Whatever Happened To Ringtones? [INFOGRAPHIC]

The Diminishing Trend of Annoying Ringtones

The prevalence of irritating ringtones appears to be decreasing, a phenomenon I hadn't fully considered until recently. It's becoming difficult to recall instances of disruptive tunes like "I'm Too Sexy" echoing in public spaces or "Bohemian Rhapsody" prompting involuntary head movements amongst commuters.

However, I am not without personal experience in this area. For several years, my mobile phone featured themes from Star Wars (Imperial March) and Star Trek: The Next Generation. Public use of these ringtones often elicited reactions ranging from amusement to sympathy from those nearby.

The Ringtone Industry: A Shifting Landscape

Our featured infographic explores the evolution of ringtones in recent years, specifically the decline in popularity of purchased, downloaded ringtones. Despite this downward trend, the ringtone market remains a substantial industry.

Interestingly, it continues to generate more revenue than the combined earnings of the top three music streaming platforms. While its ultimate demise is anticipated, projections suggest a complete disappearance by 2016.

Share Your Ringtone History

Now it’s your turn to participate! We invite you to share your past or present ringtone choices in the comments section below.

Do you have any particularly embarrassing selections you'd be willing to reveal? We promise discretion (or at least, minimal amusement). Do you typically purchase ringtones, or do you prefer to create your own?

Infographic Source: MusicProductionSchools.net

Image Source: kanjiroushi