Wikipedia Guide
Can I Create My Own Wikipedia Page? The Honest Answer
Technically yes. Practically? It's complicated. Here's what you need to know about Wikipedia's conflict of interest policy and why self-created pages usually fail.
The short answer: You can technically create a Wikipedia page about yourself, but Wikipedia strongly discourages it. Self-created pages face heavy scrutiny and are frequently deleted. Even if you're genuinely notable, writing about yourself creates a conflict of interest that undermines your credibility.
I see this question constantly. Someone achieves something notable, discovers they don't have a Wikipedia page, and thinks "I'll just create one myself." It seems logical. Who knows your story better than you?
But Wikipedia doesn't work that way. The entire system is built on independent verification. When you write about yourself, you compromise that independence no matter how objective you try to be.
Why Self-Creation Is Problematic
Wikipedia's conflict of interest policy isn't arbitrary. It exists because:
You Can't Be Objective About Yourself
Even with the best intentions, you'll naturally emphasize achievements and minimize criticism. You'll choose sources that make you look good. You'll frame neutral facts in favorable ways. This is human nature, not a character flaw.
It Undermines Wikipedia's Credibility
Wikipedia works because readers trust that articles are written by disinterested parties. When subjects write their own articles, that trust erodes. Readers can't tell which articles are independent and which are self-promotion.
Experienced Editors Can Tell
Wikipedia editors have seen thousands of self-promotional articles. They recognize the patterns: favorable framing, selective sourcing, promotional language, and the distinctive way people write about themselves. Your self-created page will likely be flagged immediately.
What Happens When You Try
If you create a Wikipedia page about yourself without disclosure, here's what typically happens:
Immediate Scrutiny
Editors notice new articles about living people quickly. They check the creator's account age, edit history, and whether they have any connection to the subject.
COI Investigation
If they suspect a conflict of interest, editors investigate. They compare the subject's name to the account name, check IP addresses, look for patterns in editing behavior, and search for connections.
Tags and Warnings
Your article gets tagged with warnings about promotional content or COI concerns. These tags signal to other editors that the article needs attention and may not be trustworthy.
Deletion Nomination
The article is nominated for deletion citing notability concerns, promotional tone, or COI issues. A community discussion ensues, rarely favorable to self-created pages.
Account Consequences
If undisclosed paid or COI editing is confirmed, your account may be blocked. In serious cases, the subject can be blacklisted, making future legitimate page creation much harder.
The Disclosure Alternative
Wikipedia doesn't completely ban COI editing. What they require is disclosure and a collaborative approach.
If you have a conflict of interest, the recommended process is:
1. Disclose your conflict on your user page
2. Draft content in your sandbox
3. Post your proposed content on the article's talk page (or the Articles for Creation talk page)
4. Explicitly request that independent editors review and implement if appropriate
5. Accept their editorial decisions, even if they disagree with your framing
Reality check: Even with disclosure, self-proposed content faces skepticism. Editors may still decline to create the article or significantly modify your draft. The disclosure process is about transparency, not guaranteed approval.
Better Alternatives
If you want a Wikipedia page and you genuinely qualify, here are approaches more likely to succeed:
Wait for Organic Creation
If you're truly notable, Wikipedia editors may eventually create a page about you without your involvement. This happens regularly for people with significant media coverage. The page will be more credible because it wasn't self-initiated.
Focus on Building Notability
If you don't have enough coverage yet, focus on that first. Get interviewed by journalists (don't pay for placement). Publish significant work. Achieve things that media will cover independently. The Wikipedia page becomes possible once the coverage exists.
Hire Professionals Who Disclose
Professional Wikipedia services can navigate the process while following all rules. They disclose the paid relationship, work within Wikipedia's guidelines, and have experience writing content that passes editorial review. The disclosure is transparent, but the execution is professional.
Want Professional Help?
We handle Wikipedia page creation the right way: full disclosure, compliant processes, and content designed to meet editorial standards. Free notability assessment before you commit to anything.