.tv domain
.tv is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Tuvalu, a small island nation in the South Pacific Ocean. While .tv is technically the ccTLD for Tuvalu, it’s often used and marketed as a gTLD (generic top-level domain) for websites related to television, video content and entertainment.
Learn more: Website infrastructure
This domain extension passed through a few hands in terms of its management over the years.
In 1998, Tuvalu signed a contract with a company called DotTV, which was managed by several companies and entities before later becoming part of VeriSign. This agreement allowed Tuvalu to generate revenue by leasing and selling .tv domain names. In 2021, Godaddy took over management of the .tv domain extension and holds it to this date. The nation of Tuvalu still earns income from .tv, in 2019 it was estimated that 8.4% of its government income came from .tv royalties.
Learn more: What is a domain
Who uses .tv and why?
.tv domains are popular among individuals, companies and organizations involved in the entertainment, broadcasting and video content industries. Here's why and who uses .tv domains:
TV networks: many television networks, both traditional and online streaming services, use .tv domains to host their websites and promote their shows, series and content. An example is Motherboard.tv which is a video content site created for Dell.
Content creators: independent content creators, vloggers, YouTubers and other online video creators often choose .tv domains to brand their websites and showcase their video content.
Entertainment companies: companies involved in the entertainment industry, such as production studios, event organizers and movie theaters, may use .tv domains to highlight their involvement in the entertainment sector.
Video streaming platforms: streaming platforms, including those specializing in live streaming and on-demand video, sometimes opt for .tv domains to underline their video content offerings.
Educational organizations: universities and educational institutions with video-focused programs or video libraries can use .tv domains to showcase their video resources.
Perhaps the most well-known .tv domain user is Twitch.tv which started life as a live streaming platform for gamers and now allows anyone to create and stream their own created content.
There are currently estimated to be 467,914 registered .tv domains worldwide with popularity growing in an era of online entertainment and content creation.
Websites using .tv domains
This YouTube bases cooking show uses his website and his .tv domain extension to market his cooking shows and sell related merch. It clearly shows that this is a content creation business, focused on video.
A .tv domain is a great choice for the portfolio of a director and writer, as it perfectly captures and shows the industry and medium, the portfolio owner works in.
You may also be interested in:
How to register a .tv domain
To register a .tv domain the following steps are usually required:
01. Choose a domain name registrar
Select a domain registrar that offers .tv domain registration services. Many registrars offer .tv domains as part of their offerings. Wix is one example.
02. Check domain name availability
Use the registrar's domain name search tool to check if your desired .tv domain name is available. If it's available, you can proceed with the registration process.
03. Provide accurate domain registration information as required
You’ll need to provide accurate registrant information, including your name, address and contact details. Ensure this information is up to date, as it's used for domain ownership verification.
04. Select registration payment period and payment method
After confirming domain availability and providing registrant details, follow the registrar's instructions to complete the registration. This typically involves selecting the desired domain registration period (usually in years) and making a payment.
Tip: If you create a website with Wix, you can choose a domain name and register your domain name as part of making your site, once you’ve got a premium plan.
Are .tv domains safe?
.tv domains are considered safe, much like other well-established top-level domains (TLDs). The .tv domain is a legitimate and recognized TLD, and it is managed by Verisign, a reputable domain registry. As with any domain extension, the legitimacy of a .tv domain depends on how it is used and registered.
.tv domains can be registered through accredited domain registrars, like Wix, what makes them safe which is ultimately. It's important to register your .tv domain through a reputable registrar to ensure proper management and security of it and your website.
The safety of a .tv domain, like any other domain, depends on the implementation of standard website security practices. Ensure that you use secure passwords, enable two-factor authentication if available, and keep your registration information up to date. It's important to note that the domain extension itself does not determine the safety or legitimacy of a website. Individual websites, regardless of their domain extension, can be used for various purposes, so users should exercise caution and follow best practices for online security.
.tv and ICANN
ICANN, or the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, is a non-profit organization responsible for coordinating the global Internet's Domain Name System (DNS), IP address allocation and various other Internet-related tasks.
What does ICANN do in the context of domain extensions?
Oversses the management and distribution of top-level domains (TLDs), like .tv
When a new domain extension is established, ICANN ensures that it adheres to the standards set for all TLDs.
Supervises the registration process, ensuring that domain names are unique and that the associated WHOIS information is accurate. WHOIS is a protocol used to query databases and obtain information about registered domain names, including details about the domain owner, registrar, and registration dates.
Oversses URL structures and uniqueness. A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address used to access resources on the World Wide Web. It consists of the protocol (like HTTP or HTTPS), the domain name (which includes the TLD like .tv), and the specific path to the resource on the web server. ICANN's involvement ensures that these URLs are properly structured and that the associated domain extensions adhere to established standards across the whole World Wide Web/Internet.
.tv domain extension FAQ
Can anyone register a .tv domain?
Yes, .tv domains are generally available for registration by individuals, businesses and organizations worldwide. There are no specific restrictions based on geographic location.
How much does a .tv domain cost?
The cost of a .tv domain can vary depending on the domain registrar and any additional services or features you choose.
Can I transfer my .tv domain to a different registrar?
Yes, you can transfer a .tv domain to a different registrar. The process typically involves unlocking the domain and obtaining an authorization code from your current registrar.