gCTLDs are open to anyone, but some of them have restrictions. For example, to register a .nyc domain, you typically need to have a physical presence in New York City. Others, like .london or .berlin, might be more flexible depending on the registrar and the registry’s policies.
Why Use a gCTLD
People or businesses might choose a gCTLD for several reasons:
- To show a strong local identity
- To target customers in a specific city or region
- For branding, especially for local services or events
- To stand out from more generic domains like
.comor.net
For example, a small coffee shop in Berlin might register coffeelovers.berlin to immediately show that it's locally focused.
In Summary
A gCTLD is a geographic generic top-level domain that focuses on a specific place, like a city or region. While it’s not the same as a country-code domain, it serves a similar purpose helping websites highlight their local identity. It’s a useful option for businesses and organizations that want to connect with a local audience while using a modern and location-based domain extension.