Key Facts
- ✓ Wikipedia officially launched on January 15, 2001, marking the beginning of a new era for free, collaborative knowledge.
- ✓ The platform now hosts over 65 million articles, a staggering increase from its initial 100 pages.
- ✓ Nearly 15 billion page views occur on Wikipedia each month, highlighting its massive global reach and utility.
- ✓ The Wikimedia Foundation is releasing video profiles of eight volunteer editors to celebrate the 25th anniversary.
- ✓ Editor 'Hurricane Hank' joined in 2005 and contributed to the historical documentation of Hurricane Katrina.
- ✓ Netha, an Indian doctor, uses her medical expertise to edit articles and fight health-related misinformation.
A Quarter-Century of Knowledge
What began as a bold experiment in free knowledge has transformed into one of the internet's most essential resources. On January 15, 2026, Wikipedia marks 25 years since its launch, celebrating a journey that redefined how humanity accesses information.
The platform has evolved dramatically from its humble origins. It started with just 100 pages and has grown into a digital library containing more than 65 million articles. This content now attracts nearly 15 billion views every single month, making it a cornerstone of the modern web.
To commemorate this milestone, the Wikimedia Foundation is spotlighting the individuals who make this massive project possible. Through a series of brief clips, the nonprofit is introducing eight volunteer editors whose dedication has shaped the encyclopedia we know today.
The Human Element 🧑💻
Behind every article and edit lies a person. The upcoming video series aims to pull back the curtain on these anonymous contributors, showing the faces and stories behind the world's largest collaborative project.
Among those featured is a contributor known as "Hurricane Hank". He joined the platform in 2005 and played a significant role in documenting the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, one of the most destructive storms in American history. His work demonstrates how Wikipedia serves as a critical record during major global events.
Another profile highlights Netha, a medical professional from India and an experienced Wikipedia editor. She leverages her medical background to combat misinformation, ensuring that health-related articles are accurate and reliable for millions of readers seeking trustworthy information.
From 100 to 65 Million 📈
The sheer scale of Wikipedia's growth is difficult to comprehend. In its first year, the site was a niche project; today, it is a behemoth of online knowledge that rivals the largest libraries in history.
The numbers tell a story of explosive, sustained growth:
- 65 million+ articles across hundreds of languages
- 15 billion monthly views from users worldwide
- Thousands of active editors contributing daily
- A completely free, ad-free resource
This expansion was not driven by corporate funding or venture capital, but by a global community of volunteers. Each article represents hours of research, fact-checking, and collaboration by people who believe in the mission of free knowledge.
The Editors' Mission ✍️
The Wikimedia Foundation's celebration serves a dual purpose: honoring the past and inspiring the future. By showcasing diverse editors like Hank and Netha, the organization highlights the varied expertise required to maintain such a vast encyclopedia.
These volunteers are not just typists; they are historians, scientists, doctors, and hobbyists who dedicate their free time to a shared vision. Their work ensures that information remains accessible to everyone, regardless of their location or ability to pay for knowledge.
The project's success relies entirely on the passion and expertise of its volunteer community.
As Wikipedia enters its next quarter-century, the focus remains on empowering these individuals. The platform's longevity proves that when people come together for a common good, they can build something truly monumental.
Looking Ahead 🔭
Twenty-five years in, Wikipedia is more than a website—it is a cultural institution. The anniversary is not just a celebration of past achievements, but a reminder of the work that continues every day.
The stories of editors like Hurricane Hank and Netha illustrate the human power behind the digital interface. As the platform continues to grow, the need for knowledgeable, dedicated volunteers remains as critical as ever.
The next chapter of Wikipedia will be written by the same community that built its first 100 pages. With 65 million articles and counting, the journey is far from over.
