Wikipedia notability is not a feeling — it is a standard. But which standard applies to you depends on what you are: an entrepreneur, academic, author or organization. This guide explains per category when you qualify.

The core of Wikipedia notability in one sentence

In short, you are Wikipedia-notable if independent, reliable sources have discussed you substantively. First, "substantively" means discussed, not merely mentioned. Second, "independent" means no own communication and no commercial interest. And finally, "reliable" means editorial oversight and verifiable reputation.

Wikipedia notability for entrepreneurs (WP:CORP)

In principle, your company is notable if reputable media have covered your company substantively — not just named. For example, think NRC, Volkskrant, FD, or De Tijd. In addition, trade press counts too, provided it has editorial oversight.

However, what often does not work: a short profile on Quote's 500 list, your own press releases, or LinkedIn posts. Specifically, these do not meet the standard — no matter how well-known your company is in its sector.

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Wikipedia notability for academics (WP:NACADEMIC)

In short, academics qualify when their research has impact. For instance, impact is measurable in citations, well-known awards, a professorship at a recognized institution, or broad media coverage of your work. However, teaching alone is not enough.

In addition, an h-index above 20 is often a reliable indicator — but the standard is not purely numerical. Ultimately, qualitative reception in reputable venues also counts.

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Wikipedia notability for authors (WP:NAUTHOR)

Generally, authors are notable when their work has been reviewed in reputable media: for example, the literary supplements of NRC, Volkskrant, De Standaard, De Morgen, or specialist magazines. In practice, multiple books at recognized publishers and at least two substantive reviews are the baseline.

On the other hand, self-publishing without mainstream reception does not qualify — no matter how many copies sold.

Wikipedia notability for organizations

Similarly, foundations, associations and companies qualify when their societal impact is demonstrated through independent media coverage. However, size alone is not enough.

For example, a small literary publisher with 30 years of media attention qualifies. Conversely, a large holding without press coverage does not. Ultimately, the editorial footprint matters — not the balance sheet.

What Wikipedia explicitly does not accept as notability evidence

Specifically, Wikipedia does not accept self-written source material, press releases, LinkedIn profiles, company websites, job titles without media coverage, or brief mentions in rankings without substance. For reference, the full notability guideline is public.

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How to assess your own Wikipedia notability

First, make a list of every substantive piece of media about you. Then, remove everything that is: your own communication, a paid placement, a directory listing, a press release, or a brief mention without actual content. Finally, what remains is your source base. In practice, three or more substantive, independent, reliable sources is often the minimum threshold.

Frequently asked questions

What does Wikipedia notability actually mean?
Notability on Wikipedia is a standard, not a feeling. A subject qualifies when independent, reliable sources have discussed it substantively. Substantively means actually discussed, not just mentioned in passing. Independent means no own communication and no commercial interest in the subject. Reliable means editorial oversight and a verifiable reputation. Together those three criteria filter out press releases, paid placements, directory listings and brief name-drops that otherwise feel important to the subject.
When does a company qualify for Wikipedia?
Under WP:CORP a company is notable when reputable media have covered it substantively, not just named it. Examples include NRC, Volkskrant, FD or De Tijd, and trade press counts provided it has real editorial oversight. What usually does not qualify: a short profile in a ranking list, own press releases, or LinkedIn posts. No matter how well-known a company is within its sector, without substantive independent coverage the Wikipedia bar is not met.
What counts for academics and authors?
Academics qualify under WP:NACADEMIC when research has measurable impact: citations, recognized awards, a professorship at a reputable institution, or broad media coverage. An h-index above 20 is often a reliable indicator though not the only one. Authors qualify under WP:NAUTHOR when their work has been reviewed in reputable outlets, typically at least two substantive reviews across multiple books with recognized publishers. Self-publishing without mainstream reception does not meet the bar.
What evidence does Wikipedia reject?
Wikipedia does not accept self-written source material, press releases, LinkedIn profiles, company websites, job titles without media coverage, or brief mentions in rankings without substance. To assess your own notability, list every substantive piece of media about the subject and then remove own communication, paid placements, directory listings, press releases and brief mentions. What remains is the real source base. Three or more substantive independent sources is often the minimum threshold.