What is a Web3 domain name?

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A Web3 domain name is a blockchain-based domain — a new kind of internet address that represents your identity, website, or wallet on decentralized networks. Unlike traditional Web2 domains (like example.com), Web3 domains are stored on a blockchain, giving you true ownership and enabling decentralized functionality.

Here’s a breakdown 

1. How it differs from a regular domain

Feature

Web2 Domain (e.g., .com, .org)

Web3 Domain (e.g., .eth, .crypto)

Ownership

Rented from registrars (GoDaddy, Google Domains, etc.)

Owned permanently as an NFT on the blockchain

Registry

Managed by ICANN and DNS

Managed by blockchain protocols (Ethereum, Polygon, etc.)

Storage

Centralized DNS servers

Stored on the blockchain

Censorship

Can be seized or taken down

Censorship-resistant

Usage

Websites, email, etc.

Crypto payments, decentralised websites (IPFS), identity

 

2. Popular Web3 domain providers

  • ENS (Ethereum Name Service) → domains end with .eth
  • Unstoppable Domains → domains like .crypto, .nft, .wallet, .x
  • BNB Name Service → .bnb domains for the Binance network
  • Solana Name Service → .sol domains

3. What you can do with one

  • Simplify crypto payments: Instead of sending to a long address like
    0x4f3C...a91, you can send to alice.eth.
  • Host decentralized websites: Point your domain to files stored on IPFS.
  • Use it as your digital identity: Log into dApps and Web3 services with it.
  • Use it as an NFT: You can sell or transfer your Web3 domain just like any other token.

Example

If you own alice.eth:

  • Others can send you ETH or NFTs just by typing alice.eth.
  • You can use it as your Web3 username across dApps.
  • You truly own it — no registrar can take it away.

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