Round 2 of new gTLDs: what are Replacement String and the Replacement Period?

The Replacement String and the Replacement Period are new mechanisms introduced for the next round of new gTLD applications (often informally called "Round 2" or the "Next Round," currently planned for 2026). They are designed to give applicants a mechanism to avoid contention sets and potential auctions.

This feature was developed as a direct result of lessons learned in the 2012 round, where many identical applications were forced into time-consuming and costly private resolutions or auctions.

🔁 Replacement String

A Replacement String is a second-choice Top-Level Domain (TLD) name that an applicant can optionally designate in their original application, in addition to their first-choice Applied-for String (or original string).

• Optional: Applicants are not required to provide a Replacement String, but it is highly recommended as a strategic contingency.
• Irreversible: If an applicant chooses to switch to their Replacement String during the Replacement Period, that string permanently and irreversibly replaces the original string for the remainder of the application process.They cannot switch back.
• No Contention: The primary goal is to provide a backup that is less likely to be contested. If an applicant's Replacement String is identical to the Applied-for String or Replacement String of another applicant, the applicant will not be allowed to switch to it, as this would simply create a new contention set.

🗓️ Replacement Period

The Replacement Period is a defined, short window of time during which applicants must decide whether to switch their application from their original Applied-for String to their pre-designated Replacement String.

• Timing: The period is scheduled to be 14 days following Reveal Day.
• Reveal Day: This is the day when ICANN publishes the public-facing portions of all received gTLD applications, including the original strings and all designated Replacement Strings. On this day, applicants get a clear picture of:
• Which applicants are applying for the identical string as their first choice.
• Which applicants have designated the same string as their Replacement String.
• Decision Window: Applicants in a contention set can use the 14-day Replacement Period to assess their chances in a potential auction or evaluation (like Community Priority Evaluation). They can then strategically opt to switch to their backup string to exit the contention set and proceed faster with evaluation.
• No Rationale Required: The decision to switch is at the applicant's sole discretion, and they are not required to provide ICANN with a rationale.

Strategic Significance

The introduction of the Replacement String and Replacement Period offers applicants a non-auction path to reduce risk and streamline the application process. By providing a low-contention backup name upfront, applicants can potentially save time and significant cost associated with prolonged string contention procedures, especially mandatory ICANN auctions (as private resolutions, which were common in Round 1, are now prohibited in the Next Round).

Would you like to know more about the ICANN Auction process and why applicants would be motivated to avoid it?