The Most Popular Ringtones of All Time, Ranked

Choose the ringtones you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 26, 2024 06:15
In an age where our phones never seem to leave our sides, the choice of ringtone becomes a personal hallmark. It's interesting to see which sounds catch our favor, riding the fine line between annoyance and allure. Tracking the most popular ringtones gives us more than just a playlist - it reveals a tapestry of trends and collective preferences that define certain eras or moments. When users take part in voting for their favorite ringtones, it creates a dynamic snapshot of public taste and cultural evolution. This ongoing interaction ensures that the list remains reflective of what truly resonates with people. By casting your vote, you're shaping not only the rankings but also contributing to a larger story of auditory identity spanning years.

What Are the Most Popular Ringtones of All Time?

  1. 1
    280
    votes

    Nokia Tune

    Francis Bell
    This iconic ringtone has been the default ringtone for Nokia phones since 1994 and is recognized worldwide. It is estimated that over 1.8 billion Nokia phones have been sold with this ringtone.
    The Nokia Tune is a distinctive polyphonic ringtone that has become synonymous with Nokia phones. It is considered one of the most iconic and recognizable ringtones of all time.
    • Composition Year: 1994
    • Genre: Classical
    • Duration: Approximately 0:10 seconds
    • Format: MIDI
    • Number of Notes: 13 tones
    Nokia Tune in other rankings
  2. 2
    140
    votes
    This simple yet catchy ringtone has been the default ringtone for iPhones since 2007 and is instantly recognizable. It has become a cultural phenomenon and has been used in numerous memes and parodies.
    iPhone Marimba in other rankings
  3. 3
    100
    votes

    Crazy Frog Axel F

    Daniel Malmedahl
    Originally created as a computer-animated character, Crazy Frog became a pop culture sensation in 2005 with the release of "Axel F," a remix of the theme song from the Beverly Hills Cop movie. The ringtone was a huge hit and became the first ringtone to reach number one on the UK singles chart.
    Crazy Frog Axel F is a catchy and energetic ringtone that became incredibly popular worldwide. It is a remix of the iconic 1984 song 'Axel F' by Harold Faltermeyer. The ringtone features a digitally animated frog-like creature, known as the Crazy Frog, incorporating humorous sound effects and a distinctive high-pitched voice. The Crazy Frog Axel F gained immense popularity in the early 2000s, symbolizing the rise of mobile phone culture and the era of customizable ringtones.
    • Song Release Year: 2005
    • Ringtone Genre: Electronic/Pop
    • Original Song: 'Axel F' by Harold Faltermeyer
    • Character: Crazy Frog
    • Animation Style: Digitally Animated
  4. 4
    50
    votes
    This irritatingly catchy ringtone became a viral sensation in 2006 and was created as an anti-mosquito tone to repel mosquitoes. However, it soon became popular among teenagers as a ringtone that could be heard by young people but not by adults.
    The 'Mosquito' ringtone is a high-frequency sound that was originally developed as a deterrent for teenagers. It is designed to be at a frequency range that typically only young people can hear, while most adults cannot. The sound is often described as a buzzing or humming noise.
    • Frequency Range: 17.4kHz - 20kHz
    • Purpose: Deter teenagers from loitering
    • Target Audience: Teenagers
    • Age Restriction: Mostly inaudible for people over 25 years old
    • Usage: Originally used in commercial settings, public spaces, and as a phone ringtone
  5. 5
    22
    votes

    T-Mobile Jingle

    Lance Massey
    The T-Mobile jingle, also known as the "T-Mobile Sidekick" ringtone, became a popular ringtone in the mid-2000s. It was created as a promotional jingle for the T-Mobile Sidekick phone, but its catchy melody made it a hit among consumers.
    The T-Mobile Jingle is a catchy and unmistakable tune that has become one of the most recognizable ringtones of all time. It is a short, upbeat melody that combines various musical elements to create a lively and memorable sound.
    • Year of Creation: 2002
    • Length: 15 seconds
    • Genre: Jingle, Pop
    • Instruments Used: Guitar, drums, synthesizer
    • Tempo: Upbeat
  6. 6
    42
    votes
    The Coca-Cola jingle has been used in advertising campaigns since the 1930s and has become a popular ringtone. Its catchy melody and association with the Coca-Cola brand have made it a popular choice among consumers.
    Coca-Cola is a worldwide popular beverage brand known for its flagship product, Coca-Cola. It is a carbonated soft drink that is adored by millions of people around the globe.
    • Year of creation: 1886
    • Type: Carbonated soft drink
    • Taste: Refreshing, sweet
    • Ingredients: Carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, caramel color, phosphoric acid, natural flavors
    • Caffeine content: 34 mg per 12 fl oz (355 mL)
  7. 7
    23
    votes

    Mission Impossible

    Lalo Schifrin
    The theme song from the Mission Impossible movie franchise has become a popular ringtone due to its catchy melody and association with the popular spy series. It is often used as a ringtone by fans of the movies or TV show.
    The 'Mission Impossible' ringtone is a popular and widely recognized tune that is often associated with spy movies and thrilling action sequences. It is an instrumental piece known for its suspenseful and intense theme.
    • Genre: Soundtrack
    • Year of release: 1966
    • Duration: 0:51
    • Tempo: Moderato
    • Key: G minor
  8. 8
    24
    votes

    Star Wars

    George Lucas
    The Star Wars theme song has become a popular ringtone among fans of the popular movie franchise. Its catchy melody and association with the iconic series have made it a popular choice among consumers.
    Star Wars is an iconic and highly recognized sci-fi film franchise created by George Lucas. The franchise features a collection of distinctive ringtones that have become popular over the years. These ringtones capture the essence of the Star Wars universe and are loved by fans worldwide.
    • Title: Star Wars
    • Genre: Sci-fi
    • Release Year: 1977
    • Film Series: Star Wars saga
    • Theme Music Composer: John Williams
    Star Wars in other rankings
  9. 9
    6
    votes
    Harry Potter
    Nzgabriel · CC BY 2.5

    Harry Potter

    J.K. Rowling
    The Harry Potter theme song has become a popular ringtone among fans of the popular book and movie franchise. Its catchy melody and association with the magical world of Harry Potter have made it a popular choice among consumers.
    Harry Potter is a fantasy book series that follows the journey of a young wizard named Harry Potter as he attends the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The books chronicle Harry's battle against the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, who seeks to become immortal and conquer the wizarding world. The series incorporates elements of magic, friendship, adventure, and coming-of-age themes.
    • Genre: Fantasy
    • Publication Year: 1997-2007
    • Number of Books: 7
    • Main Protagonist: Harry Potter
    • Setting: Wizarding World (primarily in the UK)
    Harry Potter in other rankings
  10. 10
    4
    votes
    The theme song from the popular TV show Game of Thrones has become a popular ringtone among fans of the series. Its epic melody and association with the medieval fantasy world of Westeros have made it a popular choice among consumers.
    Game of Thrones is a highly popular and critically acclaimed American fantasy drama television series based on the novel series 'A Song of Ice and Fire' by George R.R. Martin. The show is known for its complex characters, intricate plotlines, and its blend of political intrigue, epic battles, and fantasy elements. Set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, Game of Thrones explores the power struggles among noble families as they vie for control of the Iron Throne.
    • Genre: Fantasy, Drama
    • Number of Seasons: 8
    • Number of Episodes: 73
    • Running Time: 50-82 minutes per episode
    • Original Network: HBO
    Game of Thrones in other rankings

Missing your favorite ringtones?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for popular ringtones

  1. Number of downloads
    The number of times the ringtone has been downloaded by users is a major factor in determining its popularity.
  2. Cultural impact
    The impact of the ringtone on pop culture, such as quotes, memes, and even social media trends, can indicate its popularity.
  3. Recognizability
    How easily recognizable and memorable a ringtone is can contribute to its popularity. Iconic tunes that are easily identified even after just a few notes are typically more popular.
  4. Timelessness
    A popular ringtone should be able to withstand the test of time and remain well-liked by users throughout different generations and technological advancements.
  5. User preference
    Different factors such as age, region, and musical taste can affect the popularity of a ringtone. Surveying and polling these preferences can help gauge a ringtone's popularity among specific groups.
  6. Sales and revenues
    The revenue generated from sales and downloads of the ringtone can serve as an indicator of its popularity.
  7. Awards and recognition
    Any awards or recognitions received by the ringtone, such as the best ringtone or innovative sound design, can signify its popular status.
  8. Compatibility and availability
    The availability of the ringtone on multiple platforms and devices can contribute to its popularity, as a larger audience will have access to it.
  9. Media coverage & publicity
    The amount of media coverage, news articles, and press surrounding the ringtone can also be an indicator of its popularity and overall impact.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular ringtones of all time. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Ringtone is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 19709 views
  • 157 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Ringtone once every 24 hours. The rank of each Ringtone is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular ringtones of all time

Ringtones have come a long way since their inception in the early 2000s. From basic beeps to catchy tunes, ringtones have evolved into a form of self-expression with people choosing personalized ringtones that reflect their personality and tastes. Over the years, there have been many popular ringtones that have captured the hearts of millions of people worldwide. From classic Nokia ringtones to modern-day pop songs, the world of ringtones is diverse and ever-changing. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most popular ringtones of all time that have left an indelible mark on the world of mobile phones.

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