Published: 17.10.2026
The .link extension is a generic top-level zone, so it is not tied to any country. The word link describes a page that connects people to other resources, which makes the zone a natural fit for link pages, resource hubs and directories. Creators, communities and small projects often choose it for a short address that explains its purpose at a glance. Use the availability form just below this text to see whether your name in .link is still free.
Check if a .link domain is available .link Check
A short history
The .link zone was introduced in the wave of new generic extensions added in the 2010s. Like other newer zones, it has been taken up gradually by bloggers, social media creators, researchers and small businesses who want a simple address for a collection of links. It is less familiar to many people than long-established endings, so its use tends to grow with the audience around it.
Who runs it
The zone is run by a registry operator under a contract with ICANN, the organisation that coordinates the global domain name system. The operator sets the policies for the zone, and accredited registrars sell names to customers and pass the orders on. Because the operator can update its policies, read the terms that apply at the time of the order, including any rules on acceptable use.
Rules in practice
- Registration: generic zones are usually open to any applicant, but the operator may set rules on what a site may be used for.
- Contact data: the holder's details must be accurate, and the registrar may ask you to confirm them.
- Length and characters: names use letters, digits and hyphens, and a single label can be up to 63 characters long.
- Renewal: names must be renewed on time, so enable auto-renewal and keep the contact e-mail active.
Who uses .link
- Creators who share a page of links to their videos, podcasts, shops or projects.
- Community groups and directories that collect useful resources on one theme.
- Research groups and newsletters that gather references, reading lists or tools.
- Small businesses that want a short address for a brochure, a menu or a campaign page.
Strengths
- The word link describes the purpose of the site, so visitors can guess what they will find.
- The name is short and easy to type, which helps when you share it verbally or on printed cards.
- The zone is not tied to a country, so it can suit an audience in several places.
Things to keep in mind
- Because the word suggests a collection of links, visitors may expect a page of links, so make the purpose of the site clear on the homepage.
- A newer generic ending may be less familiar to some visitors than .com.
- Many good names are already registered, so prepare alternatives that describe your topic.
- Operators change their rules over time, so an older registration may need updated details later.
Tips before you register
- Check the same name in .com and decide whether a second address is worth owning.
- Choose a name that matches the content of the site rather than one chosen only for its visibility.
- Build a clear landing page with a short description, because a bare list of links can look thin to visitors and to search engines.
- Set SPF, DKIM and DMARC records before you send e-mail from the domain.
- Use two-factor login on the registrar account and keep the recovery details current.
Frequently asked questions
Is .link only for pages of links? No. The ending can be used for any site, although the name suggests a collection of resources, so the content should match it.
Does a .link name help a site rank higher? No ending can promise a ranking. Search engines weigh the content and the links to a site first, so choose the name for its clarity.
Can I move a .link name to another registrar later? Transfers are usually possible, but the timing and lock rules of the operator apply, so plan the move in advance.
