August’s top domain name stories

Fresh TLDs stole the show last month.

The words "Top 5" written on a purple background

August was a super busy month in the domain business thanks to the fresh top level domain application window closing.

These were the top stories on Reglike, ranked by views:

1. Exclusive: Namecheap applies for 40 top level domains – Namecheap’s list is decidedly tech-forward.

2. Exclusive: Oinkadot applies for 25 top level domains – The cleverly named applicant is a partnership between Porkbun’s Ray King and Dynadot’s Todd Han.

3. ICANN de-accredits “bulletproof” domain registrar – And now some clients are complaining that their domains were stolen shortly following ICANN sent its termination notice.

4. LFG! Fresh top level domain applicant reveals hundreds of strings – A fresh TLD applicant revealed over 300 primary and replacement strings. Listen to the podcast with its CEO.

5. GoDaddy launches updated domain appraisal system – Quality domains and .ai domains mostly see a big lift, while low-quality domains might stay the same or drop.

Miss a podcast? Catch up now:

My domain investing year so far – DNW Podcast #602 – I share my domain sales results and how I’m using AI (counting GoDaddy’s fresh auctions API).

.Ai end user domain stories – DNW Podcast #601 – Two business owners who changed domains to .ai tell their stories.

Inside LFG’s big bet on top level domains – DNW Podcast #600 – Link Freedom Group CEO Vaughn Liley discusses his firm’s TLD strategy.

NamesCon is changing in 2026 – DNW Podcast #599 – Christian Dawson and Anthony Pomball talk regarding this year’s event in November.

Trust and identity with AI agents – DNW Podcast #598 – Former Tucows CEO Elliot Noss talks regarding identity and Groundmark.

Also on the wire