wikiHow
ActiveOverview
wikiHow is an online wiki-style publication that provides instructional how-to content across a wide range of topics. Founded in 2005, it operates as a hybrid for-profit organization with a social mission, leveraging open collaboration to create and maintain over 180,000 how-to guides in multiple languages. The platform serves approximately 100 million unique visitors monthly and positions itself as a reliable, community-driven alternative to traditional instructional content, with articles written and edited by thousands of volunteers and credentialed experts.
History
wikiHow was founded in 2005 by Internet entrepreneur Jack Herrick, who drew inspiration from eHow, a how-to website he previously owned and sold to Demand Media in 2006. Herrick chose the wiki model of open collaboration to create higher-quality instructional content than traditional business models allowed. In 2016, wikiHow acquired Guidecentral, a website focused on hands-on project instructions. The company operates as a private, independent organization funded primarily through advertising revenue and has grown to serve a global audience across 19 languages.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| How-to Guides | Free instructional articles on everyday and specialized topics | Free |
| Quizzes | Interactive assessment content integrated with how-to guides | Free |
| Expert Co-authored Content | Credentialed expert contributions to specific topic areas | Free |
Manufacturing
wikiHow operates as a digital platform with no physical manufacturing. Content is created and maintained through a distributed network of volunteer contributors, trained researchers, and credentialed experts who collaborate using wiki-based editing tools. The platform relies on in-house technical infrastructure and community moderation to ensure content quality and accuracy.
Notable Products
- How-to Article Database - Over 180,000 instructional guides covering practical skills, life advice, and specialized knowledge across 19 languages
- Guidecentral Integration - Hands-on project instruction content acquired in 2016 for DIY and craft-focused tutorials
- Expert Co-author Program - Collaboration with credentialed professionals to validate and enhance content in specialized domains
Reputation
wikiHow is widely recognized as one of the internet's most influential and trusted instructional resources, particularly valued for its accessibility and comprehensive coverage of practical topics. The platform is praised for its community-driven model and commitment to accuracy through expert review and volunteer curation. Some criticism exists regarding content consistency and the challenge of maintaining quality across such a large volunteer-edited database, though the organization's mission-driven approach and employee satisfaction metrics suggest strong internal culture and external credibility.