✨ Let’s get into it ✨
💡 TLDR
Main character energy incoming: Perfume Genius is fighting for his Wikipedia photo. Like, really fighting. The artist, Mike Hadreas, posted a desperate plea on X asking someone to change his decade-ol…
Main character energy incoming: Perfume Genius is fighting for his Wikipedia photo. Like, really fighting. The artist, Mike Hadreas, posted a desperate plea on X asking someone to change his decade-old artist pic—because it’s basically a ghost in red lipstick. And he’s not alone. Zara Larsson’s Wikipedia page is locked in a cold war with a rogue editor who keeps swapping her photo. The queen of pop is vowing to “never stop changing that picture to a nice one.” Yeah, we’re here for that.
Artist photos on Wikipedia are basically a dumpster fire. Outdated, unflattering, or both. And here’s the kicker: high-profile artists like Larsson have “extended confirmed protection,” which basically means only elite Wiki users or admins can edit their pages. So while Hadreas could enlist a fan to fix his pic, Larsson needs a Wikipedia superhero. But don’t worry—there’s a way to get your photo updated, even if you’re not a Wiki wizard.
First, make sure your photo is freely licensed. That means you either took it yourself or have permission from the photographer. Once you’ve got that, you can either post it on social media with a licensing statement in the caption or email it directly to Wikimedia. The team recommends Creative Commons licenses, specifically CC BY-SA 4.0 or CC0. If you’re not the copyright holder, the photographer needs to send in the release.
Want to go full DIY? Create a Wikimedia Commons account, upload your photo, crop it, and add a caption. Then head to the artist’s Wikipedia page, click “Edit,” and replace the old image with your file name. Pro tip: Write an edit summary explaining why you’re changing it. It’s like leaving a note for the Wiki squad.
💫 Link to your photo somewhere else online, confirm you’re the rights holder, and include a licensing agreement.
If you’re stuck, use the Talk Page to request a photo edit. Link to your photo somewhere else online, confirm you’re the rights holder, and include a licensing agreement. The Wiki team usually responds within a few days.
So, what’s your go-to method for updating an artist’s Wikipedia pic? Drop your hack in the comments—let’s help these artists look their best.
❓ People Also Ask
How do I edit my Wikipedia artist photo?
Log in, go to your preferences, select “Edit my user page,” then update the “Artist photo” field. Save changes.
Can I upload a new artist photo to Wikipedia?
Yes, upload via the “Upload file” tool, then add it to your user page under “Artist photo.” Ensure it’s properly licensed.
💬 What do you think? Let us know in the comments! 👇