.fail gTLD
The .fail TLD is a generic top-level domain intended for open public use, designed to support online expression, criticism, satire, and commentary. It was introduced as part of ICANN’s new gTLD program to expand choice and innovation in the domain name space.
No restrictions on registration; open to anyone for any lawful purpose.
.fail Domain Overview
The .fail extension is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) in the Domain Name System (DNS). It is managed by Donuts (operated through Atomic Pipe, LLC). .fail was introduced in 2014. There are currently 4,601 domains registered under this extension. Registration prices start from USD 8.24. DNSSEC adoption stands at 8.3%.
Registration Info
Price range based on 2 registrars. Actual prices may vary.
Security Features
- DNSSEC
- CAA Record Support
Where to Register a .fail Domain — Price Comparison
Compare .fail domain registration and renewal prices across 2 registrars. Prices are in USD and updated daily.
| Registrar | Registration | Renewal | Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| porkbun Cheapest | $8.24 | $31.41 | $31.41 |
| dynadot | $8.24 | $32.32 | $32.32 |
Prices checked May 27, 2026. Prices exclude ICANN fees where applicable and may vary by registrar promotions or contract terms.
What Is the History of .fail?
The .fail domain was applied for by Donuts Inc. in ICANN’s new gTLD program and was delegated to the DNS root zone on April 23, 2014. Despite a GAC Early Warning from Australia over concerns about potential misuse, ICANN approved the application after Donuts committed to robust abuse protections. The registry is now managed by Identity Digital Inc., which acquired the assets of Donuts in 2018. The TLD has remained open and unrestricted since launch.
Did you know?
The .fail TLD serves a specific purpose in the domain ecosystem, providing users with clear context about the websites using this extension.
What Is .fail Used For?
The .fail TLD is commonly used for the following purposes:
Satirical websites
Criticism and commentary platforms
Personal blogs expressing failure or lessons learned
Creative projects and memes
Educational content about resilience
Popular Websites
How Many .fail Domains Are Registered?
Total Registrations
4,601
DNSSEC Adoption
8.3%
Alternative TLDs
If .fail doesn't meet your needs, consider these alternatives:
How Does .fail Compare?
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Extension | .fail |
| Type | Generic TLD (gTLD) |
| Total Registrations | 4,601 |
| DNSSEC Adoption | 8.3% |
| Registration Price | USD 8.24 |
| Renewal Price | USD 31.41 - 32.32 |
| Registry Operator | Donuts (operated through Atomic Pipe, LLC) |
| Introduced | 2014-04-23 |
| Restrictions | No restrictions on registration; open to anyone for any lawful purpose. |
How Available Are .fail Domain Names?
Registration density analysis for .fail domains by character length. Currently 3,865 domains are registered across all lengths.
Total Registered
3.9K
Peak Saturation
69.2%
1-char names
DNSSEC Adoption
9.4%
Top Provider
Cloudflare
| Length | Registered | % Full | Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 char | 18 | 69.2% | |
| 2 chars | 102 | 15.1% | |
| 3 chars | 475 | 2.7% | |
| 4 chars | 627 | 0.14% | |
| 5 chars | 482 | <0.01% | |
| 6 chars | 508 | <0.01% | |
| 7 chars | 437 | <0.01% | |
| 8 chars | 395 | <0.01% | |
| 9 chars | 267 | <0.01% | |
| 10 chars | 230 | <0.01% | |
| 11 chars | 177 | <0.01% | |
| 12 chars | 147 | <0.01% |
Top DNS Providers
Updated daily from zone file analysis. Alpha density = registered / 26^length.
Compare across all TLDs →How Do I Register a .fail Domain?
Eligibility
No restrictions. Open to individuals, businesses, organizations, and entities worldwide.
Open Registration
The .fail TLD is available for registration through accredited domain registrars.
Registration Process
- Choose an accredited domain registrar that offers .fail domains
- Check domain availability using the registrar's search tool
- Complete the registration process and provide required information
- Pay the registration fee (typically USD 8.24)
- Manage your domain settings through your registrar's control panel
.fail vs Related Domain Extensions
How does .fail compare to similar top-level domains? This comparison covers pricing, type, and availability to help choose the right domain extension.
View the full TLD Directory to browse all 1,900+ top-level domains with pricing, registration density analysis, and DNSSEC adoption rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Is This .fail Data Compiled?
DNS Checker maintains a comprehensive TLD directory covering all 1,900+ active top-level domains. The data on this page combines multiple authoritative sources to provide information not found in standard TLD listings.
Zone File Analysis
Domain registration counts and density analysis are computed daily from TLD zone files, providing accurate registration statistics rather than estimates.
DNSSEC Adoption Tracking
DNSSEC deployment percentages are measured by scanning actual DNS records across all registered domains in each TLD zone.
Registrar Price Monitoring
Registration, renewal, and transfer prices are checked hourly across multiple accredited registrars and compared automatically.
Provider Market Share
DNS provider distribution is calculated from nameserver records, showing which hosting providers serve the most domains in each TLD.
Use DNS Checker tools to inspect any .fail domain: run a full DNS health check, check DNS propagation, look up WHOIS records, or verify email authentication.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is sourced from IANA, ICANN, and respective registry operator publications, then structured and formatted with the assistance of AI. While accuracy is a priority, details such as pricing, registration requirements, and policies may change. Always verify with the official registry or an accredited registrar before making registration decisions.