Hey there,

I attempted almost 50 domain searches to secure xyz domains, but unfortunately, most of my searched options were already taken.
but, none of the taken domains had an active website - just a landing page advertising them for sale. I've noticed many sales of xyz domains in the aftermarket, but I'm struggling to see their practical applications. Can you offer any clarification or insight into this?

To find potential opportunities using Google search results, try typing "site:.xyz" or "site:.xyz+nichewhere" into the search bar on google.com. As someone with over 10 years of SEO experience helping small and medium-sized businesses, I can confidently say that there is no significant difference in SEO benefits between using .xyz, .net, .com or other domain extensions.
but, for long-term branding considerations (and when you have a larger budget of around $500k to $1m or more), it may be worth investing in a high-quality .com domain.

In 2014, the .xyz domain was established and it gained widespread attention a year later when Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google, opted to utilize it for their rebranded website. This decision was made due to the growing issue of domain name hijacking, prompting Alphabet to search for new domain name options. The resulting creation of the .xyz domain provided a solution.

Alphabet chose to use the domain as abc.xyz, which according to the CEO of .xyz, Daniel Negari, "created unlimited branding opportunities," TechCrunch reports. Negari is an active investor in the cryptocurrency space, having invested in companies such as Gemini, MoonPay, and BlockFi.
Here are a few more examples of websites that use the .xyz domain: https://hildserv.xyz/, http://hobimenang.xyz/, https://ハッピースロット.xyz/, and http://amwater.xyz/.

The fact that many xyz domains are already taken but have no active website indicates that there is a market for the resale of domain names. This is often referred to as the domain aftermarket.

One reason for the popularity of xyz domains in the aftermarket could be their perceived value. Some domain investors anticipate that these domains will rise in value over time, and they may invest in them with the intention of reselling at a profit. Others may buy these domains for potential future use, such as for new business ventures or to protect brand identity.

In terms of practical applications, some companies or individuals may purchase these domains for brand protection or to create a memorable and unique web address. Additionally, certain industries or businesses may find value in using a specific keyword or phrase within a domain name for SEO purposes.

In addition to the factors I mentioned earlier, another practical application for xyz domains lies in their potential for establishing a niche or industry-specific online presence.

For example, some businesses may view a particular xyz domain as an opportunity to target a specific market segment or audience. This can be particularly effective for companies looking to create a distinct and memorable web address that aligns closely with their industry or offerings.

Furthermore, due to the global nature of the internet, the use of xyz domains can also appeal to businesses and organizations operating internationally. The "xyz" extension is often seen as a universal and versatile option that can transcend cultural and linguistic barriers.

In summary, while securing specific xyz domains may pose challenges due to their popularity and the active domain aftermarket, they can serve practical purposes such as brand protection, SEO benefits, industry targeting, and international appeal. Understanding these potential applications can help inform your approach to securing a domain that meets your specific needs and goals.

.xyz is a dumpster fire of domainer greed, with squatters parking every half-decent name hoping to fleece some naive startup for big bucks. Real-world apps? Almost zilch—unless you're coding some niche crypto toy or a throwaway MVP (minimum viable product), it's a branding dead-end. Most devs I know wouldn't touch this TLD with a ten-foot pole; it's got zero street cred compared to .dev or .app.
Stop falling for the gTLD hype and wasting cycles on this junk.