Global Domain Registrations Hit 411.6M in Q3 2026

Global domain name registrations reached 411.6 million at the end of the third quarter of 2026, according to the Domain Name Industry Brief (DNIB). That was 9.9 million more than at the end of Q2, a 2.5% quarterly increase. The report, released October 22, measures the quarter ending September 30; it is not a count of websites launched in October or November.

Where registrations grew

DNIB reports 182.5 million registrations across .com and .net combined, up 3.4 million (1.9%) from Q2. Country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs) reached 151.4 million, up 2.8 million (1.9%). New generic top-level domains (new gTLDs) reached 56.6 million, up 3.7 million (6.9%). Other legacy gTLDs totaled 21.1 million, up 0.1 million (0.5%). The category figures are rounded, so they should not be used as an exact reconciliation of the total.

What the total does and does not show

The global count was 33.0 million registrations (8.7%) higher than a year earlier. A registration is a domain record, not necessarily an active website or a unique business. DNIB also notes that some registry data are incomplete and historical figures can be revised. These totals describe the size and direction of the registration base; they do not show that a particular name will appreciate in value or that one extension is best for every project.

What to consider when choosing a domain

Start with the audience and use of the site. A familiar global extension such as .com can suit a broad audience, while a country-code choice such as .eu may better signal a European focus when its eligibility rules fit. Compare the actual registration and renewal terms, name availability, and any restrictions before choosing. For a closer look at one country-code market, see our Q3 .eu report. For the prior global baseline, see our Q2 global summary.

The DNIB Q3 figures were published October 22, 2026, for the quarter ended September 30, 2026.