What Does ".io" Actually Mean? The Secret World of TLDs
You are brainstorming a name for your new startup. You want https://www.google.com/search?q=coolproject.com, but it is already taken (or costs $50,000).
So, you look around and see everyone using .io, .ai, or .co.
These are called TLDs (Top-Level Domains). But do you know what they actually stand for?
1. The King: .com (Commercial)
Original Purpose: Commercial Business.
This is the gold standard. People naturally assume every website ends in .com. If you can get the .com version of your name, buy it. It implies trust, history, and stability.
2. The Cool Kid: .io (Indian Ocean)
Original Purpose: British Indian Ocean Territory.
Wait, what? Yes, .io is technically a country code for a tiny group of islands. So why do startups love it?
- I/O = Input/Output: In computer science, I/O is a core concept. Developers saw
.ioand thought, "That looks like code!" - It's Available: Since it was obscure for so long, you can still find good short names.
3. The Smart One: .ai (Anguilla)
Original Purpose: Anguilla (Caribbean Island).
Just like .io, this was a country code that got lucky. Because "AI" stands for Artificial Intelligence, this domain is now booming. Note: It is usually much more expensive than other domains.
4. The Nonprofit: .org (Organization)
Original Purpose: Non-profit Organizations.
Use this ONLY if you are a charity, open-source project, or community group. If you use .org for a for-profit business, people will be confused.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you are building a local business (like a bakery), get your country code (e.g., .in for India, .uk for UK). It helps with local SEO.
If you are building a global tech product, .com is best, but .io is a perfectly acceptable second choice.
Is your dream domain available?
