Why .IO is the go-to domain for tech companies

Having a great URL is essential for startups and new website owners who want to succeed. However, obtaining a short, memorable domain at a reasonable price can be difficult at times—especially in the fast-moving startup world.

Increasingly more websites and businesses are turning to alternative domain endings as a solution. As hundreds of New Domain extensions have become available, it has become easier to get a domain name that you love and that your visitors will remember. But there’s another option that is neither a New Domain nor an old standby, and it’s become the darling of the startup and tech community: .IO.

But what’s so special about .IO? What sets it apart from other domains that haven’t yet seen the success that .IO is experiencing? We delved into the issue to explain why people are so drawn to the .IO extension.

How .IO got its start

.IO originated as a ccTLD—the internet country code for British Indian Ocean Territory. This scattering of islands, also known as Chagos Archipelago, is a small British territory that not many people even know exists.

So how did a little known ccTLD suddenly become a domain that was wholeheartedly embraced by the tech community? Well, it started as an inside joke. Computer enthusiasts joked that .IO could stand for “input/output,” and started adopting it with that meaning in mind. The notion quickly gained steam and .IO became a recognizable domain for many in the tech industry. Now, .IO is one of the most commonly accepted domains out there and is being used by startups and established businesses alike. Popular for apps, business software, tech companies, blogs, and more, .IO websites have become not only accepted, but are a trendy domain choice for startups.

Why turn to .IO?

Most people trust websites that use a .IO extension. They’ve likely seen it being used by a credible business or website. New startups may choose a .IO domain over a traditional one simply because there is an emerging trend that suggests they should choose it. This is not a bad thing as the .IO ending may help web users recognize that most websites that use a .IO domain are a part of the tech community.