Freename offers Web3 TLDs and Web3 Domains designed to give you long-term control and flexibility, without the typical renewal model used by many traditional domain systems. Below is a clear explanation of what TLDs and SLDs are, how lifetime ownership works, and what you can do with them.
A Top-Level Domain (TLD) is the part that comes after the final dot in a domain name.
Example: in freename.com, .com is the TLD.
A Second-Level Domain (SLD) is the part that comes before the dot.
Example: in freename.com, freename is the SLD.
This distinction matters because a TLD can be the foundation for an entire naming ecosystem, while an SLD is a specific name registered under a TLD.
With Freename, a Web3 TLD is designed to be acquired as a lifetime asset, meaning it is not tied to recurring annual renewal fees. As the TLD owner, you can configure the rules for domains under your extension and make SLDs available for users to purchase and mint. Owning a TLD does not grant ownership of all SLDs under it. Users acquire specific domains only when they are purchased, based on availability and your settings. If you are the TLD owner and you have the royalties option enabled, you earn 50% of the sale price as royalties for domains purchased under your TLD through external sales.
A Web3 Domain (an SLD under a TLD) can also be minted as a lifetime asset, depending on the specific TLD’s rules and availability. If you are the TLD owner and you purchase domains under your own TLD, you pay 50% of the price.
Web3 .CHZ domains follow an annual renewal model.
That means if you register a Web3 domain under .CHZ, it requires yearly renewal rather than lifetime ownership.
Owning a Web3 TLD unlocks advanced features to build and monetize your extension:
A Web3 Domain can act as a portable identity and utility layer across Web3:
1) What is the difference between a TLD and an SLD?
A TLD is the extension after the last dot (like .com). An SLD is the name before the dot (like freename).
2) What does “lifetime” mean for Web3 TLDs and domains?
It means the asset is not tied to standard yearly renewals, unless stated otherwise for a specific TLD or domain type.
3) Are all Web3 domains lifetime?
Currently, all Web3 domains available for purchase on Freename are lifetime assets except .CHZ domains, which follow an annual renewal model.
4) Are Web3 .CHZ domains lifetime?
No. Web3 .CHZ domains are annual renewal domains, meaning they must be renewed each year.
5) Do I still need a wallet to use Web3 TLDs and domains?
Yes. Web3 assets are minted and stored on-chain, so a wallet is needed to mint and hold them. If you prefer not to use a personal wallet like MetaMask, you can use the Freename Custody Wallet to mint Web3 TLDs and Web3 Domains on Polygon and Base.
6) What can I do with a Web3 TLD that I cannot do with a Web3 domain?
A Web3 TLD lets you operate and manage your own extension: you can set the rules for how domains under it are offered (for example pricing rules and promotions), and you can earn royalties from external purchases under your TLD. A Web3 domain, instead, gives you a single name to use for utilities like payments, identity, and Web3 website.
7) Can I monetize a Web3 TLD?
Yes. A key feature is the ability to earn royalties and set pricing rules and promotions for domains under your extension.
8) Are there any hidden costs?
For lifetime assets, the goal is to avoid recurring annual renewal fees. However, specific TLDs may have their own rules (for example, .CHZ domains are annual renewal), and blockchain transactions can involve network fees depending on the chain and activity.