Artificial intelligence (AI) was once just a buzzword used among tech enthusiasts and large companies in niche industries. Now, AI-powered tools and technologies are transforming the way many businesses operate, from improving customer experiences and personalizing marketing campaigns to automating routine tasks and making data-driven decisions.
Not only is AI transforming business operations across the globe, but we are now seeing many AI-focused companies adopting a .ai top-level domain (TLD) to enhance their credibility in such an innovative industry.
This article will explore .ai domains, what businesses can benefit from adopting one, and how they can instantly enhance credibility in 2025 and beyond.
What Are .AI Domains?
In 1995, .ai became the country-code TLD for Anguilla (a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean Sea) - similar to how web addresses have '.us' in the United States. '.au' in Australia, and 'co.uk' in the United Kingdom.
However, in January 2025, domain name registry Identity Digital took over the management of the .ai TLD in a partnership with Anguilla. This comes as .ai becomes the go-to generic TLD for websites that are AI-focused, such as 'claude.ai' and 'supermeme.ai'.
Today, almost 600,000 .ai domains are registered, and the .ai TLD accounted for 20 of the top 100 domain sales in 2024. This highlights how many AI-focused businesses are replacing the generic TLDs, such as '.com', and country-code TLDs, such as .us, and using .ai domains as a powerful branding move.
Due to '.com' TLDs being so widely used, popular names are often already taken. Whilst .ai TLDs allow businesses to secure a memorable and unique web address without much competition, making the .ai domain a profitable investment in 2025 and beyond.
Luckily, .ai domains are generally safe as they follow strict rules and regulations, and the high adoption costs deter malicious users.
What Businesses Use an .AI Domain?
.ai domains are highly beneficial for truly AI-focused businesses like Jasper, Smartcat, Beehive, Zone7, and Go Parrot, as they are less saturated than other generic TLDs and align your branding with the rapidly growing AI industry.
In addition, startups in the AI industry will also benefit from this popular and industry-specific domain as investors are more likely to support startups with strong branding and a clear market focus. However, a '.io' domain - which stands for input/output in tech terms - is also a versatile and ideal option for tech startups as it appeals to a broader tech audience rather than focusing too much on AI.
Despite the global adoption of .ai, it is safe to say that .com remains the most trusted TLD, which is unlikely to change anytime soon. So, fashion brands, food outlets, and other non-AI-related businesses must recognize .ai domains as a bad investment.
Using the wrong TLD can confuse website visitors and mislead them about the nature of your products or services, which can damage the credibility of your brand.
5 Ways an .AI Domain Can Enhance Your Credibility In 2025
.Ai domains are a strategic branding move
Website owners aren't just buying a .ai domain because they sound tech-savvy; they are becoming a strategic branding move for those in the industry. When potential investors, clients, or customers see the .ai domain, it signals expertise and innovation before anyone even visits your site.
In addition, AI domains are often short, easy to remember, and instantly communicate the niche. This makes them memorable, which is the key to standing out in the crowded and competitive tech market.
For example, 'presentations.ai' and 'adcreative.ai' have established themselves as industry leaders due to their clear and direct branding. Due to their short, memorable domains, it is evident that the first uses AI technology to help users create presentations, and the latter uses AI technology to create adverts on behalf of customers.
.Ai domains prove innovation
Potential investors, clients, or customers can recognize an innovative business by the tools and technologies they use to operate and deliver their services. A .ai domain suggests your business is not outdated and, instead, part of a technological advance and innovative future.
In addition, using a .ai domain builds credibility by association by aligning your brand with innovation leaders, such as 'openai.ai' and 'deeplearning.ai'.
Finally, for those in the venture capital or B2B tech industry, a .ai TLD can help you stand out and attract attention from innovation-focused stakeholders, investors, and clients.
The AI industry is booming.
The global AI industry is expected to reach a market size of $244.22bn in 2025, making it one of the fastest-growing industries in the world.
AI tools and technologies are now integrated into every industry, including healthcare, retail, education, hospitality, entertainment, and more. Regardless of your core business focus now, a .ai domain gives your business the flexibility to grow and adopt more of the technology in the future.
In addition, while '.com' TLDs are often seen as conventional or corporate, .ai suggests a specialized industry focus, which appeals to tech-savvy audiences and niche markets. This can increase click-through rates (CTRs) - and indirectly improve search engine optimization (SEO) - because visitors immediately associate your website with innovation or helpful AI tools.
.Ai domains are now well-recognized by Google
Ranking well on Google builds business credibility and increases organic traffic among individuals actively searching for your products or services. Unfortunately, a .ai TLD does not automatically rank you higher in search engines like Google.
However, if you follow the SEO best practices for your website, it will rank just as well as websites using '.com', '.org', or other generic TLDs. This is because Google now treats .ai as a generic TLD rather than a country-code TLD, which means a .ai domain won't affect your search visibility for those outside of Anguilla, allowing you to rank globally.
.Ai domains can reach a global audience
AI is now much more than just a buzzword; it is a globally used, welcomed, and understood technology. This means most visitors don't associate it with the geographic region of Anguilla, which helps businesses reach international markets without appearing region-specific.
Having your website reach a global audience builds credibility, as it signals that your product, service, or business is reliable, of a high standard, and meets diverse needs.
