A ringtone is an excerpt of a musical composition embodied in a digital file and rendered into audio. Ringtones are stored in an end-user's mobile telephone, pager or other portable communications device and played whenever the device activates its ring or alert function (upon the arrival of a call, message or other notification).

There are two basic types of ringtones: Phonic Ringtones and Pre-Recorded Ringtones. Phonic Ringtones are, most commonly, standard MIDI sound files that are either monophonic, where the ringtones are recreated using standard single notes, or polyphonic, where notes can be played simultaneously creating harmony and/or counterpoint. Pre-Recorded ringtones play actual clips from sound recordings. It should be noted that the term 'Pre-Recorded ringtone' is not the standard term industry-wide. They are also known as Trutones, Songtones, Master Ringtones, etc.

No. You need to obtain a separate license for each format.

A statutory ringtone license can be obtained using HFA’s eMechanical or bulk licensing process. For more information, click here.

No. Licensees must request and obtain a separate license for each song that they wish to offer as a ringtone. A single license will not cover the all of the songs for a particular publisher, writer or catalog.