Published: 13.07.2026
The .info extension is one of the few generic domains that has no restrictions at all and can be used by anyone for any purpose. As the name suggests, it is natural for informational websites, guides and resources.
Check if a .info domain is available .info Check
A short history
.info was among the first new generic top-level domains approved in 2000, alongside .biz and others. It was delegated in 2001 and opened to the public the same year. Unlike .biz, which was meant for commerce, .info had no restriction on the type of owner or content, and it quickly gathered a large number of names. In the early years it attracted attention because it was the first big extension for the general public after the original ones.
Who runs it
The registry was created by Afilias, which later became part of the company now known as Identity Digital. Names are sold by registrars, and the registry maintains the central database and name servers. The zone supports DNSSEC and internationalised names.
Rules in practice
- No restrictions: any person or organisation anywhere can register a name.
- Technical limits: up to 63 characters; letters, digits and hyphens.
- Periods: registration from one year to ten years.
- Privacy: the registrar can offer privacy protection for the contact data.
Who uses .info
- Sites with guides, reference materials and encyclopedic content.
- Companies that publish help centres, documentation and product information.
- News, event and tourism information projects.
- Owners who want a descriptive name when the .com is not available.
- Additional addresses for campaigns and brand protection.
Strengths
The extension is easy to understand in every language and fits the content type. There are many free names and prices are usually moderate, particularly in the first year. It is a good extension for a resource whose main value is information rather than sale.
Weaknesses
- Reputation: low prices in the past attracted spam and low-quality sites, and some filters are cautious about the zone. Good hosting, a clean domain history and correct mail records protect you.
- Brand weight: big brands seldom choose it for the main address.
- Price jump: promotional first-year prices can be much lower than renewal prices.
Tips before you register
- Check the history of the name with online tools. A previously used name can carry a poor reputation.
- Look at the renewal price, not only at the first-year offer.
- Set SPF, DKIM and DMARC records if you send mail from the domain.
- Use HTTPS, and publish clear authorship and contact pages to build trust.
- Add the domain to the search console and submit a sitemap.
.info and search engines
Search engines treat .info as any other generic extension. A site can reach the top with this ending when it offers useful, original content. A bad reputation of the extension is not a ranking factor in itself, but low-quality neighbours may make you work harder to earn trust.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use .info for a shop? Yes. There are no restrictions on the type of site.
Is .info cheaper than .com? The first year can be, but check the renewal price.
Does .info mean the site is only informational? No. It is a hint, not a rule.
