Extension
.audio
.audio in short
The .audio domain is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) for the sound and music world — musicians, producers, podcasters, audio gear and streaming. Launched in 2014 and now run by XYZ.com, it is open to anyone, though it is one of the more expensive new extensions.
.audio at a glance
Type
gTLD — Generic top-level domain
Registry
XYZ.com LLC (originally Uniregistry)
Launched
2014
Country / scope
Generic — no country
Restrictions
Open to anyone
Typical price
$95/yr
Example sites
music, podcast & audio-gear sites
Source: IANA root zone database & registry data · methodology
Where to register a .audio domain
Prices are indicative and set by each registrar; renewal rates may differ from first-year promotions. Links may be sponsored. tldlist.us is an independent reference and not a registrar.
What does .audio mean?
The .audio extension does exactly what it says: it marks a site as belonging to the world of sound. It was delegated in 2014 in ICANN's new-gTLD round and is operated by XYZ.com (having begun life under Uniregistry). As a self-describing keyword TLD it needs no explanation — a visitor reads brand.audio and immediately expects music, audio products or a podcast.
That clarity is its whole appeal. For anyone in a field where “audio” is the obvious word, the extension turns the domain itself into a category label.
Who uses .audio?
Musicians, producers, sound engineers, podcasters, audio-hardware makers and streaming or sound-library services. A genre or label site such as hardstyle.audio shows the pattern — a short, on-topic name that says what it is. The registry's own nic.audio is another live example.
It is particularly popular with creators and small studios who want a memorable, exact-match name when the .com is taken — and there are plenty of good short .audio names still free.
.audio registration rules and requirements
Registration is open to anyone. There is no requirement to work in the audio industry, no certification and no documentation — it is first-come, first-served under standard ICANN policy. The name implies a theme, but the registry does not enforce one.
How much does a .audio cost?
This is the catch. .audio is a premium-priced extension, typically around $95–$105 per year at standard rates, and renewals stay high. Some registrars run cheap first-year offers, but the ongoing cost is well above an average gTLD, so it suits a name you intend to keep and use, not a throwaway registration.
Is .audio good for SEO?
As a generic TLD it earns no ranking boost or penalty. The benefit is descriptive: an exact-match, on-topic name can lift click-through and recall with a music or audio audience, and the keyword in the domain reinforces the topic for users (though not directly for the algorithm). The extension itself is neutral. See how to compare and choose a TLD.
.audio vs alternatives
Within music and media, .audio competes with .fm (radio and podcasts), .tv (video and streaming), .studio and .media. Against all of them its strength is the single most literal word for sound; its weakness is the price, which is higher than most of those alternatives and far above a plain .com.
.audio pros and cons
Pros
- The most literal, self-describing name for anything sound-related.
- Open to anyone, with no industry requirement.
- Exact-match short names are still available.
- Strong fit for musicians, podcasters and audio brands.
Cons
- Premium pricing — among the more expensive gTLDs.
- High renewals, not just a one-off cost.
- Niche meaning limits use outside audio.
- Less recognised by the public than .com.
Example .audio websites
- hardstyle.audio — a music-genre site using an exact-match .audio name.
- nic.audio — the registry's own site for the extension.
- Podcast & studio sites — creators and studios use .audio for memorable, on-topic addresses.
.audio — frequently asked questions
What is the .audio domain?
The .audio domain is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) launched in 2014 and operated by XYZ.com (originally Uniregistry). It is aimed at the sound and music world — musicians, producers, podcasters and audio brands — and is open to anyone.
Who can register a .audio domain?
Anyone, anywhere can register a .audio domain. There is no requirement to work in the audio industry; it is sold first-come, first-served through standard registrars.
How much does a .audio domain cost?
A .audio domain is premium-priced, typically around $95–$105 per year at standard rates, with high renewals. Some registrars offer cheaper first-year deals, but the ongoing cost is well above an average gTLD.
Is .audio only for musicians?
No. It is most meaningful for music, podcasting and audio brands, but there are no eligibility restrictions, so anyone can register a .audio domain for any purpose.