Though it may seem that domains simply exist, stable and unchanging, the reality is far from it. A lot happened in 2024 – but 2025 could bring even bigger shifts that domain resellers and their customers won’t want to miss. After all, developments in the Internet and the global economy can quickly spur on trends that affect the entire domain industry.
Most of all, 2024 has been marked by a worldwide contraction in domain names, for both registrations and renewals, with registries upping their prices to make up for lost revenue. In this article, we take a closer look at what that is going to mean for registrars and resellers during the year ahead, plus a breakdown of other trends that we think are set to change the industry in years to come.
Here’s a look at the 6 domain sector trends for 2025.
Internet penetration and the push for a connected world
As of October 2024, internet penetration has reached 67.5% globally – up from 64.4% a year before. The consistent growth in internet access, especially in developing regions like South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, is expanding the pool of potential domain owners. Some of the developing countries in which internet use is currently on a speedy rise include China, India, Brazil, Nigeria, and Mexico.
This means that, despite the general contraction in domain registrations and renewals, the demand for domain names and hosting services in this region is not expected to slow down anytime soon. This is particularly the case for local ccTLDs like .cn, com.br, .in, and .ng, as well as their IDN variations. We have already seen .cn and .br enter into the top 10 most popular TLDs in the world! If you have ever considered expanding your business to new markets, now could therefore very well be the time.
New gTLDs show no signs of slowing down
One of the biggest announcements in the domain industry this year came from ICANN, which confirmed that it will be opening up applications for new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) in the spring of 2026. After an immensely successful first round of applications in 20212, this second round of expansion will provide even more businesses, brands, and communities an opportunity to register distinctive domain extensions that reflect their identity or mission.
With thousands of TLDs already in circulation, the next wave is likely to introduce more industry-specific extensions, further expanding the creative possibilities for online brands and community groups. For many registries and corporations, 2025 will be all about preparing for this new round of applications – not just anybody can apply for a new gTLD of their own.
Meanwhile, existing new gTLDs show no signs of slowing down, even as legacy gTLDs contract. According to the DNIB, Verisign’s quarterly report about domain industry numbers, new gTLDs increased by 5.2 million domain name registrations, or 17.4%, year over year – while .com and .net were decreasing.
ccTLDs as gTLDs: beyond .ai and .io
Country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs) are no longer only being used inside their traditional geographic boundaries. In recent years, TLDs like .co, .tv, .me, .ai, and .io have seen a surge in popularity thanks to their appeal beyond their home regions.
The .ai domain, for instance, is widely associated with artificial intelligence rather than the country of Anguilla, making it a preferred choice for tech startups – which have been registering this domain en masse throughout the past years. Likewise, .io has become a favorite among technology companies and developers, although news about a recent treaty has sparked discussion about the possibly uncertain future of this domain. This is definitely one issue to keep an eye on in 2025.
As prices for (premium) .ai and .io domains rise, new opportunities await on the horizon in 2025. TLDs such as .cc, .cx, .la, and .nu look well-placed to fill in some of the gaps on the market for those clients who are looking for a niche, yet affordable domain.
Good to know: these ccTLDs are all treated as gTLDs by Google, too.
Security first: NIS2 and DMARC adoption
In an era where data privacy and cybersecurity are top priorities, the domain industry is embracing stricter regulations to protect both businesses and consumers. The EU’s NIS2 Directive, aimed at bolstering cybersecurity across critical sectors, will impact the way domain registrars and hosting providers manage data and security measures. This shift toward greater regulatory oversight means that businesses will need to ensure compliance to protect themselves from potential breaches.
Furthermore, Google and Yahoo have added DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) as a requirement for emails earlier in 2024. DMARC adoption helps domain owners prevent email spoofing, a technique used in phishing attacks.
While many companies have implemented DMARC in the past year, not everyone is aware that different DMARC policies offer different layers of protection. While Google and Yahoo allow a “p=none” policy – the weakest DMARC setting – this alone is not enough to fully protect your domain. Offering DMARC setup services to your customers, or hosted solutions like EasyDMARC, is therefore a great way to differentiate your offer in 2025.
Shifts in business models and marketing approaches
The “classic package” in the domain industry has long included a domain name, a web hosting and/or email package, and an SSL certificate. However, as many domain and hosting businesses are merging or being bought up by larger parties, smaller companies will need to offer more in order to stand out. Consolidating service models, in order to create “one-stop shops” for all domain-related needs, is a growing trend in the industry.
Some trending services include domain leasing and auctions, integration with aftermarket platforms, and offering advanced security products, such as DMARC solutions and Anycast DNS. Other focus areas include more advanced solutions for account management, reporting, and customer service. Modern consumers are looking for flexibility, personalized experiences, and purpose-driven companies that align with their personal values. All are important elements to consider to achieve business growth in these trying times.
Together with new business models, new marketing strategies are also cropping up. Along with “classic strategies”, such as paid ads and SEO, social media continues to be prominent in the marketing landscape. Video content, particularly in the shape of short-form videos through TikTok and YouTube, is on the rise. This trend could very well be applied to the domain and hosting industry in order to target niche domain markets. Other rising trends include influencer marketing and the usage of social media DMs to provide quick and accessible customer service.
Green hosting: sustainability in the web hosting industry
As the world grapples with climate change, eco-conscious practices are gaining traction in the digital space – including the domain industry. The demand for green hosting – where providers aim to minimize energy consumption, offset emissions, and use renewable energy sources – is becoming a priority for businesses that want to reduce their environmental footprint. Green hosting practices range from using energy-efficient data centers to implementing low-power infrastructure that reduces electricity demand. For companies aiming to align with sustainable goals, choosing green hosting services supports a growing movement toward climate-conscious online operations.
Mijn.host, one of Openprovider’s valued Members, is already a leader in this area, as they are aiming to be the greenest hosting provider in the Netherlands. Besides implementing zero-carbon hosting, they have partnered up with the WeForest project, with whom they planted more than 6,000 trees in 2023. The dedication of companies like mijn.host not only benefits the environment but also appeals to customers who value sustainability. This trend in green hosting is expected to grow in 2025, making sustainability a key consideration in the domain and hosting sectors.
Looking ahead
The domain industry’s trajectory in 2025 highlights a blend of growth, adaptation, and innovation. As new gTLDs come into the market, ccTLDs expand in use, privacy regulations tighten, and sustainability takes center stage, domain ownership is evolving from a simple asset to a strategic tool for brand identity, security, and environmental responsibility. These trends are redefining digital ownership, with new opportunities for businesses, communities, and individual users alike.
Openprovider stands ready to help domain resellers, web hosters, and marketing agencies navigate these shifts and seize new opportunities in the domain and hosting sectors. By providing a comprehensive reseller platform with access to 1,900+ TLDs, Openprovider is your prime supplier for diverse, trend-driven domain options – no matter the size of your portfolio. Through continuous updates on industry standards, security requirements, and emerging domain extensions, you have all the tools to stay informed and competitive. With a focus on simplicity and support, Openprovider is committed to empowering all Members with the tools, insights, and services they need to succeed in an evolving digital landscape.
