Upcoming TLDs / .gig
Can you register a .gig domain?
Source: ICANN 2026 round applications, checked October 27, 2026. Not in the IANA root zone as of October 26, 2026.
What .gig would mean
In their own words, from the public part of each application (question 118):
A live performance or a temporary, freelance or short-term job.
"Gig" refers to a single, short-term, or freelance job, engagement, or performance undertaken for pay, often booked individually rather than through ongoing permanent employment.
Gig commonly refers to a term with multiple commonly understood meanings depending on the context in which it is used. For example, it may refer to a freelance job or a performance.
Who applied for .gig
ShortDot (Ireland) Limited
IE, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
The mission of .gig is to provide a focused namespace for freelancers, independent professionals, performers, events, employment platforms and the gig economy.
Registry Services, LLC
US, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
1. Describe the mission and purpose of the applied-for gTLD.
Vanity Check, LLC
US, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
The mission of .GIG is to provide a namespace associated with the applied-for string. The .GIG gTLD is intended to serve a broad range of registrants and users, including individuals, businesses, organizations, communities, projects, and other entities that identify with, relate to, or wish to be associated with the concept represented by the applied-for string.
What happens next
- April 30, 2026: Application window opened (done)
- August 12, 2026: Application window closed (done)
- October 7, 2026: Reveal Day: ICANN published every applied-for string (done)
- October 21, 2026: Replacement period ended (applicants could switch to a backup string) (done)
- November 17, 2026: String Confirmation Day: the final list of applied-for strings
- March 16, 2027: Community input and objections period ends
Dates from ICANN’s Reveal Day announcement, checked October 27, 2026. We re-check the applications every day and this page changes when they do.
When will .gig be available?
ICANN has not set a date. The final list of applied-for strings comes on String Confirmation Day (November 17, 2026), community input and objections run until March 16, 2027, and ICANN processes applications after a prioritization draw in 2027. Registration opens only after ICANN delegates .gig and its registry announces launch dates.