TLD Performance Report: Which Extensions Generate Most Traffic?

TLD Performance Analysis: Beyond the Domain Name

Choosing the right top-level domain extension is not just about brand perception — it directly impacts traffic, click-through rates, and monetization potential. Our comprehensive analysis of parking revenue, organic traffic, and buyer behavior across 20+ TLDs reveals surprising patterns that can inform both investment and branding decisions.

Methodology

This report analyzes data from 85,000+ domains across 23 TLDs over a 12-month period (March 2025 - February 2026). Metrics include type-in traffic volume, parking page revenue per 1,000 visitors, click-through rates from search results, and active buyer inquiry rates.

Traffic Performance by TLD

Tier 1: High Traffic Extensions

.COM remains the undisputed leader in type-in traffic. Users instinctively add .COM when typing domain names directly into their browsers. Our data shows .COM domains receive 3.2x more type-in traffic than the next closest extension. For parking and monetization strategies, .COM's type-in advantage translates directly to revenue.

.NET surprisingly holds second place in type-in traffic, though at significantly lower volumes. This is likely driven by decades of being marketed as the primary .COM alternative. Average .NET type-in traffic is approximately 31% of equivalent .COM levels.

.ORG maintains consistent traffic for non-profit and community-related keywords. Organizations and activists often use .ORG as their first choice, driving targeted type-in traffic in specific verticals.

Tier 2: Growing Extensions

.AI shows the fastest traffic growth rate at 340% year-over-year for type-in visits. While absolute volumes are still lower than .COM, the trajectory suggests rapid adoption. Tech-savvy users are increasingly typing .AI directly.

.IO has plateaued in traffic growth but maintains a solid base among developer audiences. Startup and tech-related .IO domains see consistent traffic from GitHub links, technical documentation, and developer forums.

.CO performs well in Latin American markets and among startups globally. Traffic patterns suggest users are becoming more comfortable with .CO as a legitimate business extension rather than a .COM typo.

Tier 3: Niche Extensions

.APP, .DEV, .TECH: These extensions see minimal type-in traffic but strong referral traffic from app stores, developer communities, and tech media. Their value lies more in brand positioning than direct traffic generation.

.XYZ, .CLUB, .SITE: Lower traffic and engagement metrics across the board. These extensions struggle with consumer trust, which limits both type-in traffic and click-through rates.

Parking Revenue Analysis

For domain investors using parking pages to monetize unused inventory, the revenue differences between TLDs are stark:

• .COM: Average RPM (revenue per 1,000 visitors) of $18.40
• .NET: Average RPM of $12.10
• .ORG: Average RPM of $9.80
• .AI: Average RPM of $22.50 (highest, driven by high-value AI advertiser bids)
• .IO: Average RPM of $14.20
• .CO: Average RPM of $11.60
• New gTLDs: Average RPM of $4.30 - $7.80

The .AI RPM premium is notable. Advertisers in the AI space pay significantly higher per-click rates, which benefits .AI domain parkers. This makes .AI domains doubly attractive — both for resale value and holding revenue.

Click-Through Rates from Search Results

When domains appear in Google search results, the TLD extension influences whether users click. Our analysis of search console data reveals:

.COM domains enjoy a 15% CTR premium over alternative extensions for identical search positions. Users subconsciously trust .COM more and are more likely to click. This "trust premium" is strongest among older demographics (45+) and in industries like finance, health, and education.

.AI and .IO show comparable CTRs to .COM among technology-focused audiences (18-35 age group, working in tech). For this demographic, the extension signals relevance and modernity rather than being a negative trust signal.

New gTLDs suffer a measurable CTR penalty of 8-12% compared to .COM, likely due to unfamiliarity. This gap is narrowing year over year but remains significant.

Industry-Specific TLD Performance

For domain investors targeting specific industries:

• Technology/AI: .AI > .IO > .COM > .DEV > .APP
• E-commerce: .COM > .STORE > .SHOP > .CO
• Finance: .COM > .FINANCE > .NET > .CO
• Education: .EDU > .COM > .ORG > .ACADEMY
• Healthcare: .COM > .HEALTH > .ORG > .NET

Recommendations for Domain Investors

Based on this data, we recommend prioritizing .COM for broad market appeal, .AI for technology sector plays, and .IO for developer-focused domains. The parking revenue data suggests .AI domains offer the best holding value while waiting for a buyer.

globNIC's marketplace provides detailed traffic analytics and valuation data for every listed domain, helping investors make data-driven decisions about TLD allocation and pricing strategy.