History of the TLD

The .reviews top level domain was launched in 2014 as part of the ICANN new gTLD program. It was introduced to support websites dedicated to publishing reviews, ratings, and consumer opinions across a wide range of industries. Since launch it has been adopted by comparison platforms, affiliates, and independent publishers focused on evaluative content.

Main Use and Industry Position

The .reviews TLD is primarily used for review based websites, comparison portals, affiliate marketing sites, and testimonial platforms. It occupies a broad position across multiple industries including technology, travel, finance, e commerce, and services, rather than being tied to a single vertical.

Comparison to Other TLDs

Compared to .com, .reviews offers clearer intent but less overall brand trust and familiarity. When compared to .review, the plural form .reviews is often preferred for sites covering multiple products or services, making it feel more comprehensive and scalable.

Pros and Cons of the TLD

Pros

• Clearly signals review and comparison focused content

• Suitable for multi category or large scale review platforms

• Broad industry applicability

Cons

• Lower credibility perception than legacy TLDs

• Strong association with affiliate or promotional content

• Less suitable for brand neutral or corporate sites
  
  

Registration Criteria

The .reviews TLD is open for general registration with no restrictions. Registration is available worldwide on a first come first served basis.

Summary

The .reviews TLD is a descriptive extension designed for platforms that focus on publishing opinions, comparisons, and consumer feedback. It works best where clarity of purpose and search relevance outweigh the need for traditional brand authority.