Domain hacks: when the ending finishes the word
Domain hacks explained: famous examples like del.icio.us, youtu.be and redd.it, why people love them, the downsides, and endings that make good hacks.
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A domain hack uses the ending as part of the word or phrase, so the whole address spells something. Instead of delicious.com, the bookmarking site Delicious famously started as del.icio.us.
Famous domain hacks
| Hack | Spells | Ending used |
|---|---|---|
| del.icio.us | delicious | .us (United States) |
| youtu.be | YouTube | .be (Belgium) |
| instagr.am | .am (Armenia) | |
| redd.it | .it (Italy) | |
| bit.ly | "bitly" | .ly (Libya) |
Many big brands use hacks as short links, while keeping their main site on .com.
Why people love them
- Short: perfect for links and social media.
- Clever and memorable when the word reads naturally.
- Available: the .com version of a name may be taken, but the hack may be free.
The downsides
- People don't always get it. Some visitors type the .com version instead. Even Delicious eventually moved to delicious.com.
- Country rules apply. A hack uses a real country ending, so that country's registry sets eligibility, prices and policies.
- Political and stability risk. Your address depends on another country's registry.
- Some endings are pricey to renew.
Endings that make good hacks
- .ist: flor.ist, dent.ist, art.ist (words ending in "-ist")
- .ly: words ending in "-ly", like quick.ly
- .er-style and other endings that complete common word endings
- .is: phrases like "this.is" or "who.is"
- .it and .it.com: action phrases like "fix it" or "ship it"
Test any hack with the radio test: say it out loud and see if people can type it. Use the name score checker, and check the ending's rules with the domain search. For more country-ending hacks, see CCTLD.it.com.
Questions
What is a domain hack?
A domain where the ending completes the word or phrase, like del.icio.us or youtu.be.
Are domain hacks good for business?
They're great for short links and memorable branding, but many visitors still type .com, so most companies also use a .com.