History of the TLD .chat

.chat is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) created under ICANN’s New gTLD Program to expand the domain name system with purpose‑driven extensions. It was delegated to the DNS Root Zone on 20 February 2015 and became generally available for registration on 20 May 2015. The registry operator is Identity Digital, under the Binky Moon, LLC sponsorship, part of Donuts Inc., which won the rights via a private auction held prior to delegation.

Main Use and Industry Position

.chat is positioned as a descriptive domain extension for websites and services focused on communication, real-time messaging, online interaction, support portals, chatbot interfaces, forums and other conversational platforms. It conveys intent for dialogue and engagement and carries descriptive keyword relevance for domains related to chat services.

Comparison to Other TLDs

Compared with legacy TLDs such as .com or .net, .chat is more descriptive for conversational or messaging-centric uses, enhancing branding for communication services. Relative to broader gTLDs like .online or .site, .chat signals specific functional intent rather than general presence. Its adoption is moderate with tens of thousands of active registrations, placing it behind high-volume general TLDs but established among communication-oriented extensions.

Pros and Cons of the TLD

Pros

• Descriptive and intuitive for chat, messaging and communication platforms

• Generally open to public registration without strict eligibility requirements

• Supports modern DNS features such as DNSSEC

Cons

• Typically higher registration costs compared with basic gTLDs

• Not suitable for sites unrelated to communication contexts

• Perception of niche use may limit broader business recognition

Registration Criteria

Registration of .chat domains is open to individuals and organizations globally on a first-come, first-served basis without subjective content restrictions. Standard domain requirements apply including valid contact information and compliance with ICANN policies.

Summary

The .chat TLD is an active, general-purpose domain extension focused on communication and real-time interaction services. It is widely available to registrants, supports modern DNS capabilities, and serves businesses and communities that prioritize messaging and conversational identity online.