A domain hack is when the TLD becomes part of the name itself, forming a word or phrase across the dot. Think bit.ly, instagr.am, or betali.st. These tools help you find them.
Domainr
The best tool for finding domain hacks. Type in any word and it instantly shows creative TLD combinations, including synonyms and partial matches. It checks availability in real time across hundreds of TLDs.
DomainsBot
Generates domain name suggestions including domain hacks. It combines your keywords with various TLDs and shows availability. Also suggests synonyms and related words.
Instant Domain Search
Shows domain availability as you type. While it's primarily focused on standard extensions, it also surfaces some domain hack options and alternative TLDs.
How to find domain hacks manually
If you prefer a hands-on approach:
- Write out the word you want (e.g., "artist")
- Look at the last 2-3 letters — do they match a TLD? (e.g., "ist" doesn't, but "st" does → arti.st)
- Browse the full TLD list for short extensions that match common word endings
- Check availability at your preferred registrar
Common TLD endings for domain hacks
These short TLDs are the most useful for creating domain hacks:
- .ly (Libya) — words ending in "-ly": quick.ly, friend.ly, love.ly
- .st (São Tomé) — words ending in "-st": arti.st, be.st, fir.st
- .is (Iceland) — words ending in "-is": th.is, bas.is, analy.is
- .it (Italy) — words ending in "-it": do.it, sp.it, subm.it
- .al (Albania) — words ending in "-al": option.al, digit.al, origin.al
- .er (Eritrea) — words ending in "-er": listen.er, mak.er, found.er
- .am (Armenia) — words ending in "-am": stre.am, dre.am, te.am
- .at (Austria) — words ending in "-at": cre.at, ch.at, fl.at
- .io (British Indian Ocean Territory) — words ending in "-io": stud.io, rat.io, portfol.io
- .es (Spain) — words ending in "-es": not.es, vot.es, slic.es
- .to (Tonga) — words ending in "-to": go.to, pho.to, pla.to
- .in (India) — words ending in "-in": jo.in, bra.in, plugg.in
Things to consider
Domain hacks are fun and memorable, but keep a few things in mind:
- They rely on country code TLDs, which can have SEO implications
- They can be hard to communicate verbally — people tend to add ".com" out of habit
- Some ccTLDs have registration restrictions or higher renewal fees
- Consider owning the .com version as well, to catch misdirected traffic