History of the TLD

.guide is a generic top-level domain created under ICANN’s New gTLD Program. Donuts (Snow Moon LLC) won the string in a private auction in 2013. The Registry Agreement was signed with ICANN the same year and .guide was delegated into the DNS root on 15 May 2014. It has been generally available for registration since then as part of the expansion of generic TLDs.

Main Use and Industry Position

.guide is intended for websites that provide guidance, tutorials, or informational content. Common uses include travel guides, how-to resources, instructional services, and advisory content. The TLD signals purpose clearly and is open for registration to individuals and organizations worldwide without restrictions.

Comparison to Other TLDs

Compared to legacy TLDs such as .com or .net, .guide is more descriptive and purpose-focused. Unlike .com, which is broad and general, .guide immediately communicates instructional or advisory intent. It is similar to other guidance-related TLDs like .tips or .help but is generally preferred for comprehensive guidance content.

Pros and Cons of the TLD

Pros

• Clearly conveys guidance or instructional purpose

• Available globally with no restrictions

• Distinctive alternative to generic TLDs such as .com or .net

Cons

• Less recognized and established than legacy TLDs

• Higher registration cost compared to many other new gTLDs

• May not suit brands without a guidance or instructional focus

Registration Criteria

Registration for .guide domains is open worldwide to individuals and organizations with no specific eligibility requirements. Domain names follow standard rules for generic TLDs regarding character set and length.

Summary

The .guide TLD is a generic top-level domain delegated in 2014. It is operated by Donuts and designed for websites focused on guidance, tutorials, and informational content. It competes with other descriptive TLDs by providing clarity of purpose, though it is less widely adopted than traditional extensions. Registrations are available to anyone without restriction.