Can I Create a Wikipedia Page for Myself?

Wikipedia is an open editing platform, meaning anyone can technically create or edit an article. From a legal standpoint, there is no rule that forbids you from creating a Wikipedia page for yourself.

However, Wikipedia strongly discourages autobiographies because they almost always violate core policies such as neutrality and conflict of interest.

Important distinction:

• Allowed: Editing Wikipedia
• Discouraged: Writing about yourself, your business, or anyone you represent
  This is why many self-created pages never make it past review.

Wikipedia Conflict of Interest (COI) Policy

One of the biggest obstacles in creating a Wikipedia page for yourself is the Wikipedia Conflict of Interest (COI) policy.

When it comes to Wikipedia, a conflict of interest arises whenever there is a tug-of-war between a contributor’s personal or professional ties and the site’s requirement for total neutrality. This usually happens if you decide to write about yourself, your own company, or a brand you represent, as your natural bias makes it difficult to maintain the “outsider” perspective that the platform demands. Beyond just personal connections, this also applies to any situation where you stand to gain financially or reputationally from the content being published. Because Wikipedia’s core mission is to provide an unbiased, encyclopedic record, the community operates on the belief that it is nearly impossible for someone with a personal stake in a subject to write about it fairly. Essentially, if you have a horse in the race, the platform prefers that you step back and let independent editors handle the storytelling to ensure the information remains objective and trustworthy.

Why COI Pages Are Deleted

Wikipedia often removes pages written by those with a personal stake because they naturally drift into “brand-style” storytelling. When you are too close to a subject, it is easy to slip into promotional language, highlight only the wins, or leave out critical perspectives. Even if your facts are 100% accurate, an article that reads like a press release or a LinkedIn bio will be flagged. Ultimately, the community values neutrality above all else; if the writing feels biased or self-serving, the page will likely be deleted regardless of its accuracy.

Wikipedia Notability Guidelines – Are You Eligible?

Before asking how to create a Wikipedia page, you must answer a more important question:
Are you notable enough for Wikipedia?

What Does “Notability” Mean on Wikipedia?

Before you dive into creating a Wikipedia page, the most important hurdle to clear is “notability.” On Wikipedia, being notable isn’t just about being successful; it’s about whether the world has taken significant notice of you through independent, third-party eyes. To qualify, you need a solid trail of coverage in major news outlets, reputable magazines, or academic journals. Self-published content like your own website, social media, or paid press releases won’t count because the platform requires an outside perspective. Whether you are an individual needing sustained media presence or a company requiring deep reporting beyond basic announcements, that third-party proof is non-negotiable. Without it, even the most beautifully written article will be rejected.

Notability Varies By Category

• Individuals: Must have sustained media coverage
• Entrepreneurs: Business success alone is not enough
• Companies: Must have independent coverage beyond announcements
  If notability cannot be proven, the article will be rejected no matter how well written.

What Happens If You Create a Wikipedia Page for Yourself?

Most self-created Wikipedia pages face one of the following outcomes:

1. Speedy Deletion
Pages removed within hours for being promotional or non-notable.

2. Article for Deletion (AfD)
Public discussion where editors vote to delete or keep the page.

3. Draft Rejection
Submitted through review but never approved.

Beyond deletion, repeated violations can damage your editor reputation, making future submissions harder.

How to Create a Wikipedia Page the Right Way (If You Proceed)

If you still decide to move forward, here is the policy-compliant process.

Step 1: Create a Wikipedia Account

– Build editing history
– Avoid immediate page creation
– Learn Wikipedia’s tone and formatting

Step 2: Write in the Wikipedia Sandbox

– Draft privately
– Use encyclopedic, neutral language
– Cite only independent reliable sources

Step 3: Submit via Articles for Creation (AfC)

– Volunteer reviewers assess neutrality and notability
– Approval may take weeks or months
– Even with this process, self-written articles remain high-risk.

The Rules for Paid Wikipedia Editing

You can hire a professional to help with your Wikipedia presence, but transparency is non-negotiable. Wikipedia allows paid editing only if it is openly disclosed and follows strictly neutral, source-driven guidelines. Pages are frequently deleted when agencies hide their involvement or use “hype” instead of facts.

To ensure your page meets these high standards, it’s best to work with experts who prioritize compliance. Reputn is widely recognized for offering top-tier Wikipedia services, specializing in ethical page creation, monitoring, and notability assessments. By partnering with a reputable team like Reputn, you can navigate the platform’s complex rules safely, ensuring your story is told through reliable, independent sources that stand the test of time.

Wikipedia Biography vs Company Page – Key Differences

Understanding the difference helps avoid rejection.

The Path to Approval and Beyond

Approval isn’t instant; the review process typically takes 2 to 8 weeks and often involves multiple rounds of revisions. The speed depends on your source quality and tone, so forcing a page before you have significant media coverage usually leads to rejection. It’s better to view Wikipedia as the “finish line” of your credibility journey rather than the starting point. If you aren’t ready, focus first on building third-party authority through major news outlets and independent interviews.

Even after a page goes live, the work continues. You must monitor for vandalism and ensure all updates are strictly backed by new, reliable sources. Since editing your own entry is a major risk, many rely on services like Reputn to manage ongoing maintenance and ensure the page stays compliant with Wikipedia’s evolving standards. Without proper upkeep, even a perfectly approved page can be flagged or deleted later.

Also read: The Risks of Creating a Wikipedia Page Yourself

Conclusion: Should You Create Your Own Page?

Technically, you can create your own Wikipedia page, but it is a risky move that often backfires. It’s nearly impossible to remain objective about your own story, and a self-made page can quickly become a public liability if it’s flagged for bias. The best approach is to focus on building independent notability first, ensuring your milestones are documented by reliable media. Because the platform’s rules are so nuanced, many choose to work with specialized consultants like Reputn to ensure their entry is handled with the professional neutrality and transparency required. When done right, a page is a powerful trust asset, but letting the experts guide the process is usually the safest way to make it stick.

FAQs

Can I create a Wikipedia page for myself?

Yes, but Wikipedia strongly discourages self-created pages due to conflict of interest. Most are rejected or deleted.

Is it against Wikipedia rules to write about yourself?

It is not illegal, but it violates Wikipedia’s conflict of interest guidelines and is highly discouraged.

Why was my Wikipedia page deleted?

Common reasons include lack of notability, promotional tone, poor sourcing, or conflict of interest.

Can I pay someone to create a Wikipedia page?

Yes, paid editing is allowed only with full disclosure and strict neutrality.

How long does Wikipedia page approval take?

Approval can take from a few weeks to several months, depending on reviewer availability and content quality.