Why .xyz Domains Dominate Web3 and Blockchain Space

The popularity of the .xyz domain skyrocketed in 2015 when Alphabet Inc., Google’s parent company, chose www.abc.xyz as its official URL. This strategic move came after American Broadcasting Corporation already occupied www.abc.com and BMW’s fleet management division used www.alphabet.com. The high-profile adoption by one of the world’s most valuable technology companies brought unprecedented mainstream visibility and credibility to the .xyz extension, setting the stage for its eventual dominance in the blockchain space.

According to Domain Name Stat, the number of registered .xyz domains exploded in recent years, with 2021 seeing particularly dramatic growth. The domain became the most registered generic top-level domain (gTLD) during this period, signaling a fundamental shift in how companies and individuals approach their digital identities. This growth trajectory aligns perfectly with the parallel rise of blockchain technology, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and ETH, and the broader Web3 movement.

Unlike traditional domain extensions with specific meanings—.com for commercial use, .in for Indian entities, .net for networks, and .org for organizations—the .xyz domain has no inherent meaning. This blank canvas approach provides Web3 companies with the perfect platform to stand apart from conventional tech industry conventions. For blockchain startups and crypto enterprises, this represents more than just a domain choice; it’s a statement of their commitment to decentralization and innovation.

Major Web3 players have consistently chosen .xyz as their go-to URL ending. Companies like Block (formerly known as Square), along with blockchain startups including Mirror, Proof, Propel, and Login, have all adopted .xyz domains. This collective movement toward .xyz reflects the broader shift from centralized to decentralized institutions that blockchain technology enables across industries including cryptocurrency, NFT marketplaces, and the emerging Metaverse.

The alignment between .xyz and Web3 philosophy extends beyond mere symbolism. XYZ Registry, the company behind .xyz domain names, positions itself as a technological organization providing innovation and choice to internet users. Their mission to connect generations X, Y, and Z through new domain names resonates with the cross-generational appeal of blockchain technology and its applications in art, finance, and digital identity.

The integration between .xyz domains and Ethereum Name Service (ENS) represents a crucial development in making cryptocurrency more accessible. ENS serves as the Domain Name Service of Web3, allowing users to generate a global identity for all their crypto addresses. This creates a searchable database that makes crypto wallets and transactions more user-friendly, even when assets are stored across multiple platforms.

Users can now build profiles in ENS using either the native .eth domain or a .xyz domain to share across social media handles. The functionality has been automatically provided to every .eth name—users simply append ‘.xyz’ to the end of any .eth name to view the ENS profile in any web browser. For example, the ENS profile for coincodecap.eth can be accessed at coincodecap.eth.xyz, with profile content generated automatically using publicly available data from ENS.

This seamless integration positions .xyz domains as practical tools within the Web3 ecosystem, not just symbolic choices. As XYZ’s alignment with web3 companies continues to strengthen, it opens up new monetization opportunities based on identity and ownership in a decentralized web. While .xyz domains are currently managed by internet regulatory authority ICANN, several parties are working to develop a decentralized alternative to this system that could further cement .xyz’s position in the Web3 infrastructure.

The dominance of .xyz domains among blockchain enterprises reflects a broader transformation in how we conceptualize digital presence and identity. As blockchain technology continues to disrupt industries through cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and the Metaverse, the choice of domain extension becomes increasingly significant. .xyz represents both the practical needs of Web3 companies and their philosophical commitment to building a new internet experience.

Registration of .xyz domains follows a straightforward process similar to traditional domains, with users visiting the XYZ Registry website, searching for available names, selecting registration terms, and completing payment. The accessibility of this process, combined with the domain’s growing reputation within the crypto community, ensures that .xyz will likely maintain its position as the preferred TLD for blockchain organizations seeking to establish their digital footprint without conforming to established internet conventions.