ICANN Reveals Applications for New Generic Top-Level Domains for 2026
On October 7, 2026, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of the internet with the announcement of applications for new generic top-level domains (gTLDs). This initiative aims to enhance diversity, competition, and usability within the Domain Name System (DNS). The day, aptly dubbed "Reveal Day", disclosed a wealth of information regarding the entities that applied for these new domains and the respective strings they wish to utilize.
The New gTLD Program is a community-driven effort facilitated by ICANN, seeking to broaden the scope of available domain names, thus allowing various businesses, communities, and governments to better represent their identities online. Each entity can apply for gTLDs that resonate with their cultural contexts, linguistic needs, and commercial objectives. This year's applications reflect a global shift towards innovative ways to build more secure and recognizable online identities.
Kurtis Lindqvist, CEO of ICANN, noted that this significant event showcases how organizations are seeking avenues to establish reliable online identities and foster connections with internet users. "These applications highlight the desire for organizations worldwide to build trustworthy online identities and engage their target audiences effectively," he remarked.
The submission window for gTLD applications ran from April 30 to August 12, 2026. Key figures from the 2026 applications reveal that there were a total of 1,615 submissions. Among these applications, there were:
This data reflects the dynamic landscape of internet identities and highlights the changing priorities of internet users and organizations worldwide. The previous round of gTLD applications, held in 2012, saw the addition of over 1,200 unique gTLDs, bringing forth names in various scripts, thus enriching the global internet landscape further.
Following the revealing of submissions, applicants who chose a second or alternate string during their application process will have an opportunity of two weeks to modify their primary request if they are eligible. ICANN plans to publish a final list of gTLD strings that will advance in the program on Confirmation Day, set for November 17, 2026. Following this, a Community Comment and Objection period will commence, giving stakeholders an exclusive window to express their feedback regarding the applications.
For more information regarding the timelines and milestones of this program, interested parties can visit the designated website for the 2026 Round. Regular updates and resource materials will also be posted there to keep the community informed throughout this significant expansion phase.
Founded in 1998 as a not-for-profit entity, ICANN's mission is to maintain the stability, security, and unified nature of the global internet. By overseeing unique identifiers for the internet, such as domain names and IP addresses, ICANN ensures a coordinated and functional online ecosystem. This new initiative aligns seamlessly with its commitment to adapt to the changing dynamics of the global internet community, fostering an inclusive and efficient digital landscape.
The New gTLD Program is a community-driven effort facilitated by ICANN, seeking to broaden the scope of available domain names, thus allowing various businesses, communities, and governments to better represent their identities online. Each entity can apply for gTLDs that resonate with their cultural contexts, linguistic needs, and commercial objectives. This year's applications reflect a global shift towards innovative ways to build more secure and recognizable online identities.
Kurtis Lindqvist, CEO of ICANN, noted that this significant event showcases how organizations are seeking avenues to establish reliable online identities and foster connections with internet users. "These applications highlight the desire for organizations worldwide to build trustworthy online identities and engage their target audiences effectively," he remarked.
Snapshot of Reveal Day 2026
The submission window for gTLD applications ran from April 30 to August 12, 2026. Key figures from the 2026 applications reveal that there were a total of 1,615 submissions. Among these applications, there were:
- - 333 brand applications
- - 16 community-based applications
- - 15 applications for self-declared geographic names
- - 51 submissions from the Applicant Support Program
- - Regional distributions included: 16 from Africa, 218 from Asia/Australia/Pacific, 506 from Europe, 11 from Latin America and the Caribbean, and 864 from North America.
- - Additionally, 21 applications were for internationalized domain names, which allow for characters from non-Latin alphabets, and 9 applications were submitted for variants of those strings.
This data reflects the dynamic landscape of internet identities and highlights the changing priorities of internet users and organizations worldwide. The previous round of gTLD applications, held in 2012, saw the addition of over 1,200 unique gTLDs, bringing forth names in various scripts, thus enriching the global internet landscape further.
Next Steps in the Program
Following the revealing of submissions, applicants who chose a second or alternate string during their application process will have an opportunity of two weeks to modify their primary request if they are eligible. ICANN plans to publish a final list of gTLD strings that will advance in the program on Confirmation Day, set for November 17, 2026. Following this, a Community Comment and Objection period will commence, giving stakeholders an exclusive window to express their feedback regarding the applications.
For more information regarding the timelines and milestones of this program, interested parties can visit the designated website for the 2026 Round. Regular updates and resource materials will also be posted there to keep the community informed throughout this significant expansion phase.
About ICANN
Founded in 1998 as a not-for-profit entity, ICANN's mission is to maintain the stability, security, and unified nature of the global internet. By overseeing unique identifiers for the internet, such as domain names and IP addresses, ICANN ensures a coordinated and functional online ecosystem. This new initiative aligns seamlessly with its commitment to adapt to the changing dynamics of the global internet community, fostering an inclusive and efficient digital landscape.
Topics Telecommunications）
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