ENS Domain Guide: How Latecomers Can Still Profit in 2025

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The Ethereum Name Service (ENS) has evolved from a simple Ethereum address resolver into a foundational identity layer for Web3. Often described as the ".com of Web3," ENS domains are increasingly being adopted by individuals, brands, and enterprises looking to establish a permanent digital presence. With over 1.86 million registered domains and more than 500,000 unique holders, ENS is no longer just an experimental tool—it's a growing digital asset class.

But what opportunities remain for newcomers? As premium short names and brand-related domains get snapped up, many wonder if the window for profit has already closed. The truth is, strategic entry points still exist. This guide explores why ENS matters, which domains hold long-term value, and how late adopters can capitalize on emerging trends.

Why ENS Domains Are More Than Just Crypto Addresses

ENS transforms complex hexadecimal wallet addresses into human-readable names like alice.eth. This simple upgrade brings significant utility:

With integrations across major platforms—including MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, Uniswap, OpenSea, and Brave Browser—ENS has become deeply embedded in the Web3 ecosystem.

👉 Discover how owning a Web3 identity can unlock new digital opportunities.

The Business Case for ENS Adoption

Large institutions are recognizing ENS as a strategic Web3 onboarding tool. Notable acquisitions include:

These moves signal that ENS isn't just for tech enthusiasts—it's becoming a branding asset for global corporations entering decentralized ecosystems.

Moreover, ENS generated nearly **$54 million in revenue over the past year**, with May 2025 alone bringing in $9.57 million—the highest monthly total to date. Over 80% of this comes from new registrations, while renewals make up the remainder.

This growing economic activity reflects increasing demand and long-term confidence in the system.

Key Categories of High-Value ENS Domains

While most short and obvious names are taken, understanding what makes certain domains valuable helps identify hidden gems.

1. Brand & Company Names

Domains like paradigm.eth (sold for 420 ETH) and nike.eth (60 ETH) show strong market interest in recognizable brands. Even speculative names like apple.eth and amazon.eth have received six-figure offers—rejected by current owners.

For latecomers, tracking upcoming product launches or rebranding efforts by tech giants could reveal undervalued opportunities.

2. Numeric Domains

Short numeric combinations are highly sought after due to their simplicity and scarcity:

Arabic numerals (e.g., ٠٠٠.eth) and emoji-based numbers also gained traction, though most lack broad recognition.

3. Personal Names & Surnames

Names like john.eth or smith.eth may seem ordinary today, but they gain value through subdomain distribution. Imagine a family or community sharing subdomains under a common surname—this could become a new form of digital kinship or membership.

4. Generic & Industry Terms

Words like wallet.eth, dapp.eth, games.eth, and art.eth serve both branding and functional purposes. They’re ideal for projects aiming to build ecosystems or services around those categories.

5. Short Words & Combinations

Concise, meaningful words related to tech, finance, or culture (e.g., pay.eth, dao.eth) remain desirable. Creativity in spelling or hybrid formats (letters + numbers) can uncover overlooked options.

6. Emoji Domains

With only 1,853 Unicode emojis—and restrictions on non-ASCII characters—emoji domains act like rare PFP NFTs. Examples include:

Only about 1,300 single-emoji domains exist, making them inherently scarce. However, future emoji updates could impact rarity.

How Latecomers Can Still Find Opportunities

Despite high competition, several strategies allow new entrants to participate profitably.

Monitor Expiring Domains

When an ENS domain expires, it enters a three-month grace period, followed by a descending auction starting at $100 million (in ETH value). This mechanism ensures fair rediscovery of abandoned names.

Tools like ENS.Vision and etherscan.io help track soon-to-expire domains. Timing your bid during the auction phase can yield premium names at reasonable prices.

Make Strategic Offers on Listed Domains

Even if a domain is taken, you can place offers via NFT marketplaces like OpenSea. Many owners list names they’re unsure about or acquired speculatively. Submitting low but persistent bids across multiple domains increases chances of acceptance.

Use the same wallet to streamline offers and avoid gas inefficiencies.

👉 Learn how to track and bid on valuable digital assets effectively.

Hunt for Undervalued or Emerging Niches

Stay ahead by identifying rising trends:

Early registration in emerging fields often pays off as awareness grows.

Analyze High-Value Sales Patterns

Study domains that sold for over 1 ETH recently. Sorting by volume on OpenSea reveals what categories are heating up. Are three-letter combos trending? Are emoji domains gaining traction? Data-driven insights reduce guesswork.

Get Creative with Naming Conventions

Think beyond dictionary words:

Unconventional doesn’t mean worthless—sometimes originality becomes iconic.

The Future: Subdomains and Decentralized Identity

One of ENS’s most transformative features is subdomain delegation via the upcoming NameWrapper upgrade. This will let domain owners issue subdomains as ERC-1155 NFTs—opening the door to mass adoption.

Imagine:

This functionality could trigger exponential growth in ENS usage, turning existing domain holders into mini-registries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make money with ENS domains in 2025?
A: Yes—through reselling premium names, leasing domains, or building communities around subdomains. While early arbitrage is gone, smart positioning still yields returns.

Q: Are emoji or numeric domains worth investing in?
A: High-scarcity formats like single-digit numbers or unique emojis have collectible value. However, always assess liquidity and community interest before buying.

Q: How much does it cost to register an ENS domain?
A: For 5+ character names: $5/year. Four-character: $160/year. Three-character: $640/year. Renewals are required annually to retain ownership.

Q: Can I use my ENS domain outside Ethereum?
A: Yes—many wallets and dApps support ENS across chains. You can also link DNS domains to your ENS profile.

Q: What happens if I forget to renew my ENS domain?
A: You get a 90-day grace period. After that, the name goes into a descending auction—anyone can claim it by paying the current price.

Q: Is ENS truly decentralized?
A: Yes—the smart contracts are open-source and governed by a DAO. No central authority controls registrations.

ENS is more than a naming service—it’s a cornerstone of digital identity in Web3. While the gold rush phase has passed, innovation and strategic thinking open new paths for profit and influence.

Whether you're an individual building a personal brand or an investor scouting digital assets, now is the time to engage with purpose.

👉 Start exploring valuable ENS domains and secure your place in Web3 today.