What is Minting?

Blockchain technology has redefined how digital assets are created, owned, and transferred. One of the most significant innovations in this space is minting: the process of recording a digital asset permanently on the blockchain. In the case of domain names, minting transforms them from a centralized database entry into a fully owned, blockchain-registered asset that users can control, transfer, and monetize without intermediaries.

While traditional domain names are leased from registrars, blockchain-based domains are minted, meaning they exist permanently on-chain, immune to censorship and centralized control. Understanding how minting works, the benefits it provides, and the blockchains that support it is crucial for those looking to secure their digital identity in Web3.

Minting Meaning and How Does it Work?

Minting is the process of converting a digital asset, such as a domain name, into a blockchain-based record. Once minted, the domain becomes an immutable, verifiable, and transferable on-chain asset. Unlike traditional domains that require renewal fees and rely on centralized systems, minted domains are stored directly on the blockchain, ensuring long-term ownership and security.

Steps Involved in Minting a Domain

1. Registering the Domain – The domain name is first purchased through a marketplace like Freename.io, where users can buy either Second-Level Domains (SLDs) or Top-Level Domains (TLDs).
2. Selecting a Blockchain – Users choose a blockchain network that supports domain minting. Each blockchain offers different benefits in terms of speed, cost, and decentralization.
3. On-Chain Minting – Once purchased, the domain can be minted onto the blockchain. This process records the domain in an immutable ledger, associating it with the owner’s crypto wallet.
4. Finalizing Ownership – After minting, the domain is fully controlled by the wallet owner. It can be used for crypto payments, decentralized websites, or resold on blockchain marketplaces.

Once a domain is minted, it can no longer be altered, making the selection of the right domain name crucial. It becomes a unique, verified asset on the blockchain, enabling self-sovereign digital identity and ownership without reliance on third parties.

What Blockchains Support Domain Minting?

Several blockchains allow users to mint and store domain names, each offering different levels of speed, cost efficiency, and ecosystem compatibility. Below are the blockchains that currently support domain minting and those coming soon.

Blockchains Freename Supports

1. Binance Smart Chain (BSC)
   Binance Smart Chain (BSC) is a blockchain developed by Binance that enables decentralized applications (DApps) and low-cost transactions. It extends Binance Chain’s capabilities, using Proof of Staked Authority (PoSA) consensus for fast block times. BSC is Ethereum-compatible, allowing seamless interaction with Ethereum-based applications, and uses Binance Coin (BNB) for transaction fees.
2. Aurora
   Aurora is an Ethereum-compatible blockchain that improves scalability and efficiency. It utilizes a consensus mechanism that combines delegated proof-of-stake (DPoS) and Byzantine fault tolerance (BFT) to increase transaction speed while maintaining security. It is a strong choice for minting domains due to its high performance and low gas fees.
3. Polygon
   Polygon provides a fast and cost-effective alternative to Ethereum, making it ideal for domain minting. With low transaction fees, high throughput, and an extensive ecosystem of decentralized applications (DApps), Polygon is widely used for NFT and Web3 domain registrations.
4. Solana
   Solana is a high-speed blockchain designed for scalable applications. It supports extremely low transaction costs and near-instant processing, making it a strong option for domain minting. However, the network has faced periodic downtimes, which should be considered when choosing a blockchain for long-term asset ownership. (Read more about our partership with Solana)
5. Base
   Base is a Layer 2 blockchain built on Ethereum, designed for high-speed and low-cost transactions. Developed by Coinbase, it offers full Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility, allowing seamless integration with Ethereum applications and smart contracts.
6. Sei
   Sei is optimized for high-speed transactions and financial applications, ensuring efficient order execution. While still in its early stages, its focus on performance and security makes it a strong emerging player in domain minting.
7. Etherlink
   Etherlink is a scalable, EVM-compatible blockchain optimized for fast transactions and NFT minting. It provides enhanced security and performance compared to Ethereum while maintaining full compatibility with existing smart contract ecosystems.
8. Chiliz
   Chiliz is a blockchain focused on sports and entertainment, widely used for fan tokens and NFT applications. Built on an EVM-compatible framework, Chiliz offers fast transaction speeds and low fees, making it an emerging player in Web3 domains. Its strong partnerships with sports clubs and entertainment brands provide unique integration opportunities for blockchain-based digital identities

Blockchains Coming Soon 

1. Near Protocol (Coming Soon)
   Near is a highly scalable and developer-friendly blockchain known for its low fees and high transaction speeds. Its sharding technology ensures efficiency, making it a promising choice for domain minting.
2. Avalanche (AVAX) (Coming Soon)
   Avalanche is a high-speed blockchain with sub-second transaction finality. It provides strong security and supports custom subnet creation, making it a flexible option for minting blockchain-based domains.
3. Ethereum (Coming Soon)
   Ethereum is the most established blockchain for NFTs and smart contracts. While gas fees are high, Ethereum offers robust security and extensive adoption, making it a top choice for Web3 domain ownership.
4. Cronos (Coming Soon)
   Cronos, backed by Crypto.com, is designed for interoperability with Ethereum and Cosmos networks. It offers low-cost transactions and strong NFT support, making it an attractive choice for domain minting.

With these upcoming integrations, Freename users will soon have an even broader range of blockchains to choose from, ensuring they can select the best option based on their needs.

The Difference Between Buying and Minting Domains

Many users assume that purchasing a blockchain domain means it is immediately recorded on-chain. However, there is a difference between buying and minting a domain.

• Buying a Domain: When a user buys a domain on Freename.io, the transaction is recorded in Freename’s system but not yet stored on the blockchain.
• Minting a Domain: Once a domain is minted, it is permanently transferred to the blockchain, making it a fully owned and verifiable asset in the user’s crypto wallet.

After minting, users can transfer, resell, or integrate their domain with Web3 applications. Additionally, we allowsweFreename.io allows users to earn passive income by collecting royalties from registrations under their minted Top-Level Domains (TLDs).

Choosing the Right Blockchain for Minting

Each blockchain has unique advantages and trade-offs that should be considered before minting a domain. Here is a quick comparison of some of the key options:

Selecting the right blockchain for minting depends on factors such as transaction speed, cost, decentralization, and network stability.

Choosing your Domain

TLDs (or SLDs) can only be minted once. You must choose their domain carefully because it cannot be changed. Choosing a domain name should depend on the reason a user is buying a domain.

If you are TLD investing or domain flipping, you should consider what domain you believe will be in high demand later. On Freename.io for example, you may purchase a TLD for $50 and earn royalties whenever someone registers a domain on your TLD. However, if no one wants to register a domain, then it won’t be a profitable investment. The same applies to domains where you won’t be able to resell a domain that nobody wants to buy.

If you are aiming to create a Web3 identity or brand yourself. Then you should consider choosing a name that people can easily read and write. Your name should communicate your brand or style effectively.

Minting your Domain on Freename

Minting on Freename is as simple as the following steps:

1. As soon as you open up the Freename website, a search option will appear. Enter the TLD (or domain) that you wish to buy.
2. If the TLD (or domain) is available add it to the cart. If the TLD (or domain) is protected it means it has been associated with a brand, organization, or notable person.
3. Once it has been added to the cart, click on go to checkout.
4. You will be required to create a Freename.io account, after which you can purchase the TLD (or domain) with a cryptocurrency or credit card.
5. Once purchased go to the “portfolio and incomes”, where will have the option to mint a single TLD (or domain) or in bulk.

Minting may seem confusing at the start, but it is easy to do. Minting your own Web 3 TLD will help build your identity in this rapidly expanding industry. Freename trademarks further empower users by juridically protecting their Web 3 TLDs and Logo, worldwide.