The Internet Computer Protocol’s Custom Domains feature has been steadily gaining traction, with nearly two years of operation and over a thousand domains registered. Web3 applications like internetcomputer.org, oc.app, and dfinity.org have already adopted the feature, demonstrating its practical use for decentralised hosting. The ease of setting up a custom domain on the ICP has made it a straightforward option for developers and businesses looking to establish a presence in Web3.
Custom domains allow users to map human-readable URLs to their decentralised applications, enhancing accessibility and usability. Traditional blockchain-based applications often come with long and complex addresses that can be challenging for users to navigate. By integrating the Custom Domains feature, ICP simplifies the experience while maintaining the security and decentralisation benefits inherent to blockchain technology. For projects looking to move beyond the constraints of Web2 hosting, the option to secure a recognisable domain on ICP offers a practical alternative.
As the feature matures, the team behind the Boundary Nodes has been actively seeking feedback to refine and optimise the experience. The focus is on gathering insights into setup, operation, troubleshooting, and ongoing support. By identifying friction points, improvements can be made to streamline the onboarding process and address any technical challenges users might face. The goal is to make Custom Domains as accessible and user-friendly as possible while retaining the robust security standards associated with ICP.
A short survey has been launched to gather user input, open until April 16th. Participants have an opportunity to contribute their thoughts on how the feature could be improved. To encourage engagement, respondents have a chance to receive cycles equivalent to 1 ICP, which will be applied to topping up canisters linked to their custom domain. This incentive not only rewards early adopters but also ensures that valuable feedback is received from those actively using the service. The survey can be accessed here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1SsV8JSyPLK2-Ew74YdGB9PJBlwH7PPe8BbiV8UUjCk0/viewform?edit_requested=true.
Decentralised web hosting remains a growing area of interest, particularly for developers seeking alternatives to traditional centralised cloud providers. While Web2 domains rely on DNS infrastructure controlled by registrars and hosting companies, ICP offers a fundamentally different approach. By decentralising domain management, it removes intermediaries and creates a more resilient system that is not dependent on any single entity. This shift aligns with the broader Web3 ethos of returning control to users and minimising reliance on centralised gatekeepers.
The ability to host websites and applications on a blockchain-backed network brings multiple advantages, including censorship resistance and increased uptime. Unlike conventional hosting providers that may be subject to outages or restrictions, a Web3-hosted site on ICP remains accessible as long as the protocol continues to function. This makes it particularly attractive for projects prioritising resilience and autonomy.
Adoption of custom domains on ICP reflects the growing confidence in decentralised infrastructure. Early-stage Web3 projects have been quick to explore its capabilities, but broader adoption will depend on ongoing refinements. The insights gathered through the survey will play a crucial role in shaping future developments, ensuring that the feature evolves in response to real-world user needs.
While ICP’s Custom Domains have already seen steady uptake, the broader Web3 space is still in an early phase. Developers and businesses experimenting with decentralised hosting solutions are helping define the future of the internet. As the ecosystem expands, services like custom domains will likely become an integral part of how applications and websites operate in a decentralised framework.
For those who have yet to explore ICP’s Custom Domains, the feature offers a straightforward way to establish a blockchain-backed presence on the web. With a simplified setup and growing support, it continues to position itself as a viable alternative to conventional domain services. As feedback continues to shape the offering, improvements will ensure that Web3 adoption remains accessible and practical for a broader audience.
