Is a .tv domain worth it? That depends on who you ask.
Buying domain names has become increasingly difficult as the internet matures—not because the process is challenging, but because so many good ones are already taken.
You’ll notice this pretty quickly if you’re dead set on buying a .com domain for your website.
What’s a business owner to do? If your business is video and you’re already looking at or using an OTT platform, you can’t afford to overlook .tv domains as an option.
Here’s what you should know before taking the leap.
What is a .tv domain and how do I use it?
A .tv domain is an alternative to the commonly used .com domain. Aside from plugging a different extension into your address bar, a .tv domain works exactly the same way as any other top-level domain (TLD).
To better understand where a .tv domain fits, let’s take a closer look at some of the most commonly used domain extensions:
- .com: The general-purpose domain that most businesses opt for because it’s likely the first domain type people think of when they look for a website.
- .net: As an early alternative to .com domains, .net extensions are also general-purpose domains that are significantly less popular.
- .edu: Only accredited colleges and universities can register .edu domains.
- .org: As an open domain, anyone can register a .org extension, but nonprofit organizations typically use them.
- .gov: Unsurprisingly, only U.S. government and public sector organizations can register .gov domain extensions.
- .io: Despite being a country-specific domain, .io is open to anyone and has become increasingly popular with SaaS and technology companies.
What’s in a domain?
With the exception of .com (and to a lesser extent .net), each of these domain extensions signifies different types of businesses.
While most are open domains (i.e. anyone can purchase one), closed domains like .edu and .gov hint at the benefits of choosing an alternative to the defacto .com.
In short, these domain extensions tell website visitors what to expect.
How do I use a .tv domain?
Registering for a .tv domain is as simple as searching for your preferred domain name on domain registrar sites like GoDaddy.
As the domain owner, you’ll gain access to the same features and options available to .com domain owners: dedicated servers, an SSL certificate, and managed services like domain privacy. Naturally, what’s included will depend on your chosen website hosting provider.
Benefits of a .tv domain
More than half of the world’s websites run on .com domains. Depending on your perspective, this may make the prospect of owning one more appealing (it’s the standard, after all), but .tv domains’ lack of popularity affords domain owners a few key advantages.
Use the same you really want.
The overwhelming popularity of .com domains means it’s harder to register a unique name that isn’t already taken.
Instead of purposefully misspelling your domain — or worse, choosing a domain name that’s entirely too long — see if the name you really want is available with a .tv domain. More available domains = increased odds of getting what you want.
Save money (and future solicitations).
If your preferred .com domain name is available, there’s a good chance there’s a hefty price tag attached. According to GoDaddy, carinsurance.com and insurance.com clock in at $49.7 and $35.6 million, respectively. Your chosen domain name probably won’t cost that much, but depending on the market, it may cost more than you’re willing to spend. It may also attract persistent domain buyers should the name become coveted in the domain market.
Set expectations with visitors.
For brands built on video streaming, a .tv domain lets potential visitors know what your website is about. Take Green.tv, for example. On the surface, Green is a sustainability-focused organization, but at its core, Green is also a media company. By using a .tv domain, Green’s URL quickly communicates to potential visitors what to expect.
Disadvantages of a .tv domain
The benefits of using a .tv domain boil down to differentiation (i.e. we’re a media site!) and purchasability.
As with anything, there are a few noteworthy drawbacks to keep in mind if you decide to buy one:
Consumer confusion
The popularity of .com extensions may make it hard for would-be customers to find your website. They may wind up on an entirely different site that has nothing to do with your business. Worse, they may give up looking for you after their first attempt fails.
SEO disadvantages
Using a .tv domain may also make it harder for would-be customers to discover your website when searching the web for solutions. For example, if someone owns a .com version of your domain name, you’ll be competing in search engine results pages (SERPs) since the names are identical. You’ll also need to be more vigilant and nuanced in your SEO/SEM strategy.
Is a .tv domain right for your business?
There is only one scenario where using a .tv domain makes perfect sense: when you’re a video content or media-focused organization. Whether that takes the form of online fitness studio or e-learning business, the same best practices for domain buying apply:
Consider keywords and localization
If it makes sense for your business, consider a .tv domain name that speaks to consumers in a certain geographical area.
Keep it short and simple
Nobody likes a long URL. Okay, maybe nobody cares — but short URLs are easier to remember, faster to type, and pack a solid branding punch when you (or your customers) share your website. The same goes for spelling: keep wacky word variations out of it if you can help it.
No numbers, hyphens, or tongue twisters
Keeping it simple also means avoiding certain words that may be hard to spell, speak, or pronounce. Don’t use numbers or hyphens in your domain name either — you’ll only muddy the waters for potential customers. Make it easy for them to find you!
Act quickly — even if you’re not ready
Marketable domain names disappear quickly. If you’re still toying with the idea of buying your own domain, don’t stall until you’ve figured out everything from website copy to product offerings. As soon as you realize your chosen name is available, pull the plug and lock it in.
The .tv domain advantage
Going against the grain can be off-putting, even when it comes to something as relatively low-stakes as choosing a domain name. If the idea of paying significantly more attention to things like SEO makes you nervous — and if your heart is set on getting or maintaining a .com domain, fear not.
With the right configuration, you can link to your .tv domain from your .com website, solving a lot of the branding and search engine challenges associated with alternative domains while also making it clear your business has a video site.
Looking to start your video business? Check out Vimeo OTT.
