History of the TLD

.download is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) added to the DNS root zone in 2015. It was created to allow a clear signal that a website is associated with downloadable content and services.

Main Use and Industry Position

.download is used for websites offering downloadable digital content such as software, media files, documents, and applications. It is used by businesses and individuals who want a descriptive domain to indicate download-related activities. The extension is widely accepted without special restrictions.

Comparison to Other TLDs

Compared to legacy TLDs such as .com and .net, .download has a smaller registration base. It differs by offering a semantic signal specific to downloadable content, whereas .com is broad and .net is network oriented. Alternatives like .app or .software may compete for similar use cases, but .download is unique in its explicit focus on content downloads.

Pros and Cons of the TLD

Pros

• Clear indication of downloadable content and services

• Generally available to all registrants worldwide

• Can improve user expectations and branding for content delivery sites

Cons

• Lower adoption and visibility compared with legacy TLDs

• Might be perceived as less mainstream for broad commercial purposes

• Potential for misuse by low-quality download sites due to open registration

Registration Criteria

.download is an open gTLD with no major eligibility restrictions. Anyone globally can register a domain under .download, subject to standard rules for domain length and allowable characters.

Summary

.download is a generic top-level domain introduced in 2015 for websites distributing downloadable content. It is an open namespace suitable for software, files, media, and similar digital products. Adoption is modest relative to older TLDs but provides a descriptive and relevant extension for its target sectors.