Extension
.blog
.blog in short
The .blog domain is an open generic top-level domain (gTLD) launched in 2016 specifically for blogs, journals and editorial sites. It is operated by Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, and is open to anyone.
.blog at a glance
Type
gTLD — Generic top-level domain
Registry
Knock Knock WHOIS There (Automattic)
Launched
2016
Country / scope
Generic — no country
Restrictions
Open to anyone — no platform or eligibility requirement
Typical price
$25/yr
Example sites
WordPress.com blogs
Source: IANA root zone database & registry data · methodology
Where to register a .blog 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 .blog mean?
The .blog extension does exactly what it says — it marks a site as a blog. It launched in 2016 and is operated by Knock Knock WHOIS There, a subsidiary of Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com and a huge share of the world’s blogs. That pedigree gives .blog a natural credibility in the publishing world.
It is genuinely descriptive: a name.blog address tells readers up front that they are getting written, regularly-updated content rather than a shop or corporate homepage. It works both as a standalone domain and as a focused companion to a brand’s main site.
Who uses .blog?
Independent writers, journalists and hobby bloggers; companies that want a clean editorial domain separate from their main brand; developer and design blogs; and topic communities. Because Automattic runs it, it slots in neatly for the millions of people who already publish on WordPress, but it is open to any platform — Ghost, static sites, anything.
.blog registration rules and requirements
None. .blog is an open generic TLD: you do not need to use WordPress or any particular platform, and there is no eligibility check. Registration is first-come, first-served to anyone worldwide under standard ICANN rules. You can point a .blog domain at any host you like.
How much does a .blog cost?
A .blog domain typically costs about $25–$30 per year at standard rates, though first-year promotions are common and WordPress.com sometimes bundles one with a paid plan. Confirm the renewal price before committing for the long term.
| Registrar | Typical .blog price (per year) |
|---|---|
| Porkbun | ~$23–28/yr |
| Namecheap | ~$25–30/yr |
| WordPress.com | Bundled with some plans |
.blog pros and cons
Pros
- Crystal-clear — tells readers it’s a blog instantly.
- Backed by Automattic / WordPress, with publishing credibility.
- Open to any platform, not just WordPress.
- Good keyword names still available.
Cons
- Standard pricing is higher than .com.
- Only suits editorial / blog projects.
- Less type-in recall than .com.
- Renewal can exceed bundled or promo first-year rates.
Example .blog websites
- WordPress.com blogs mapped to custom name.blog domains.
- Company editorial sites kept separate from the main brand.
- Independent writer, developer and design blogs.
.blog — frequently asked questions
What is the .blog domain?
The .blog domain is an open generic top-level domain (gTLD) launched in 2016 specifically for blogs, journals and editorial sites. It is operated by Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, and is open to anyone.
Who can register a .blog domain?
Anyone. Despite being operated by Automattic, .blog is open and not tied to WordPress — you can register one first-come, first-served and host it on any platform you choose.
How much does a .blog domain cost?
A .blog domain typically costs around $25–$30 per year at standard rates. First-year promotions are common and WordPress.com sometimes bundles one with a paid plan; check the renewal price.
Do I need WordPress to use a .blog domain?
No. A .blog domain works with any host or platform — WordPress, Ghost, a static site generator or anything else. The Automattic ownership is about the registry, not a usage requirement.