On March 14, 2025, Pi Network launched the “.pi Domain Auction” as part of its ecosystem expansion, commemorating its 6th anniversary. This auction is a new feature allowing Pi Network users (Pioneers), businesses, and developers to acquire blockchain-based domain names. This article delves into the details of the .pi Domain Auction, current statistics, and explains the technical mechanism and use cases of .pi domains.
What is Pi Network’s .pi Domain Auction?
The .pi Domain Auction is positioned as a crucial step to expand the Pi Network ecosystem. In this auction, Pioneers, businesses, and developers can bid for and acquire unique .pi domain names using Pi currency.
Nicolas Kokkalis, Founder and Head of Technology at Pi Network, stated, “Just as traditional domains shaped the internet, .pi domains have the potential to transform how we connect, interact, and build within and beyond our digital space.”
Basic Auction Information
- Start Date: March 14, 2025 (Pi Day)
- End Date: June 28, 2025 (Pi2Day)
- Minimum Bid: 10 Pi
- Eligibility: All members of the Pi Network community (including individuals who can acquire Pi through centralized exchanges)
Auction Mechanism
Participants access https://domains.pinet.com via the Pi Browser, are guided to relevant products (such as Pi Wallet), and complete their bids. On the auction interface, they enter the desired domain and place a bid for it. The highest bidder wins the exclusive right to use that domain.
A key rule is that if a new bid is placed within 24 hours of the scheduled end time for a specific domain’s auction, the auction period for that domain will automatically be extended by 24 hours. This ensures a fair opportunity for all participants.
What are .pi Domains? Technical Mechanism and Scope of Use
.pi domains are digital identifiers built on Pi Network’s unique blockchain technology. While similar in function to traditional web domains (.com, .jp, etc.), they have a special mechanism primarily used within the Pi Network ecosystem.
How to Access .pi Domains and Compatibility
- Via Pi Browser: Within the official Pi Network browser, direct access is possible in the format “example.pi”.
- Via Traditional Browsers: In browsers like Chrome or Safari, access is possible using the extended format “example.pi.pinet.com”. However, this compatibility is limited and is primarily intended for use within the Pi ecosystem.
.pi Domain Use Cases and Potential
.pi domains have a wide range of potential use cases, including:
- Business Use: Utilize as an online store or brand website to increase visibility and facilitate transactions within the ecosystem.
- Personal Use: Utilize as a user’s own digital identity to build blogs or portfolio sites.
- Developer Use: Utilize as a hosting platform for Pi ecosystem applications and decentralized services (dApps).
.pi Domain Auction Statistics (As of March 22, 2025)
The .pi Domain Auction recorded astonishing participation rates in just one week since its launch:
- Total Bids: Over 200,000
- Unique Bidders: Over 40,000
- Domains with Active Bids: Over 95,000
- Total Active Bid Amount: Over 2.9 Million Pi
- Current Highest Bid: 30,000 Pi
Expectations and Challenges for .pi Domain Introduction
While many expectations are placed on .pi domains, some challenges have also been pointed out:
Expected Benefits
- Value as a Digital Asset: .pi domains acquired in the early stages may hold high value in the future.
- Community Strengthening: Expected to play a role in strengthening the connection between Pi currency and services within the ecosystem.
.pi Domain Features and Functions
Comparison with Traditional Web Domains
.pi domains function as digital identifiers within the Pi Network ecosystem, similar to traditional web domains (.com, .jp, etc.). This allows businesses, applications, and individuals to establish a clear online identity or digital storefront within Pi Network’s social Web3 environment.
Scope of Use and Compatibility
.pi domains primarily function within the Pi Browser. Regarding compatibility with traditional browsers like Chrome and Safari, all .pi domains function through the pinet.com extension. For example, if your domain is “example.pi”, it can be accessed as “example.pi” in the Pi Browser and as “example.pi.pinet.com” in general browsers.
However, there is no guarantee that .pi domains will be adopted by traditional browsers, and they are primarily intended for use within the Pi Network ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Domain Acquisition and Management
Q: Can I bid on my username as a domain?
A: Yes, if it is available.
Q: Can I bid on multiple domains simultaneously?
A: Yes, you can bid on multiple domains at the same time.
Q: Can I cancel or change my bid after placing it?
A: If you are a Pioneer and placed a bid using the transferable balance feature, you can withdraw it anytime before the auction ends. However, if you are not yet a Pioneer (e.g., from an exchange) and placed a bid through standard payment, refunds will be processed after the auction ends on June 28, 2025.
Q: What happens if I don’t renew my .pi domain after the initial ownership period?
A: If you do not renew your .pi domain, it will eventually become available for others to register, similar to standard domain expiration in Web2.
Auction Revenue and Purpose
Q: Where does the revenue from domain sales go?
A: All Pi generated from the sale of .pi domains will be used to support the Pi ecosystem, including developer programs and events.
Information for Developers
Q: Can developers who have already built Pi apps reserve domains?
A: Yes. Pi community apps that comply with the Ecosystem Listing Guidelines and complete PiNet migration by May 28, 2025, can secure domains without bidding under specific requirements and limitations.
.pi Domains from an SEO Perspective
For regular web domains, including keywords in the domain name is considered from an SEO (Search Engine Optimization) perspective. However, since .pi domains primarily function within the Pi Network ecosystem, different considerations are needed compared to traditional SEO strategies.
However, from a branding perspective, choosing a domain name that is memorable, easy to type, and easy to pronounce is important. This is not only valuable for word-of-mouth advertising but also relates to processing fluency, an implicit cognitive bias where we better remember and have more positive associations with things we can easily say or think about.
Summary: Significance and Outlook of the .pi Domain Auction
Pi Network’s .pi Domain Auction is an interesting initiative that combines the establishment of digital identity with the practical application of blockchain technology. This auction provides a practical use case for Pi currency and serves as a crucial infrastructure layer to facilitate transactions and interactions within the Pi Network ecosystem.
The high participation rate in the auction demonstrates the vibrancy of the Pi Network community and confidence in the platform’s future potential. How .pi domains evolve and contribute to the growth of the Pi Network ecosystem will become clear in the coming months.
Pi Network users have the opportunity to establish their unique digital identity through this auction while participating in a practical use case for Pi currency.
Challenges and Concerns
- Accessibility Limitations: The specification that access is not possible from outside the Pi Network may be inconvenient for some users.
- Trademark Issues: There is a risk of legal issues arising in cases where famous brand names are listed.
- Lack of Transparency: Concerns about the core team’s management system have also been pointed out by some in the community.
.pi Domain Revenue and Contribution to the Ecosystem
All revenue generated from .pi domain sales is reinvested into Pi ecosystem development. This includes costs for developer programs and hosting events. This is expected to lead to the continuous creation of new services and projects.
Summary: The .pi Domain Auction and Its Future Vision
.pi domains are not just digital identifiers; they play a crucial role as tools for building digital identity and facilitating transactions in the new Web3 era. This initiative not only improves the practicality of Pi currency but also provides new value to the entire community.
The .pi Domain Auction has just begun, but its success will become clear in the coming months. If you are interested, why not take this opportunity to participate and get your own .pi domain?