# Domain hacks: when the TLD finishes the word

A domain hack splits a word so its last letters become the extension. The whole domain reads as one name, and it's often still available when the .com is long gone.

## Famous examples

- **`del.icio.us`**: The social bookmarking site Delicious, and the best-known domain hack.
- **`youtu.be`**: YouTube’s short links, on Belgium’s .be.
- **`redd.it`**: Reddit’s short links, on Italy’s .it.
- **`instagr.am`**: Instagram’s early short domain, on Armenia’s .am.
- **`goo.gl`**: Google’s retired URL shortener, on Greenland’s .gl.

## How to find one

Look at the last two or three letters of your name and check whether they’re a real TLD. Most hacks use two-letter country codes, because there are around 250 of them. (The examples below show the pattern, not availability.)

- **`words ending -sh`**: `.sh` → `pu.sh`
- **`words ending -ly`**: `.ly` → `rare.ly`
- **`words ending -it`**: `.it` → `subm.it`
- **`words ending -is`**: `.is` → `analys.is`
- **`words ending -in`**: `.in` → `plug.in`
- **`words ending -me`**: `.me` → `aweso.me`

AvailableWhois does this for you: type a name and the hacks show up among the ideas, already checked against the registry.

## Before you buy one

Some country codes have residency rules. For example, `.us` requires a connection to the United States, and `.it` is limited to people and organizations in the EU/EEA. Check the rules for the TLD before you get attached.

Say it out loud. People may type the name without the dot, or add a .com. Hacks work best as short links and secondary domains, or when your audience is used to them.

Prices vary a lot. Some country-code TLDs cost far more than .com, at registration and at renewal.

Picking a regular TLD instead? See the [TLD guide](https://availablewhois.com/tlds.md).

[Find a domain hack for your name](https://availablewhois.com/)

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Canonical page: https://availablewhois.com/domain-hacks · Check a domain: https://availablewhois.com/ · All docs: https://availablewhois.com/llms.txt