What Exactly Is Wikipedia Notability—and Why Does It Matter So Much?
If you've ever tried to get a Wikipedia article published, you've probably run headfirst into the wall known as Wikipedia notability. It's not just a buzzword—it's the gatekeeper of Wikipedia’s editorial world.
So, what is Wikipedia notability?
At its core, Wikipedia notability is a set of guidelines used to determine whether a topic deserves its own article. According to Wikipedia, for a subject to be notable, it must have received significant coverage in reliable, independent sources—think major news outlets, academic journals, or books from established publishers. A single blog post or a self-published website? That won’t cut it.
Why it’s a big deal
Notability is the line between staying published and getting deleted. Articles that don’t meet notability standards are often flagged for deletion—and trust us, once flagged, the countdown begins. You’ll need to defend the topic with credible sources and show that it has a real-world footprint beyond personal or promotional content.
Common myths about notability
"My business is popular, so it's notable." Not necessarily. Popularity doesn’t equal notability unless it’s backed by third-party press.
"I have a lot of social media followers." While that shows reach, Wikipedia cares more about independent coverage than digital clout.
"I’ll just write the article myself." Conflict of interest is a red flag. Even if the subject is notable, self-written articles often get flagged for tone and neutrality.
Can notability be “built”?
Yes—but it has to be organic. If a topic isn’t yet notable, efforts can be made to earn coverage: thought leadership in trusted publications, interviews, features in news outlets, or citations in academic work. Over time, this builds a solid base for a future article.
Final word
If you're aiming to get on Wikipedia, understanding notability isn't optional—it's mission-critical. It’s the foundation of everything. Whether you're a startup, a public figure, or a nonprofit, prove the notability first, then build the page. Not the other way around.