Upcoming TLDs / .pod
Can you register a .pod domain?
Source: ICANN 2026 round applications, checked October 27, 2026. Not in the IANA root zone as of October 26, 2026.
What .pod would mean
In their own words, from the public part of each application (question 118):
A pod is a small, self-contained unit or group, from an episodic audio or video series to a small team, a study group, or a modular workspace.
a streamlined enclosure, housing, or detachable container of some kind.
capsule or container
"Pod" is a common informal shortening of "podcast," an episodic series of spoken-word audio (and sometimes video) recordings made available for streaming or download. It can also mean a small detachable group or self-contained unit.
Pod commonly refers to a broadly recognized term used across a wide range of contexts.
"Pod" is an English word meaning a seed casing (as of peas); a small group; a detachable, self-contained unit or capsule; and, informally, a short form of "podcast."
A pod is a small, self-contained unit organized around a specific purpose, activity, or function. It may refer to a podcast, collaborative team, workspace, learning group, software deployment unit, or other focused physical or digital environment.
POD is a seed case or a compact, self-contained unit, from a pea pod to a workspace or vehicle compartment. Small package. Plenty inside.
Who applied for .pod
Intercap Registry Inc.
KY, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
The proposed .pod top-level domain represents the everyday concept of the pod - a small, self-contained unit or group. The word is in wide use across settings: episodic audio and video series, small teams and study groups, modular workspaces and products, and compact units of many kinds.
Knock Knock WHOIS There, LLC
US, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
We hold this truth at the center of our mission: content is valuable. When you publish online—whatever you publish—you are adding something to the world, and that contribution deserves a home you control. Owning your domain means you're not at the whims of an ever-changing algorithm; it's a claim of ownership, independence, and authenticity. Every top-level domain we operate is built on that principle: a meaningful, memorable namespace that marks your corner of the internet as unmistakably your own, in essays, images, music, videos, storefronts, and whatever comes next.
Link Freedom Group / LFG
Link Freedom Group Ltd, MT, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
Link Freedom Group (LFG) aspires to become a best-in-class, vertically integrated domain name registration authority, see linkfreedomgroup.link. This TLD is part of a carefully curated portfolio of strings that LFG intends to pursue in ICANN’s 2026 New gTLD Program. In assembling this portfolio, LFG focused on securing meaningful, memorable, and commercially compelling strings that resonate strongly with end users and offer long-term growth potential.
Registry Services, LLC
US, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
1. Describe the mission and purpose of the applied-for gTLD.
Paws Button, LLC
US, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
The mission of .POD is to provide a namespace associated with the applied-for string. The .POD 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.
Radix Technologies Inc SEZC
Radix Technologies Inc SEZC, KY, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
1. Mission and purpose: The mission of .pod is to provide a short, memorable namespace for podcasting and audio creators, and for the wide range of brands and products for which "pod" as a keyword meaningfully enhances their name and identity. Intended registrants include podcasters, podcast networks, hosting and production services and the audio-publishing ecosystem, alongside businesses using "pod" in its broader senses, such as small teams, modular products, workspaces and accommodation pods. Intended users are listeners, customers and audiences worldwide. Following delegation, the …
Squarespace Registry LLC
US, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
".POD" is proposed as an open namespace for creators, operators, and builders who organize their work around something small, defined, and self-contained. The most immediate registrants are podcasters, including independent creators, audio producers, and podcast networks for whom "pod" is already part of the vocabulary. The string extends naturally to video podcasts, interview series, and episodic content platforms operating under the same series-based model regardless of medium. Beyond content, the pod concept maps cleanly onto intimate physical workspaces: recording studios, boutique …
XYZ.COM LLC
US, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
1. Mission and purpose. This gTLD will be operated as an open, unrestricted generic top-level domain. Its purpose is to expand naming choice in the DNS by making this term available at the top level for any lawful use chosen by the registrant. Registrations will be available to all registrants on a first-come, first-served basis through ICANN-accredited registrars, subject only to the Registry Agreement, ICANN Consensus Policies, and applicable law. The applicant will not operate this gTLD on an exclusive basis.
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 .pod 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 .pod and its registry announces launch dates.