About .youtube domain
.youtube is a brand gTLD operated by Charleston Road Registry, a subsidiary of Google. It was delegated in 2014 as part of ICANN's New gTLD Program. The extension is not intended for open, commercial registration but is designed to be used exclusively by the registry to support its YouTube platform. Its purpose is to create a dedicated, secure namespace for specific YouTube content channels.
Who can register .youtube domain
Registration is not open to the public. The TLD is operated as a "closed generic," meaning Google is the sole registrar and registrant. Domains are allocated only to select YouTube channel providers who meet internal selection criteria set by YouTube. There is no commercial registration process for external parties.
How to register .youtube domain
This TLD is not issued through commercial registrars. Google, as the registry operator, maintains complete control over all domain allocations. The allocation process is internal, with domains delegated only to pre-approved YouTube channel partners. These domains are automatically configured to point to YouTube's DNS servers, and there is no public application or purchase flow.
Typical uses of .youtube domain
This extension is used exclusively by select YouTube channel providers to create short, branded URLs that point directly to their content on the YouTube platform. For example, a channel might use a domain like brand.youtube to simplify access for its audience. Its use is strictly limited to enhancing the user experience within the YouTube ecosystem and strengthening the brand relationship between YouTube and its content partners.
Tips for registering .youtube domain
- All domains are registered and managed directly by Google, with no option for external purchase or transfer.
- WHOIS privacy and other common registrar add-ons are not applicable, as the registry controls all registration data.
- There is no public pricing, renewal schedule, or grace period, as domains are not commercially sold.
Frequently asked questions about .youtube domain
Who operates .youtube domain?
The registry for .youtube domains is Google Registry, administered by Charleston Road Registry Inc..
Who can register a .youtube domain?
Registration is restricted to Google itself and select YouTube channel partners chosen by YouTube. There is no public eligibility process, and individuals or companies cannot apply to register a .youtube domain through any registrar. The TLD operates as a completely closed registry for brand management purposes.
Can I transfer a .youtube domain between registrars?
Inter-registrar transfers are not possible for .youtube domains. Since Google is the sole registrar and registrant, all domains remain within its control. There is no mechanism to transfer a .youtube domain to another registrar or to a different registrant outside of Google's internal management.
Can I buy a .youtube domain for my personal website?
No, you cannot purchase a .youtube domain for personal or commercial use outside of the YouTube platform. The TLD is a closed brand extension used only by Google and its authorized YouTube channel partners. It is not available for open registration through any domain name registrar.
What is the purpose of a closed brand TLD like .youtube?
The purpose is to create a secure, dedicated namespace that reinforces the brand and improves user experience within a specific ecosystem. For .youtube, it allows select channel providers to have streamlined URLs that directly point to their YouTube content, ensuring authenticity and simplifying access for viewers under the YouTube brand umbrella.
Are there any dispute policies like UDRP for .youtube?
Standard dispute policies like the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) are generally incorporated into the registry agreement for all gTLDs. However, given the completely closed nature of .youtube, where Google controls all registrations, the practical application of such policies is extremely limited, as no third-party registrations exist to dispute.