What is a parked domain?

A parked domain is a domain name that has been registered but is not actively linked to any internet service like a website, email hosting, or application. In simple terms, it's a domain that has been acquired but isn’t currently in use—it’s “parked” and waiting for future activation or development.

Instead of showing an active website, parked domains usually display a generic placeholder page, often provided by the registrar. These pages might include ads, notices, or simply say “This domain is parked.”

Why Do People Park Domains?

There are several reasons someone might park a domain:

• Future use: A person or business might secure the domain now with the intention to build a website later.

• Brand protection: Companies often register multiple variations of their brand name to prevent competitors or squatters from using them.

• Resale value: Some people register domains they believe will be valuable in the future, planning to sell them at a profit.

• Traffic redirection: A parked domain can also act as an alias domain, redirecting visitors to a primary domain’s website. For example, if mybrand.co.za is the main site, mybrand.com might be parked and redirect users to the same homepage.

Parked Domains vs Active Domains

An active domain typically points to a functioning website (e.g. humanity.com pointing to the Humanity homepage). In contrast, a parked domain either does nothing or redirects traffic elsewhere, serving more as a placeholder than an online destination.