The .ai Domain Trend: Why AI Companies Are Racing to Get .ai Domains

The .ai domain extension has gone from obscure country code to the most coveted domain extension in tech. With the artificial intelligence industry booming, .ai domains are selling for record prices and becoming a standard branding choice. Here's what you need to know.

The Rise of .ai

The .ai extension is technically the country-code top-level domain for Anguilla, a small Caribbean island. But since 2017, it's been available for general registration — and the timing couldn't have been better. As AI technology exploded into the mainstream, .ai became the natural extension for AI companies.

Major players using .ai domains include Stability.ai, Character.ai, Perplexity.ai, and hundreds of well-funded startups. The extension has become a signal: if you're in AI, you should have a .ai domain.

Why .ai Works

Instant Industry Recognition

A .ai domain immediately communicates what your company does. There's no ambiguity — visitors know they're dealing with an AI-related product or service.

Shorter, Cleaner URLs

Instead of "myaicompany.com," you can register "mycompany.ai." It's shorter, cleaner, and more memorable.

Availability

While most good .com domains are taken, the .ai namespace still has quality names available. You can find brandable one-word and two-word .ai domains that would be impossible to get in .com.

Credibility in the AI Space

Within the tech and investor community, a .ai domain signals that you're serious about AI. It's become an expected part of the AI startup brand package.

Pricing and Registration

.ai domains are significantly more expensive than .com:

• Standard registration: $50-100/year
• Premium names: $1,000-100,000+
• Aftermarket prices: Top .ai domains have sold for six and seven figures

Registration is managed through the Anguilla registry. You can register through most major registrars including GoDaddy, Namecheap, and Cloudflare.

Important Pricing Notes

• Minimum registration is typically 2 years
• Renewal prices match registration prices (no bait-and-switch)
• Premium domain pricing varies by registrar

Should You Get a .ai Domain?

Yes, If:

• You're building an AI product or service
• Your target audience is tech-savvy
• The .com version is unavailable or too expensive
• You want to signal AI-first positioning

Maybe Not, If:

• Your product isn't AI-related (it would confuse people)
• Your audience is non-technical consumers
• You can get the .com at a reasonable price
• Budget is extremely tight (given higher annual costs)

.ai vs .com for AI Companies

Many AI companies register both — .ai as the primary domain and .com as a redirect. This is the ideal approach if budget allows. If you must choose one:

• Choose .ai if you're targeting developers, investors, and tech audiences
• Choose .com if you're targeting mainstream consumers who might not understand .ai

SEO Considerations

Google treats .ai the same as any other extension for ranking purposes. Your SEO depends on content, backlinks, and technical optimization — not the extension. However, having "ai" in your domain can naturally capture AI-related search queries.

The Investment Angle

.ai domains have appreciated significantly since 2022. Short, memorable .ai domains purchased for $50-100 are now worth thousands. While domain investing is speculative, the continued growth of the AI industry supports .ai domain values.

Secure Your .ai Domain Now

Quality .ai domains are being registered quickly. If you have a brand name in mind for an AI venture, check availability now before it's gone.

Use BrandScout to check your brand name across .ai and other domain extensions instantly. See what's available and secure your AI brand identity today.