The headlines were entertaining, but they also created some confusion. Facebook’s research was about online language, not the future of .LOL domain names.
More than a decade later, .LOL remains an active domain extension. The more useful question today is whether its playful meaning fits the website or brand you want to build.
Have a funny or memorable name in mind? Check .LOL domain availability and compare current registration and renewal prices at NiceNIC.
Why Did Facebook Say LOL Was Dying?
In 2015, Facebook researchers examined how users expressed laughter in posts and comments.
The study found that “haha” and emojis were considerably more common than “LOL” among the laughter expressions observed.
Only about 1.9% of people in the analyzed group used “LOL” or its variations.
The results attracted headlines suggesting that the abbreviation was becoming outdated.
However, the research reflected a particular period and group of Facebook users. It didn’t establish that everyone had stopped using LOL or predict how the expression would evolve across other platforms.
The timing was especially interesting because .LOL entered general availability on August 11, 2015, during the same week.
The launch was originally managed by Uniregistry, and the coincidence was covered by domain industry publication Domain Name Wire.
What Happened to the .LOL Domain?
While online slang continues to change, .LOL has remained part of the domain name system.
The extension was initially operated by Uniregistry and later transferred to XYZ.COM LLC on March 23, 2022, according to IANA's official .LOL delegation record.
Today, it remains an option for projects that want a playful or entertainment-focused identity.
Unlike an internet joke that depends on a particular moment, “LOL” has a widely recognized association with laughter.
That makes the extension worth considering for comedy content, casual gaming projects, online communities, and brands that deliberately use humor.
But being recognizable doesn’t automatically make a domain name suitable for every business.
Will a Funny Domain Name Age Well?
A domain based on a temporary internet trend may seem clever today but lose its meaning when the trend passes.
A name built around a lasting idea can have a longer useful life.
Consider these examples:
bugreport.lol
A developer humor project sharing jokes and stories about software bugs and debugging.
dailygiggle.lol
An entertainment website featuring humorous articles, cartoons, or short videos.
weekendchaos.lol
A playful brand for casual entertainment, humorous stories, or community activities.
These are illustrative naming examples, not confirmed available or trademark-cleared domains.
When evaluating a name, consider whether people will understand it without knowing a particular meme or viral reference.
The goal isn’t to predict the next internet trend. It’s to choose a name that still makes sense when the trend changes.
Who Can Register .LOL, and What Does It Cost?
.LOL is a generic top-level domain generally available to individuals, businesses, and organizations worldwide.
You don’t need a special qualification or operate a comedy-related business to register an ordinary available name.
Under the current XYZ Registry policies, standard registration periods range from 1 to 10 years.
Some domain names may be reserved or premium-priced, and registrations remain subject to applicable policies, accurate registrant information, and third-party rights.
Check Both Registration and Renewal Prices
As of October 13, 2026, NiceNIC publicly displays the following Market account prices for standard .LOL domains:
- First-year registration: $3.99
- Annual renewal: $59.99
These prices are different, and promotional or premium-domain pricing may vary.
If you’re planning a long-term project, compare the total expected cost over several years rather than choosing a domain based only on the first-year offer.
Review current .LOL registration and renewal prices at NiceNIC.
Is .LOL Better Than .FUN or .COM?
That depends on the impression you want your domain to create.
.LOL is particularly relevant when laughter, humor, or playful internet culture is central to the project.
.FUN offers a broader meaning that may suit games, activities, entertainment events, and experiences beyond comedy.
.COM may be preferable for an established business or a brand that doesn't want to limit its identity to humor.
No extension guarantees higher search rankings, more visitors, or greater customer trust simply because of its name.
Choose the one that fits your audience, your content, and your long-term budget.
Is LOL Really Dead?
Facebook’s 2015 research captured a particular moment in how people communicated online. It wasn’t a verdict on the future of domain names.
The .LOL extension has continued beyond that moment, offering another naming option for projects with a playful identity.
The lesson is straightforward: internet expressions may rise and fall in popularity, but a domain name should be chosen for how well it represents the project behind it.
If humor is central to what you're building, explore available .LOL domains at NiceNIC and see whether the name still makes sense beyond the next viral trend.
