There's a lot of bad stuff on the internet, but memes tend to be a bright, silly light in digital interactions. Now, they might be even easier to access and create thanks to Google Registry launching a new top-level domain type: .meme. That's right, forget .com or .org, you can lean right into the jokes and get a meme-centric domain. According to Google, ".meme domains are meant to spread humor, ideas, style, and culture. Use it to show your audience that you're in the present." The whole idea feels reminiscent of the early days of Tumblr.
Google has teamed up with six companies and individuals to showcase options for using .meme. These include Know Your Meme (which highlights trending memes and history) and Tenor (for searching and creating new memes). Plus, there are another four sites devoted entirely to cat memes, including dedicated domains for both Nyan Cat and Grumpy Cat. Basically, if you want to create a lighthearted, meme-filled website, this is your chance.
The Early Access Period (EAP) for registering a .meme domain has begun, but it includes an extra one-time fee. That additional cost will be reduced every day until December 5 at 11AM ET when .meme domains become available for a base annual price. If you're interested in buying a domain, search the name's availability at get.meme. If it's available, Google will show you a range of partners that you can purchase the domain from, such as GoDaddy.
