Fandom, formerly known as Wikicities and Wikia, is one of the most popular wiki hosting services globally, specializing in entertainment topics such as video games, TV series, movies, and celebrities. Founded in October 2004 by Jimmy Wales, co-founder of Wikipedia, and Angela Beesley, Fandom has since evolved from a niche platform into a highly profitable company, becoming a go-to source for fan-driven content.
In 2018, Fandom was acquired by TPG Inc. and Jon Miller through Integrated Media Co., marking a significant shift in its business model from a non-profit model to a for-profit wiki hosting service.
How Fandom Works: Powered by MediaWiki Software
Fandom operates using MediaWiki, the same open-source wiki software that powers Wikipedia. Unlike Wikimedia, the non-profit organization behind Wikipedia, Fandom is a for-profit company. It generates revenue through advertisements and sold content, making it one of the most profitable wiki hosting platforms on the internet. Fandom’s revenue model also includes monetizing user-generated content, with most user-submitted text published under copyleft licenses.
Fandom also runs an editorial project that provides curated pop culture and gaming news. This dual approach — user-generated wikis alongside professionally written articles — sets Fandom apart from other platforms.
Fandom’s Popularity: Rising as One of the Most Visited Websites in the World
With over 25% of its traffic coming from the United States, Fandom has become one of the top 50 most visited websites globally. As of October 2023, Fandom ranks 50th in website traffic, with Russia accounting for 7.76% of its users, according to Similarweb.
Since the early 2020s, Fandom has rapidly gained popularity, becoming the go-to platform for fans to share their knowledge on a wide range of entertainment topics. Whether you’re a fan of Star Wars, Marvel, or Minecraft, there’s likely a dedicated Fandom wiki page that offers in-depth articles, guides, and fan-created content.
The Future of Fandom
As Fandom continues to evolve, it remains a dominant player in the entertainment industry, offering a massive database of fan-made wikis combined with expert editorial content. This fusion of user collaboration and professional curation positions Fandom as a trusted source for pop culture and entertainment content, serving millions of active users worldwide.
Whether you’re a content creator, fan, or researcher, Fandom’s comprehensive and easy-to-use platform is an invaluable resource for entertainment knowledge.