History of the TLD

.works is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) introduced as part of ICANN’s New gTLD Program to expand the domain name space and provide a descriptive namespace for individuals and organizations to highlight portfolios, projects, and professional activities. It was delegated into the DNS root zone in 2014 and has been available for public registration since that time.

Main Use and Industry Position

.works is positioned as a versatile domain extension suitable for businesses, creatives, professionals, portfolios, and organisations looking to showcase their work or services online. It is marketed to a broad audience and is not limited to any specific sector, enabling wide adoption for personal and commercial websites, project showcases, employment and job-seeking platforms, and professional portfolios.

Comparison to Other TLDs

Compared with legacy TLDs like .com and .net, .works offers a more descriptive namespace that directly reflects purpose. Unlike highly industry-specific gTLDs such as .tech or .art, .works remains broad in its application. It competes with other generic TLDs by providing a meaningful alternative when preferred .com names are unavailable. Its adoption reflects a trend toward more contextual domain names that communicate intent or professional focus.

Pros and Cons of the TLD

Pros

• Offers a descriptive namespace that clearly communicates purpose

• Open registration with no restrictive eligibility requirements

• Suitable for a broad set of personal and commercial use cases

Cons

• Not as widely recognised as legacy TLDs like .com or .org

• Potentially higher registration cost relative to more traditional TLDs

• Some users may still prefer established TLDs for credibility

Registration Criteria

.works domains are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with no special restrictions on registrants. Anyone can register a .works domain.

Summary

.works is an active gTLD introduced in 2014 that provides a flexible, descriptive domain space for individuals, businesses, and organisations to highlight work, portfolios, and professional activities online. It is open to all registrants and functions without restrictive criteria, making it an accessible alternative to more generic domain extensions.