Each country has its own domain extension, called a ccTLD. The .ai extension is the country code TLD for Anguilla, and it has been since 2009. This is a British territory located in the Caribbean, close to Puerto Rico.
So why are there so many new .ai domains appearing today? Why is it becoming a popular extension?
With the rise in AI, this domain extension has been taken over by a variety of tech companies to show they are using AI in their work.
The Rise in AI Today
AI is increasingly being used by a wide range of companies today to help with everything from making business predictions to helping customers, navigation, and more.
In fact, more than 1/3 of all companies have started using AI in some form. And, AI usage is expected to have a growth rate of 37% percent over the next six years.
AI and the innovation it can bring is used just about everywhere and it’s in the news frequently, so there is a rising focus on it. More and more tech companies are focusing on AI, what it can do, and how it can be used going forward.
For tech companies, the ability to showcase their AI usage or innovations is through a domain name with AI in it. This has led many companies to start to use the .ai domain extension.
Being Taken Over by Tech Companies
Though .ai is designated as a ccTLD, it is being overtaken by tech companies. Many countries will restrict the use of their ccTLD so that it can only be used by local agencies or by companies running in that country.
Others, though, are willing to sell the domains to anyone, and this can be done to help bring in potential revenue. That’s what’s happening with the .ai domain.
Tech companies are purchasing domains ending in .ai because of AI, and it’s actually creating quite a bit of revenue for Anguilla.
Cost of .ai Domains Increasing Rapidly
With increased use, the .ai domain cost is rising rapidly.
Though initially, the domain extension was inexpensive to use, the names that are more frequently desired by companies are being sold and resold for a lot more money, with some being sold for thousands of dollars.
In fact, you.ai was recently sold for around $700,000. Right now, there are more than 350,000 .ai domains registered, which is double what it was a year before. This pace is expected to continue over the next few years as more companies start to implement AI tech and have a larger focus on it.
Though the .ai extension was created years ago as the country code TLD for Anguilla, it’s now being used mostly by tech companies wanting to showcase their AI usage.
Those who are considering a .ai domain will want to look into their options now, as the usage for these domains is continuing to increase significantly, so they don’t miss out and end up with a domain that doesn’t quite fit their company as well.
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