Wikimedia Commons gets app for Android and iOS to encourage contributions

The Wikimedia Foundation has released an app on both iOS and Android for Wikimedia Commons, the free image repository used by Wikipedia and many other projects, in a bid to encourage contributions. The app will allow you to upload photos into the Commons bank in a jiffy.

Although photos shot from smartphones are not exactly the preferred quality for the repository, they’re sure to help the Foundation’s collection. “Your contributions to Commons can help illustrate the world’s largest encyclopedia and make knowledge come to life for millions of readers around the globe,” wrote Maryana Pinchuk from the Foundation in a blog post announcing the launch.

Now add images to the Commons repository using your phone

The apps have been made available after an extended beta period. The Android app also lets you upload multiple files and add categories. You can also share your uploads through image sharing sites.

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The Foundation says that it is hoping to add more features to the app and make it easier to browse and discover content in the future. “We also look forward to being able to run more campaigns like Wiki Loves Monuments, encouraging expert Commons users and people new to Wikimedia projects alike to contribute to high-need content areas,” reads the blog post.

One important thing to keep in mind before you use the app is that you will have to sign up for the service first. You can download Wikimedia Commons for Android from the Play Store and for iOS from the App Store. In case you do not have a smartphone, you can use the mobile version of Wikimedia projects.