Hey there!
If you’re new to the world of web3, crypto, decentralization, and all of the other weird techno bable out there, you might have come across the term “web3 domain” and wondered what it’s all about.
I know why you landed on this page and subject, because right now the world is changing and you need to start thinking
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. In this beginner-friendly article, I’ll explain what web3 domains are, why they’re necessary, and introduce you to the top registries and platforms you can use to get started.
By the end, you’ll be well-informed and ready to dive into the exciting world of web3 domains with confidence.
An easier way to understand Web3 domains and Web3 in general
Imagine the internet as a vast community, where each website is like a home with its unique address.
Currently, on the internet, big companies such as Facebook and YouTube own and control many of these homes.
They determine who can reside there and what they can do within their homes.
Sometimes, these large companies can even evict people from their homes if they break the rules. This system is known as the centralized internet or Web2.
Now, picture web3 domains as a new kind of address for homes in an alternative community.
In this new area, individuals have greater freedom and authority over their properties. Instead of having big companies like Facebook and YouTube in charge, there’s a new technology called blockchain that ensures everyone’s addresses are secure and protected.
This innovative community is called the decentralized internet or Web3.
Web3 domains are essentially unique addresses for homes in this Web3 community.
They simplify the process of finding and visiting each other’s homes, exchanging digital currency, and even developing exclusive clubs or activities. It’s like owning a private clubhouse where you set the rules, and nobody can force you to leave!
As time goes on, it’s likely that more people will start using web3 domains to construct their homes in the Web3 community, making the Internet a more enjoyable, inventive, and equitable space for all.
A Web3 Domain is a name tag in the online world.
Owning a web3 domain is like having a special name tag in the online world or a digital identity that you own.
It helps protect who you are and what you do on the internet, just like how a name tag helps people know who you are at school or on a sports team.
Right now your digital identity is probably on Facebook and yes owned by Facebook.
With a web3 domain, you get to decide how your name and information are used, making sure that only the people you trust can see it.
This is important because it keeps your online identity safe and private, just like how your name tag helps you feel safe and secure when you’re with your friends or family.
A Web3 Domain will be your online profile and login method in the future?
Web3 domains are similar to logins for social media accounts and credit cards because they help you do things on the internet more easily.
Just like you need a username and password to sign in to your favorite games or social media, web3 domains make it simple for you to use online services and send digital money.
It’s like having a special key that unlocks lots of fun and helpful things on the internet, all while keeping your information safe and secure, just like a secret code for your credit card.
Top Web3 Domain Name Registries and Platforms in 2023
Ethereum Name Service (ENS): The traditional service offering ‘.eth’ domains.
Level: Intermediate – Before being able to buy you need the Ethereum cryptocurrency and transfer it from one of your crypto wallet addressesFreename.io: Custom Web3 TLDs and domains for a personalized experience.
Level: Beginner – Here you can buy a web3 domain or several web3 domain names using your credit card. This is a good place to start and when you have a crypto wallet ready, you will be able to document your ownership “mint” on the blockchain. Freename’s collection of web3 domain names is gigantic because they have made it possible to create every possible domain ending (Top-level domain names) .smile .happy .everythingUnstoppable Domains: The market leader for ‘.crypto’ and ‘.zil’ domains.
Level: Beginner – On unstoppabledomains.com you can only buy domain names with endings like .nft .crypto .dao etc. These are also the most popular ones. Again you can use your credit card to buy them.
Crypto wallet addresses sound scary but they are not
A crypto wallet is like a digital wallet or a virtual pocket where you can keep your cryptocurrencies, which are a special type of digital money. Think of it like a piggy bank, but instead of holding coins and bills, it holds digital coins.
You know how you need a username and password to log into Facebook? Well, a crypto wallet has something similar called a “private key” and a “public key.” The private key is like a secret password that you should never share with anyone. The public key is like your username, which you can share with people to receive digital money.
Crypto wallets can hold more than just digital money. They can also hold things called tokens. Tokens can represent many things, like a ticket to a concert, or even your digital identity. Your digital identity is like your personal information stored safely online. It can include your name, age, and other important details.
Having your digital identity in a crypto wallet means you can prove who you are online without sharing your private information with everyone. This helps keep your information safe from hackers and other people who might misuse it.
So, a crypto wallet is like a digital treasure chest that keeps your digital money and identity safe and secure. Just remember to keep your private key secret, and you’ll be able to enjoy the exciting world of cryptocurrencies and digital identities!
ENS and How It Works
Ethereum Name Service (ENS) is a decentralized domain name system built on the Ethereum blockchain, offering ‘.eth’ domains.
It simplifies the process of interacting with dApps, smart contracts, and cryptocurrencies by replacing complex addresses with user-friendly domain names.
To get started with ENS, visit the official ENS website (ens.domains) and connect your Ethereum wallet.
Search for your desired domain name, and if it’s available, follow the on-screen instructions to register it.
Once registered, you can manage your domain, set up a wallet address, and even link it to your decentralized website, all from within the ENS platform.
Freename.io – Custom Web3 TLDs and Domains
Freename.io is a unique web3 domain platform that allows users to create and purchase custom top-level domains (TLDs) in addition to regular web3 domains.
What sets Freename.io apart is the opportunity for users to not only personalize their domain names but also profit from them.
By registering and owning a custom top-level domain (TLD), you can generate revenue by selling domain names under your top-level domain (TLD) to other users.
This innovative approach adds an entrepreneurial element to the web3 domain space, offering a potential source of income while also promoting the creation of diverse and memorable domain names.
Unstoppable Domains– the Market Leader
Unstoppable Domains is a popular web3 domain registry offering ‘.crypto’ and ‘.zil’ domains. With a strong focus on user experience, Unstoppable Domains provides a platform for creating censorship-resistant websites and simplifying crypto payments.
Unstoppable Domains offers a seamless experience for purchasing unique blockchain-based web3 domain extensions like .nft, .dao, .crypto, and .blockchain.
The platform enables users to easily manage and secure their digital assets while fostering decentralization.
A must-try for those looking to establish a strong online presence in the emerging world of Web 3.0.
The nerdy conclusion
In conclusion, the internet is evolving into a new era with web3 domains, revolutionizing how we interact with the digital world.
Web3 domains, powered by blockchain technology, offer a decentralized approach to domain names, providing users with complete control over their digital identities and crypto wallet addresses. Through services like Unstoppable Domains and Ethereum Name Service, users can register blockchain domain names, enabling human-readable wallet addresses and simplifying crypto payments.
Unlike traditional domains, web3 domains are not subject to renewal fees and are entirely owned by their registrars. These domains utilize smart contracts on multiple blockchain networks, such as the Ethereum network and Binance Smart Chain, ensuring decentralized control and enhanced security. Wallet addresses, like Ethereum wallet addresses, can be easily associated with web3 domains, streamlining transactions for users and facilitating the adoption of decentralized apps.
Decentralized applications (dApps) built on web3 domains can leverage digital identity features, allowing users to seamlessly interact with websites and other users through their crypto wallet. By using a browser extension like Microsoft Edge, users can access decentralized web content on their preferred device, promoting greater internet freedom.
With web3 domains, users have the ability to create and host websites without relying on traditional DNS and domain name systems. This enables a wide range of new features and services, such as passive income generation from NFT domains and NFT marketplaces. The decentralized nature of web3 domains also allows users to share data securely and privately, thanks to the inherent security of blockchain technology.
The top-level domain landscape is changing rapidly, with an increasing number of people opting for web3 domains over traditional domains. As web3 domains become more popular, users can expect lower gas fees, better integration with multiple blockchain networks, and even more use cases for their digital identities.
In short, web3 domains are paving the way for a more decentralized, secure, and user-friendly internet experience. As more people adopt web3 domains and integrate them with their crypto wallets and digital identities, we can anticipate a future where the decentralized web is synonymous with the internet as we know it.
