How to create a Wikipedia page for Musicians

Not only will a Wikipedia page increase your legitimacy as an artist, but it will give you control of your online image. Here’s how to get started…

by Scott McCormick of Disc Makers Blog

Having a Wikipedia page can significantly benefit artists and bands. The website serves as a platform to showcase your talents, provide accurate information to fans, and establish powerful online credibility in the industry.

Let’s walk you through the process of creating a Wikipedia page for yourself or your band and help you take control of your online presence.

female music artist creating a Wikipedia page

What’s the criteria for Wikipedia pages?

Wikipedia has specific guidelines to ensure the quality and reliability of its content. To be eligible for a Wikipedia page, you or your band should meet the following criteria.

Notability

Wikipedia requires individuals or bands to have significant coverage in reliable sources that are independent of the subject. This includes mainstream media, magazines, reputable websites, or published books.

Note: Although “notability” is a somewhat vague term, Wikipedia spells out exactly what they mean by this for musicians.

Reliable sources

Your Wikipedia page should cite reliable sources to support the information provided. These sources should be well-established and recognized in the industry. Pages that cannot back up their claims with reliable sources are quickly removed by Wikipedia’s editorial staff.

Does your band need a Wikipedia page?

Having a Wikipedia page for your band is not a necessity but it can be highly beneficial. It allows you to control the narrative and information that fans find when they search for your name. A well-curated Wikipedia page allows you to highlight notable achievements, act as concert promotion, share your story, and enhance your artist brand and online visibility.

How to create a Wikipedia page for yourself or your band

Creating a Wikipedia page involves several steps, and it’s important to follow the guidelines to ensure a successful and credible page. Here’s a guide to help you through the process.

Research existing articles. Before creating a new Wikipedia page, search if there’s already an existing Wikipedia article about you or your band. If there is, you can update and expand it instead of starting from scratch.
Account creation. Create a Wikipedia account to begin editing and creating pages. Having a Wikipedia account helps you track changes, communicate with other Wikipedia editors, and protect your page from vandalism.
Understand Wikipedia policies. Familiarize yourself with Wikipedia’s policies and guidelines, such as neutral point of view (you can’t use phrases like, “The greatest band ever!”), reliable sourcing, and notability. Adhering to these policies is crucial for your page’s acceptance and long-term survival.
Gather reliable sources. Collect reliable sources that establish your notability as an artist or band. These sources should be independent and verifiable. Press releases, magazine features, interviews, and published articles are examples of credible sources.
Write the article. Follow the Wikipedia format and structure to create your user page. Provide an introduction, a detailed artist bio, information about your musical style, notable achievements, and any other relevant information. Remember to cite your sources and use proper formatting.
Submit the page for review. Once you’ve created the user page, submit it for review. Wikipedia has a team of volunteer editors who review and ensure the page meets their Wikipedia guidelines. Be patient during this process as it may take some time for your page to be approved.

What to include in your page

To create a comprehensive Wikipedia page, consider including the following elements:

Introduction. Begin with a concise introduction that provides an overview of you or your band.
Artist bio. Provide a detailed artist bio that covers important milestones, influences, and career highlights. Be sure to maintain a neutral tone.
Discography and achievements. Include a section that lists your discography, awards, chart performances, and notable achievements.
Musical style and influences. Describe your musical style and the influences that have shaped your sound.
Tours and performances. Highlight significant tours, performances, and collaborations that demonstrate your career’s breadth and impact.
References and citations. Add citations to reliable sources to support the information you provide. These citations add powerful online credibility to your Wikipedia artist page.

How to deal with vandalism and criticism

As a public platform, Wikipedia is susceptible to vandalism and criticism. If you encounter vandalism or inaccurate information on your Wiki page, you can take the following steps.

Monitor changes. Regularly check your Wiki page for any unauthorized changes or inaccurate information. Wikipedia allows users to view the page history and compare revisions.
Request corrections. If you find vandalism or incorrect information, you can request corrections by reaching out to Wikipedia editors or using the “Edit” function to make the necessary changes yourself.
Engage with editors. Communicate with other Wikipedia editors to address concerns and maintain the accuracy of your page. Collaboration and open communication can help prevent potential issues.

Creating a Wikipedia page as an artist or band can significantly contribute to your online presence, reputation, and can help sell music online. By following the Wikipedia guidelines, understanding the criteria, and providing reliable sources, you can create a comprehensive page that showcases your music career and accomplishments.