Wikimedia Commons: A Treasure Trove of Media
Wikimedia Commons offers a vast and diverse collection of freely usable media files but can be challenging to navigate for new users.
Join one of the largest photo and multimedia communities in the world! Commons is not only the image repository for Wikipedia but an independent project dedicated to documenting the world through photos, videos, and recordings.
The Wikimedia Commons app, an open-source app developed and maintained by grantees and volunteers from the Wikimedia community, serves as a platform for contributing content to Wikimedia Commons. Hosted by the Wikimedia Foundation, along with other Wikimedia projects, this app is supported by the Foundation to assist community developers. However, it's important to note that the Foundation neither created nor maintains this app. More details about the app, including its privacy policy, can be found at the bottom of this page. For additional information about the Wikimedia Foundation, visit us at wikimediafoundation.org.
Features:
- Upload photos directly to Commons from your smartphone
- Categorize your photos to improve accessibility for other users
- Automatically suggested categories based on photo location data and title
- Explore nearby missing images to help enhance Wikipedia articles and discover local attractions
- Review all your contributions in one gallery
Using the app:
- Install the app
- Login to your Wikimedia account or create one for free
- Select 'From Gallery' or the picture icon
- Choose the picture you wish to upload
- Add a title and description
- Select the license for your picture
- Add relevant categories
- Save your upload
Community photo guidelines:
- ✓ Document the world around you: famous people, events, festivals, landmarks, landscapes, nature, animals, food, architecture, etc.
- ✓ Capture notable objects listed in the Nearby feature of the app.
- ❌ Avoid copyrighted images.
- ❌ Refrain from uploading personal photos; documenting events involving individuals is acceptable.
- ❌ Ensure photo quality is sufficient for clear documentation purposes.
For more information and resources:
- Website: commons-app.github.io
- Bug reports: github.com/commons-app/apps-android-commons/issues
- Discussion: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons_talk:Mobile_app & groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/commons-app-android
- Source code: github.com/commons-app/apps-android-commons
Overview
Wikimedia Commons is a Freeware software in the category Audio & Multimedia developed by Wikimedia Foundation.
It was checked for updates 31 times by the users of our client application UpdateStar during the last month.
The latest version of Wikimedia Commons is 4.2.1, released on 06/18/2024. It was initially added to our database on 06/18/2024.
Wikimedia Commons runs on the following operating systems: Android.
Users of Wikimedia Commons gave it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
Pros
- Large repository of freely usable media files including images, sounds, and videos.
- Supports various licenses allowing users to reuse and redistribute media freely under certain conditions.
- Community driven platform with contributions from users all around the world, promoting collaboration.
- User-friendly search functionality to help find specific media files easily.
- Integration with other Wikimedia projects like Wikipedia for enhanced educational content.
- Encourages preservation of global culture through diverse collections.
- Mobile-friendly layout allows for easy access on smartphones and tablets.
Cons
- Quality of images may vary greatly, as anyone can upload files irrespective of their expertise.
- Limited control over media post upload; vandalism and misuse can occur without immediate remedy.
- Not all content is fully reliable or verified leading to potential misinformation risks.
- Can be complicated for new users to understand licensing and proper attribution requirements.
- Interface may not be as visually appealing or modern as other media hosting platforms.
- Finding high-resolution images can be cumbersome among the vast number of available files.
FAQ
What is Wikimedia Commons?
Wikimedia Commons is a free media repository where users can upload images, sound, and video files that can be used by anyone.
How can I use images from Wikimedia Commons?
You can use the images for free, as long as you follow the licensing terms provided with each file. Most files require attribution to the original creator.
Who can contribute to Wikimedia Commons?
Anyone can contribute to Wikimedia Commons by creating an account and uploading their media files, provided they adhere to the site's policies and licensing requirements.
What types of media can I find on Wikimedia Commons?
You can find a wide variety of media including photographs, illustrations, audio files, video clips, and more.
Is there a cost to use Wikimedia Commons?
No, Wikimedia Commons is completely free to use and access; both in terms of browsing and downloading media.
What are the licensing options available on Wikimedia Commons?
Most media on Wikimedia Commons are available under Creative Commons licenses or are in the public domain.
How do I upload media to Wikimedia Commons?
You can upload media by clicking on the 'Upload' link on the Commons website and following the guided steps to provide necessary metadata and licensing information.
How should I attribute media taken from Wikimedia Commons?
Attribution should include the title of the work, the author's name, a link to the source page on Wikimedia Commons, and a copy of the license.
Can I edit or modify images from Wikimedia Commons?
Yes, as long as you comply with the terms of the license under which the image is released. Some licenses may require you to share your modifications under similar terms.
How is Wikimedia Commons different from other image repositories?
Wikimedia Commons specifically focuses on freely usable media content and emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and community participation in content creation.
Peter Salakani
I'm Peter, a software reviews author at UpdateStar and content specialist with a keen focus on usability and performance. With a background in both software development and content creation, I bring a unique perspective to evaluating and discussing general software topics. When I'm not reviewing software, I enjoy staying updated on the latest tech trends, experimenting with new applications, and finding innovative solutions to everyday tech challenges.
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