When we talk about web domains, we most often think of the classics like .com, .org, or .net. However, the world of domains goes much further, and within this ecosystem, we find a very specific and regulated group: sTLDs, or sponsored top-level domains. And if we’re interested in learning more about how the internet is organized behind the scenes, understanding what sTLDs are will help us better understand the structure of the network and the opportunities they offer.
sTLDs are top-level domains sponsored by a private organization or a specific entity that represents a specific community. This means they are not open to the general public like generic domains, but rather have a specific function and defined eligibility criteria. Some well-known examples of sTLDs are .edu for educational institutions, .gov for government entities, or .mil for the military.
In this guide, we’ll explore in more detail what it means to register an sTLD, what examples we can find in today’s digital environment, and how they differ from other types of domains such as gTLDs or ccTLDs. Whether we’re creating an institutional site or developing a brand strategy with a clear purpose, understanding sTLDs can make a difference in our decision-making.
