What Are Reliable Sources for Wikipedia?

Reliability on Wikipedia depends on context, but reliable sources generally have a track record of accuracy, editorial oversight, and accountability. The question is not just whether a source exists, but whether it is appropriate support for the specific claim being made.

Different topics require different kinds of sources. A claim about a company’s public history may be supported by reputable news reporting, while technical or academic claims may require more specialized publications. Sources should be matched to the statement they support.

For notability and company biographies, independence is critical. Sources produced by the subject, paid for by the subject, or directly controlled by the subject usually carry less weight as evidence of independent notability.

Examples that often require caution include press releases, company blog posts, sponsored content, advertorials, and interviews republished without independent reporting. These materials may still be useful for limited facts in some contexts, but they are rarely enough to establish notability.

Look for depth and substance. Does the source discuss the subject in detail, or is it a passing mention? Is the publisher reputable? Is the content editorially independent? Does the source provide context, reporting, or analysis rather than repeating promotional claims?

It is also useful to review multiple sources together. A pattern of independent coverage from reputable outlets can provide stronger support than isolated mentions. A source review should document what each source supports and identify unsupported statements.

Citation research should shape the draft. Start by collecting sources, then write only what those sources verify. Avoid adding claims first and searching for citations later, as that approach can lead to weak sourcing or promotional framing.

If the sources do not support a claim, the claim should be removed, narrowed, or rewritten. This discipline is central to Wikipedia article preparation and is one of the main ways to reduce editorial risk.