A new report from name.com, “The Empowered Builder: Digital Identity in the Age of AI,” reveals that 77 % of surveyed professionals expect strong domain names to increase in value as AI reshapes how digital products are built and discovered. The findings highlight a shift from code to identity, positioning domains as a critical trust layer in an AI‑first internet.
name.com Survey Shows Domains Gaining Value
The report, based on a survey of 1,120 decision‑makers in the US and the UK and 12 one‑on‑one interviews, identifies three core trends. First, 77 % of respondents anticipate that strong domain names will rise in value as AI and “disposable code” change product creation. Second, 40 % expect keyword‑rich domains to perform best in AI‑generated results, while 19 % believe descriptive industry TLDs will outpace traditional extensions. Third, although 65 % of participants trust AI‑recommended sites, 30 % cite misinformation and fake sites as a top concern, reinforcing the role of domains as a trust anchor.
Implications for AI‑First Discovery
The study frames these trends within what it calls the “Agentic Web,” where AI agents and generative interfaces increasingly replace traditional search and social discovery. According to Kobi Gamiliel, VP of Partnerships & AI Ecosystem at Wix, success now requires a digital identity that can serve as a “beacon of trust” across evolving discovery channels. The report notes that domain adoption is already reflecting this shift: .dev registrations surged eight‑fold in 2025, and extensions such as .app, .codes, and .software showed strong growth, signaling demand for names that convey intent and technical credibility.
Operational Relevance for Builders
Sammy Ahmed, VP and General Manager at name.com, observes that as development becomes more accessible, founders and small teams are choosing domain extensions that reflect purpose. The lowered cost and expertise needed to launch digital products means builders can create and iterate at near‑zero marginal cost, expanding the pool of online offerings. In this environment, a well‑chosen domain provides a stable marker of authenticity and control, helping users differentiate legitimate properties from AI‑generated misinformation.
Key Takeaways
- 77 % of surveyed professionals expect strong domain names to increase in value as AI reshapes product building and discovery.
- 40 % anticipate keyword‑rich domains will perform best in AI‑generated results, while 19 % see descriptive industry TLDs overtaking traditional extensions.
- .dev registrations surged 8× in 2025, and .app, .codes, and .software also saw strong growth, reflecting heightened demand for intent‑signaling domains.
TechInsyte's Take
The data suggests that domain strategy will become a more visible component of AI‑driven digital initiatives, especially for teams launching lightweight products. While the survey confirms rising interest, the extent to which domain value translates into measurable business outcomes remains unclear. CIOs and product leaders should monitor domain‑related metrics as part of broader AI adoption roadmaps and evaluate whether premium or purpose‑built extensions align with their trust and discovery objectives.
Source: Businesswire
