cactusfly
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Funfact: According to a recent report - 65k domains change hands every day!
During the first half of 2026, survey company observed an average of 50,400 previously registered gTLD domains being re-registered every day. Once ccTLD activity is factored in, the company estimates the total at roughly 65,000 domains daily.
The numbers come from the first part of a three-part investigation based on more than six months of research into drop-catching and the reuse of expired domains.
survey company found that nearly 20% of observed registrations involved domains that had been registered before, while about 92% of gTLD dropcatch activity was concentrated across just 15 extensions.
For domain investors, expired domains are a long-established segment of the aftermarket. Their existing traffic, backlinks, reputation, and registration history can add value after a domain drops.
Those same qualities can also attract malicious buyers.
survey company says dropped domains are being acquired for phishing, malware distribution, and other abuse. One operation covered in the research has reportedly spent more than $7 million acquiring expired domains for malware and illegal-content infrastructure, while other domains have been used to redirect visitors toward SocGholish and related malware systems.
During the first half of 2026, survey company observed an average of 50,400 previously registered gTLD domains being re-registered every day. Once ccTLD activity is factored in, the company estimates the total at roughly 65,000 domains daily.
The numbers come from the first part of a three-part investigation based on more than six months of research into drop-catching and the reuse of expired domains.
survey company found that nearly 20% of observed registrations involved domains that had been registered before, while about 92% of gTLD dropcatch activity was concentrated across just 15 extensions.
For domain investors, expired domains are a long-established segment of the aftermarket. Their existing traffic, backlinks, reputation, and registration history can add value after a domain drops.
Those same qualities can also attract malicious buyers.
survey company says dropped domains are being acquired for phishing, malware distribution, and other abuse. One operation covered in the research has reportedly spent more than $7 million acquiring expired domains for malware and illegal-content infrastructure, while other domains have been used to redirect visitors toward SocGholish and related malware systems.
