What is .pics?
.pics entered the DNS root zone on January 18, 2014, 12 years ago. It came out of ICANN's New gTLD Program, the 2012 application round that grew the root from 22 generic TLDs to well over a thousand.
XYZ.COM LLC operates a large portfolio of 35 TLDs, including .audio, .auto, .autos, .baby and .beauty.
On the technical side, .pics is served by 4 authoritative name servers, every one of them reachable over IPv6. It is also DNSSEC-signed: the root zone carries a DS record for .pics, which lets validating resolvers check its answers cryptographically. Registration data is published over RDAP and WHOIS (the WHOIS server is whois.nic.pics).
Same registry, other endings
34 other TLDs share this operator.
.pics FAQ
What does .pics mean?
.pics is a generic top-level domain named for the word "pics", and it's aimed at creative & design. It doesn't belong to any country.
What is .pics used for?
.pics is mostly used for creative & design. Like most gTLDs, it's a label of intent rather than a guarantee — check the site, not just the ending.
What country is .pics?
None. .pics is a generic top-level domain, so it isn't tied to any country.
Who owns the .pics domain extension?
XYZ.COM LLC operates .pics as its registry, under a registry agreement with ICANN.
When was .pics created?
.pics was delegated to the DNS root zone on January 18, 2014.
Is .pics a valid domain?
Yes. .pics is an active top-level domain in the DNS root zone, delegated in 2014, so .pics addresses work in every browser.
Can I buy a .pics domain?
.pics names are sold through ICANN-accredited registrars. Some gTLDs restrict who can register, so read XYZ.COM LLC's policy if you're unsure.
Is .pics DNSSEC-signed?
Yes, the root zone holds a DS record for .pics.
Sources
Data from IANA root zone version 2026102000. Last changed August 12, 2025. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
