About .hangout domain
.hangout is a brand gTLD operated by Charleston Road Registry Inc. (a Google subsidiary). It was delegated to the root zone on January 24, 2015, as part of ICANN's New gTLD Program. The extension was created with the specific purpose of associating domain names exclusively with Google's Hangouts product. It operates under an exemption from the standard ICANN Registry Operator Code of Conduct, allowing Google to act as the sole registrar and registrant for the entire TLD.
Who can register .hangout domain
Registration of .hangout domains is not open to the public. Google is the sole registrant for all second-level domains within this TLD. The allocation of domains is managed internally by Google, and they are provided only to select users of the Google+ Hangouts platform who meet specific, undisclosed eligibility criteria set by Google.
How to register .hangout domain
.hangout is not allocated through commercial registrars. Google, as the registry operator, holds all registration rights and manages the entire namespace. Domain names are allocated internally by Google to select users of its Hangouts service based on its own criteria. There is no public registration or purchase process; access is granted at Google's discretion as part of its product ecosystem.
Typical uses of .hangout domain
The .hangout TLD is used exclusively for the Google+ Hangouts service. Select users who meet Google's criteria are given a domain (e.g., username.hangout) that automatically points to their Google+ Hangouts page or a specific offering. This creates a simplified, branded URL that strengthens the association with the Hangouts platform. The TLD serves as a dedicated, trusted space signaling that the content originates from the Hangouts service.
Tips for registering .hangout domain
- All domains are allocated and managed directly by Google; there is no public registration or pricing.
- Google operates this TLD under an exemption from the standard ICANN Code of Conduct for registry operators.
- The registry has committed to implementing strong intellectual property rights protection mechanisms that build upon ICANN's required policies.
- Domain functionality is restricted to pointing to select Google+ Hangouts user pages.
Frequently asked questions about .hangout domain
Who operates .hangout domain?
The registry for .hangout domains is Google Registry, administered by Charleston Road Registry Inc..
Who can register a .hangout domain?
Only Google, as the sole registrant, can hold .hangout domains. The company internally allocates specific second-level domains to select users of its Google+ Hangouts service. Eligibility for a domain is determined by Google based on its own, undisclosed criteria related to the Hangouts platform. There is no application process for the general public.
Can I transfer a .hangout domain between registrars?
As Google is the sole registrant and registrar for the .hangout namespace, standard inter-registrar transfers do not apply. All domains are held and managed within Google's own registry system. If a user's eligibility status changes, Google would manage any re-allocation or revocation of the domain internally according to its policies.
Can I register a .hangout domain through a regular domain registrar?
No, you cannot. The .hangout TLD is a closed, brand TLD operated exclusively by Google. It does not utilize the shared registration system with ICANN-accredited registrars. Google acts as its own registry and sole registrar, controlling all aspects of domain allocation directly through its Hangouts service platform.
What rights protection mechanisms are in place for .hangout?
The registry operator, Charleston Road Registry (Google), has stated its commitment to implementing strong intellectual property protection. While operating under a Code of Conduct exemption, it intends to offer a suite of rights protection measures that build upon ICANN's mandatory policies like the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP). These mechanisms are designed to protect trademarks within its closed ecosystem.
What happens if Google no longer supports the Hangouts service?
The future of the TLD would be at the discretion of the registry operator, Google. As a brand TLD created specifically for the Hangouts product, its utility is intrinsically linked to that service. Google could choose to repurpose the namespace, sunset it entirely, or let domains become inactive, following ICANN's procedures for registry termination.