What is the .app TLD and Why Choose It for Your Project?

What is .app?

The .app domain is a generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) specifically designed for applications, software developers, and technology products. Launched to the general public in May 2018, it is managed by the Google Registry.

Unlike traditional domains like .com or .net, the .app TLD was created with a specific purpose in mind: to provide a secure and relevant home for the booming app economy. Whether it is a mobile application, a web-based tool, or a backend service, .app tells users exactly what to expect before they even click the link.

A defining characteristic of the .app domain is its focus on security. It is the first TLD to require HTTPS for all websites. This is achieved through the HSTS (HTTP Strict Transport Security) preload list. While you can buy the domain like any other, it will not resolve in a browser unless you have an SSL certificate configured. This built-in security makes .app a highly trustworthy namespace on the internet.

For more technical details on the launch and specifications, you can visit the ICANN Wiki for .app or the official Google Registry .app page.

How People Are Using .app

The .app extension has seen rapid adoption within the tech community. Because "app" is a universally recognized term, it bridges the gap between developers and end-users. Here is how it is currently being utilized:

• Mobile App Landing Pages: Companies with apps on the Apple App Store or Google Play use .app domains (e.g., getproduct.app) as a central hub to provide download links, release notes, and support.
• Web Applications (SaaS): Since modern software often lives in the browser, SaaS (Software as a Service) providers use .app for the actual login and interface of their product, separating it from their marketing site (often on a .com).
• Developer Portfolios: Individual coders and software engineers use lastname.app or projectname.app to showcase their coding projects and resume.
• Documentation and Support: Tech companies create dedicated sub-sites using .app to host API documentation or user guides.

Notable Entities Using .app

Since its launch, many high-profile companies and innovative startups have adopted the TLD to signal security and relevance. Here are a few notable examples:

1. Cash App (cash.app): One of the most famous examples, Cash App uses this domain for its massive peer-to-peer payment service, perfectly aligning the brand name with the URL.
2. Google (google.app): As the registry operator, Google utilizes the extension for various internal projects and redirects to showcase the domain's utility.
3. Sitata (sitata.app): A travel safety application that uses the domain to host its web-based services.
4. Puppeteer (pptr.dev / hosted apps): While many developer tools use various extensions, the .app space is frequently populated by open-source projects hosted by the community.

If you are browsing Product Hunt, you will notice a significant percentage of new tech launches now utilize .app addresses due to the saturation of the .com market.

Why Choose .app?

Choosing the right extension is critical for your brand's digital identity. Here is why .app is a superior choice for developers and tech businesses:

• Built-in Security (HSTS): As mentioned, the enforced HTTPS requirement protects your users from malware and tracking by ISPs on unsecured connections. It signals to your visitors—and search engines—that you take security seriously.
• Instant Recognition: The extension describes your product immediately. If your domain ends in .app, users know they are visiting a functional tool or application.
• SEO Benefits: Google has stated that HTTPS is a ranking signal. Because .app enforces HTTPS, you are adhering to best practices for Search Engine Optimization (SEO) by default.
• Availability: While finding a short, one-word .com is nearly impossible or prohibitively expensive, the .app namespace still offers excellent availability for short, memorable, and brandable names.
• Trust Factor: In an era of phishing and insecure sites, the green padlock associated with .app sites (due to mandatory SSL) increases user confidence.

Register Your .app Domain at Namefi

Ready to secure the perfect home for your application? At Namefi, we make registering your .app domain simple, secure, and future-proof.

Namefi is not just a standard registrar; we are bridging the gap between Web2 and Web3. When you register a domain with us, you aren't just renting a name; you are securing a digital asset that can be tokenized and easily managed or traded on the blockchain.

Why register with Namefi?

• ICANN Accredited: Fully compliant and secure registration.
• Seamless Web3 Integration: Option to mint your domain as an NFT for easier transfer and liquidity.
• Competitive Pricing: Get your project started without breaking the budget.

Don't let your perfect app name get taken by a competitor. Secure your digital real estate today.

Register your .app domain at Namefi