About .meme domain
.meme is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by Google's Charleston Road Registry Inc. It was delegated to the root zone in August 2014 as part of ICANN's New gTLD Program. The registry's stated mission is to provide an open and dedicated domain space for registrants. It is a standard, unrestricted gTLD sold through commercial registrars.
Who can register .meme domain
Registration for .meme domains is open to the general public with no restrictions. There are no geographic, organizational, or trademark-based requirements for eligibility. Any individual, business, or organization can register a .meme domain name through an accredited registrar. No special verification or documentation is needed.
How to register .meme domain
- Search for your desired .meme domain name on a registrar's website to check its availability. Consider using a registrar that offers bulk search tools if you have multiple ideas.
- Compare prices, registration term lengths, and add-on services like WHOIS privacy or email forwarding across different ICANN-accredited registrars before selecting one.
- Complete the checkout process, providing accurate contact information and selecting your desired registration period, which is typically one year or more.
- After purchase, verify your contact details via email and configure your domain's DNS settings, such as nameservers, to point to your hosting provider.
Typical uses of .meme domain
The .meme extension is commonly used by websites focused on internet culture, humor, and viral content. It is a popular choice for creators, communities, and brands that want to directly signal their content is related to memes, trends, or shareable ideas. This makes it a fitting alternative to more generic extensions for projects centered on digital culture and online phenomena. Users choose it to create memorable and topical web addresses that immediately convey the nature of their site.
Tips for registering .meme domain
- Domains are registered on an annual basis, with a typical minimum term of one year.
- The registry has committed to implementing strong intellectual property rights protection mechanisms, including sunrise periods for trademark holders.
- WHOIS privacy services are generally available for this gTLD through participating registrars.
- Standard ICANN transfer policies apply, allowing inter-registrar transfers subject to a 60-day lock after registration or a previous transfer.
Frequently asked questions about .meme domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .meme domain?
As of today, .meme domains start from $9.84/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $27.44/yr across 14 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .meme domains?
NameBeta tracks 14 registrars that support .meme domain registration, with the cheapest option at $9.84/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .meme domain?
The registry for .meme domains is Google Registry, administered by Charleston Road Registry Inc..
Who can register a .meme domain?
Yes, .meme is an open gTLD with no eligibility restrictions. Registration is available to any individual, company, or entity globally through any ICANN-accredited registrar. You do not need to prove a connection to internet culture or memes to register. The process is identical to registering a common domain like .com.
Can I transfer a .meme domain between registrars?
Transferring a .meme domain follows standard ICANN procedures. You initiate the transfer by obtaining an authorization code (EPP code) from your current registrar and providing it to the gaining registrar. Transfers are typically completed within 5-7 days, but note that domains cannot be transferred within 60 days of initial registration or a previous transfer.
Are there any special rights protection mechanisms for trademark owners?
Yes, the registry operator has implemented additional rights protection measures. These include a Sunrise period, which allowed trademark owners early access to register corresponding domain names. The registry also supports the Uniform Rapid Suspension (URS) system and the Trademark Post-Delegation Dispute Resolution Procedure (PDDRP) to help address trademark infringement.
Can I register a .meme domain for more than one year?
Yes, you can typically register a .meme domain for multiple years at once, up to a maximum of 10 years. This allows you to secure your domain name for a longer period and often locks in the initial registration price. You should check with your specific registrar for their offered term lengths and any associated multi-year discounts.
What happens if I forget to renew my .meme domain?
Standard ICANN renewal grace periods apply. After expiration, there is typically a 30-day auto-renew grace period where you can renew the domain at the standard rate. Following that, a 30-day redemption grace period may apply, during which you can recover the domain for an additional fee. After these periods, the domain is deleted and becomes available for public registration again.
