Is a .tv domain good for video optimization?

[RosemaryB]

Does anybody know of any information or resources that point out .tv domains are helpful for video optimization?  Thanks.

[KingRosales]

Hi Rosemary, thats an interesting question.

IMHO, a domain is just a domain; it, despite being a .tv or ccTLD doesn't make it better one way or another. For instance, many people use ccTLD (.es, .ca, etc) for URL shortners. I understand your question, but just like any other domain, its going to require work to develop its authority as a "TV" or video source.

I think the reason why we don't see many domains that use .tv is because it makes no difference. I could be wrong, but I ask, why doesn't the cooking channel for example use a .tv?

Like I said, its interesting because I haven't seen anyone ask that question online. I'll probably Google after I write this answer for you. With that said, you're going to have to build the domain's SEO anyway.

Sorry I couldn't provide you with any sources, but I hope this helps you nonetheless

[Hutch42]

Rosemary,

Different domain name extension (.com, .biz, .tv) do not effect your site's ability to rank on Google.  While it is hard to find the official Google response (I heard it answered during a Q&A at a conference hosted by Google) many independent studies have also proved this, if you search for them you should be able to find them.

Here is the most concise answer to your question:

https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/webmasters/r1CxMI8JgPM

[LynnPatchett]

Adding to the guys' responses above, the .tv name was originally a country level domain for Tavula but of course was quickly taken up by non local businesses for obvious reasons. A couple of years ago google updated a number of country level domains - inlcuding .tv -  to be considered generic top level domains (so for example you can set geo targeting options in google webmaster tools).

This article (a couple of years old now) has a video from Matt Cutts saying be careful using country level domains for something they were not intended for, but as the update mentioned above shows, the general trend to use .tv names for video type sites is not something google is unaware of. You will still of course need to do the hard work, the domain itself is unlikely to help you rank any better - it is more a branding/marketing hook.