How to Change Your Artist Photo on Wikipedia

Pitchfork

by Walden Green

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Changing your artist photo on Wikipedia can be a frustrating process, especially if you’re a musician who wants to maintain control over how you’re represented online. The platform’s strict editing policies often leave artists at the mercy of its volunteer editors, many of whom may not have your best interests in mind. As highlighted by Perfume Genius’ Mike Hadreas and Swedish pop star Zara Larsson, this issue is far from isolated. Both artists have faced challenges with outdated or unflattering images lingering on their Wikipedia pages, sparking a growing movement to reclaim control over their online presence. Hadreas took matters into his own hands after years of frustration, enlisting the help of a social media follower to update his photo. Meanwhile, Larsson has been locked in an ongoing battle with a Wiki editor who repeatedly replaces her chosen image. These examples underscore how difficult it can be for artists, especially those under “extended confirmed protection,” to make changes without assistance from high-level Wikipedia users or administrators. This protection is often applied to high-profile figures, making the process even more complex. For musicians and fans alike, this issue matters because it directly impacts how an artist is perceived by their audience. Outdated or unflattering images can create a disconnect between an artist’s current image and their public identity. Musicians deserve to have control over their visual representation, especially in a digital age where online presence plays a critical role in their careers. Whether you’re a musician cringing at old photos or a fan advocating for your favorite artist, there are several methods to change an artist photo on Wikipedia. One approach is to post a suitable image on social media platforms like Instagram or X, ensuring it’s licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International or public domain. Another option is submitting the image via email to photosubmission@wikimedia.org, along with a licensing statement and proof of ownership. For more advanced users, uploading the image directly to Wikimedia

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Originally published on Pitchfork on 2/20/2026