There's no doubt that '.com' is the most well-recognized top-level domain (TLD) on the internet, used by some of the world's most popular websites, including Facebook, YouTube, and Google.
However, I'm sure you've noticed many artificial intelligence (AI)-focused websites using '.ai' to enhance their brand and compete in the booming industry. This widespread adoption has led '.ai' to become the fastest-growing TLD in the world.
If you're left wondering whether your tech startup should follow suit, this article will explore the '.ai' domain and whether it is the right choice for you.
What Is the .ai Domain?
Firstly, you need to understand the components of a domain. A domain is a string address used to identify internet services, such as websites and email, made up of:
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Subdomains: This is the first part of the domain, most commonly 'www', which stands for World Wide Web.
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Domain names: This is the middle of the domain, and the most crucial part. Domain names are digital identities that help visitors understand what they'll find on your website. It is usually your brand name. For example, 'www.example.com'.
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Top-level domains (TLDs): This is the last part of the domain name. TLDs can be generic, such as '.com' and '.org', or country-coded, such as '.us' or '.co.uk'.
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Subfolders: In some cases, subfolders (titles of internal pages) are added after the domain name and TLD (known as the root domain when combined). For example, 'www.example.com/our-team/' or 'www.example.us/blog/.'
In the image below, you can see the URL for the AI-powered marketing platform, Jasper, which uses a ‘.ai’ TLD and subfolders to make website navigation seamless. In this case, the ‘.ai’ domain highlights to visitors that they are part of the innovative tech industry and likely use AI to power their services, avoiding disappointment and confusion.
Although an American company, staying clear of the ‘.us’ country-code TLD is a smart move for reaching a global audience.
For the sake of this article, we are focusing on the TLD. Since 1973, '.ai' has been the country-code TLD for Anguilla (a small British Overseas Territories in the Eastern Caribbean) - similar to how U.S.-based websites have '.us'.
However, in January 2025, domain name registry Identity Digital took over management of the '.ai' TLD, allowing websites outside of Anguilla to adopt it, particularly to enhance the branding of AI-focused websites.
👍 Pros of .ai Domain For Tech Startups
When deciding whether a '.ai' domain is right for your tech startup, it's essential to weigh up the pros and cons, whilst considering your brand and what it offers to consumers. Here are the pros of a '.ai' TLD:
Better Availability
When setting up your tech startup, you will likely conduct a domain name search, which allows you to discover which domain names are available, buy your chosen one, and register it.
However, you will notice that many popular domain names with '.com' TLDs are already taken. This is why alternative TLDs like '.ai' and ‘.io’ are an excellent choice for tech startups, as they allow website owners to secure a memorable and unique domain name without as much competition.
Long-Term Investment
It's no secret that purchasing a '.ai' domain name will be expensive, especially for a startup.
However, they are appreciating assets, meaning as AI becomes even more embedded in our society (which it will), the demand for '.ai' TLDs will increase. You could make a significant profit from your domain if you choose to sell it at a later date, making it the perfect long-term investment for startups.
In addition, ‘.ai’ domains have significant SEO advantages that are worth investing in, such as:
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Websites with a ‘.ai’ TLD are likely to rank higher for searches related to AI, enhancing online visibility.
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The niche relevance of ‘.ai’ domains makes it easier for your audience to find you, driving targeted traffic to your website.
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Most hosting providers that allow ‘.ai’ domains can be integrated with advanced SEO tools and plugins.
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‘.ai’ domains are expensive, which deters malicious users. This means Google sees websites with a ‘.ai’ TLD as safe and secure, ranking them higher than spammy TLDs such as ‘.xyz’ and ’.top’.
Improves Branding
Not only are tech startups buying '.ai' TLDs because they sound tech-savvy, but they are also a robust branding move for those in the competitive AI industry.
A '.ai' TLD will attract investors, customers, and clients to your website by signalling expertise and a clear market focus. Increased website traffic is essential for tech startups seeking support and funding from investors, making an industry-specific domain like '.ai' extremely valuable.
In addition, potential investors, customers, or clients will recognise that your tech startup is part of a technological advance and innovative future, not shying away from the inevitable rise of AI.
Fast-Growing Industry
The AI industry had an estimated market size of $428 billion in 2022 and is expected to only grow, making it one of the fastest-growing industries worldwide.
Even if your tech startup is not currently focused on AI, you can now integrate AI tools and technologies into every industry. Using the '.ai' TLD from the outset gives your startup the flexibility to adopt more AI tools and technology in the future, whether focused on healthcare, retail, hospitality, or entertainment.
For example, if your tech startup is a platform for comparing the costs of healthcare providers, you may later choose to grow your platform to include AI-powered results. If you choose to do so, you'll be glad you bought the '.ai' TLD early, as registration prices are likely to increase.
Recognized by Google
Google treats '.ai' as a generic domain for search purposes, meaning it does not automatically associate websites with Anguilla. As a result, .'ai' domains are not geographically restricted and can rank globally in search results.
Websites using '.ai'can rank just as highly as those using '.com', comprovided they follow SEO best practices such as keyword optimization, fast page load speeds, and proper use of alt text.
Ranking well on Google builds brand awareness and increases organic traffic, which is essential for tech startups entering a crowded marketplace
👎 Cons of .ai Domain For Tech Startups
Despite the many pros of purchasing a '.ai' TLD and the apparent growing demand, there are a few cons that tech startups should be aware of, such as:
Not as Common as '.com'
Despite the global adoption of '.ai', it is safe to say that '.com' remains the most common and trusted TLD. This means for non-AI-related startups, '.ai' is likely a bad investment. However, the popularity of '.ai' domains is likely to change in the future, as registrations catch up with '.com'.
In addition, even AI-focused websites could miss out on some direct traffic when people assume your web address ends with '.com'.
Confusing Your Visitors
Using a '.ai' TLD for a non-AI-related website can confuse website visitors and mislead them about the nature of your products or services. This can damage your brand's credibility and massively increase your bounce rate, as visitors will quickly leave your site when they realise it's not what they thought.
If your tech startup isn't focused on AI or doesn't use any AI tools and technology, then consider buying a '.io' TLD. 'io' stands for input/output in tech terms, making it an ideal option for tech startups looking to reach a broader tech audience.
Higher Costs
'.ai' TLDs are highly valuable to tech-centric businesses worldwide, so they don't come cheap. Costly domain names aren't always the best options for startups, which should use their funding for more important business matters.
'.ai' domain names are expensive due to the explosive growth in registrations and their limited availability.
However, these high costs make them less accessible to malicious users, making them generally safer for website visitors.
Is .ai the Right Choice for Your Tech Startup?
The '.ai' TLD is an appreciating asset with strong branding opportunities, which is essential for tech startups. With its widespread adoption and Google recognition, purchasing a '.ai' domain is the right choice for your tech startup, but only if you are AI-focused or plan to be in the near future.
At this point, '.com' remains the most popular TLD, so tech startups that don't use AI tools or technologies should consider sticking with this generic option, which helps ensure visitors aren't confused and they receive more direct traffic.