Published: 17.10.2026
The .press extension is a generic top-level zone, so it is not tied to any country. The word press refers to newspapers, magazines, broadcasters and the wider publishing world, and it is also used for press releases and press rooms. Newsrooms, bloggers, magazines and communications teams often choose a .press name because the ending explains the purpose of the site before anyone opens it. Use the availability form just below this text to see whether your name in .press is still free.
Check if a .press domain is available .press Check
A short history
The .press zone is a newer generic extension, added after the original set of endings that most people know. Since then it has been taken up by independent journalists, local news projects, magazines, book publishers and press offices that wanted an address matching their work. Like most newer generic zones, it is less familiar to the general public than .com, so visitors often recognise it from the context of the page rather than from habit.
Who runs it
As a generic zone, .press is run by a registry operator under an agreement with ICANN, the body that coordinates the global domain name system. The operator sets its own registration policies and works with accredited registrars, who sell names to customers and pass the orders on. Operators can update their rules, so read the terms that apply at the time of the order, including any rules on acceptable use.
Rules in practice
- Open use: many generic zones are open to any applicant, but the operator may set rules about the content of sites under its extension.
- Contact data: the holder's details must be accurate, and the registrar may ask you to confirm them.
- Renewal: names must be renewed before they expire, so enable auto-renewal and keep the contact e-mail address active.
- Technical rules: the usual DNS rules on length and characters apply, so keep the name short and simple.
Who uses .press
- Local and regional news sites, city magazines and community newsletters.
- Independent journalists, photographers and writers who publish their own work.
- Book publishers, literary magazines and podcast or video channels that cover the media.
- Communications teams that publish press kits, media centres and press releases.
Strengths
- The word makes the purpose of the site obvious, which helps visitors and editors understand it at a glance.
- It is short and memorable, and it is easy to say on a podcast, at an event or on a business card.
- The name suits a dedicated press section, a media centre or a publication that wants a clear identity.
Things to keep in mind
- The word suggests journalism, so a site that is mainly a shop or a service may look out of place under it.
- Common news words are often registered already, so a name with a local or topical element can help.
- Visitors may still type .com out of habit, so decide early whether you need both addresses.
- Some operators set rules on acceptable use, so check that your planned content is allowed.
Tips before you register
- Check the same name in .com and in the social networks you plan to use.
- Publish a clear about page with an editorial contact, so readers know who stands behind the publication.
- If a company wants a press section, consider a subdomain of its main site as an alternative to a separate name.
- Set up SPF, DKIM and DMARC records before you send press releases or newsletters by e-mail.
- Turn on auto-renewal and protect the registrar account with two-factor login.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to be a journalist to use .press? No. It is a generic zone, so applicants of many kinds may be able to register a name, but the content of the site should match the name.
Does a .press name help a site rank in news results? No ending can promise a ranking. Search engines look at the content, the authors and the links to a site, so the ending is only a small part of that picture.
Can I redirect a .press name to my main website? Yes, a redirect is a common way to send visitors from one address to another, and it keeps old links working.
