How to Upload an MP3 to Wikipedia

You can upload sound files to Wikipedia, which is an online encyclopedia. An MP3 sound file must be converted to Ogg Vorbis format because it is the only format Wikipedia accepts. Ogg Vorbis is an open-source free audio project and does not have patent binding. You may convert the MP3 file through the converter into OggVorbis before uploading.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• MP3 file
• Computer with Internet access

Open an Account in Wikipedia

1. Go to the Main Page of Wikipedia, listed in Resources below. You can also key in Wikipedia in search engines.
2. Go to the top-right corner of the page. Click on the Create Account link and register by providing a username and a unique password. The account is created immediately, and the username will be displayed on top of the page.

Upload a Sound File

3. Download a free Ogg Vorbis Converter. Key in Ogg Vorbis in search engines to find one.
4. Convert your sound file to the Ogg Vorbis format using a converter, and save it on your computer. Make sure the file name is unique and appropriate. Renaming a file is not possible once it is uploaded.
5. Go to the Main Page of Wikipedia. Sign in using your username and password.
6. Click on the Upload File tab/box at the left-hand column of the Main Page.
7. Complete the legal disclaimer on the upload page. If you don't, the file could be deleted without a warning.
8. Click on the Browse tab/box to select the source file name from the computer. A file selection dialog will pop up. Once the file is selected, click OK. The local file name will be used.
9. Add a brief description about the file, the source, date, author, permission and the license under which it is uploaded.
   Here’s an example:
   Information/Description = What can you hear?
   Source = Self-made or URL
   Date = Date image/sound was taken and/or released
   Author = First name and last name of the author
   Permission = Short quote of the permission of the copyright owner (in case it’s long, shorten it with a link to the long version).
   Other versions = Wiki link to other versions, if they exist within the Wikimedia Commons
   License
   
10. Complete the description of the file in the Summary field.
11. Click on the Upload File tab/box to save the summary and upload the file. You can upload files up to 20 MB in the Ogg Vorbis format.

Tips & Warnings

• If the file already exists, you are given the option to save and overwrite the old file or to go back to the upload form and type in a new name. If you overwrite the old file, it will still remain in the image history.
• Use descriptive names for your files to find them easily.
• Preview is not possible. However, once the file is uploaded, you can click the Edit button and make changes to the summary and license if needed.