One can find a lot of websites offering free "ringtones", a sound file that is played by a cellular or a mobile phone that can be downloaded directly to your phone. This concept was introduced to give mobile phones a unique ring that can be distinguished in a world that has many cellular phones in use.

Ringtones are normally melodious in nature and convey an incoming call or a message. Because of the technological advancement of cellular phones over fixed line phones, they can be adapted to represent personal taste. With the prolific options of ringtones, this is helping the mobile handset market to grow. Ringtone content has become an important selling point of a mobile phone.

Paid websites permit subscriptions or charge on a per ringtone basis. Before you opt for downloading a ringtone you need to be sure that the ringtone will work on your mobile phone model. You should also determine whether the website has the distribution rights and permissions for the ringtone, since the maker is supposed to receive royalties.

There are 3 distinct types of ringtones: monophonic, polyphonic and music ringtones.

Monophonic cellular phone ringtones are a very simple series of sequential tones at varying frequencies that are compatible with most of the mobile phones in use.

Polyphonic Ringtones

Polyphonic ringtones can be played on mobile phones that are capable of playing 16 tones simultaneously. The tone combinations create a harmonic melody. They are more musical and carry better presence than a monophonic ringtone. New advanced mobile phones support polyphonic ringtones.

Music Ringtones

Music ringtones, often referred to as voice tones, real tones or true tones, use original pieces of music along with lyrics, exactly as originally recorded. The format is usually MP3, WAV, WMA, etc. This feature and support for music ringtones is being built into most new models by almost all manufacturers.

There are many companies that make and sell ringtones, mostly through websites. In many countries in Asia, for example, television has become a very popular way to advertise ringtones pertaining to songs or music being played. The flip of website advertising is that these companies want customers to make contractual commitments, and this is not popular with most people. The sale of ringtones has not only boosted the mobile phone sales but also the bottom lines of recording companies as a new way to earn royalties.

Mobile phone ringtones, along with operator logos, have become the easiest way to personalize your mobile phone. Many new models also have features that allow you to create your own ringtones. Most people enjoy this process of personalization while there are others who find ringtones an irritant in public places.