How to Turn a Video into a Ringtone for an iPhone & Android

With the right tools, creating a ringtone from a video is actually quite simple – no advanced audio-editing skills required. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to make a ringtone from a video in just a few easy steps:

1. Extracting the audio from your chosen video clip and converting it to an MP3 file

2. Trimming and editing the audio to create a ringtone of the perfect length and style

3. Setting your new custom ringtone on your iPhone or Android device

When it comes to converting a video into a ringtone, you have two main options: using built-in tools or third-party apps.

Built-in tools offer a convenient way to create ringtones without the need to download additional software. For example, iOS users can use iTunes or GarageBand to convert videos into ringtone format (M4R) directly on their devices. However, these built-in options may have limitations in terms of supported video formats, editing features, and customization options.

Third-party ringtone makers and audio converters provide more flexibility and advanced features. These apps can typically handle a wider range of video files and offer more control over the output ringtone format and quality settings. Some popular third-party tools include:

If you have a compatible video file and only need to perform basic trimming, built-in tools like iTunes or GarageBand may suffice. These tools are readily available and can quickly convert your video into a ringtone without the need for additional downloads.

However, if you require more advanced editing features, have an unsupported video format, or want greater control over the output settings, opt for a third-party audio converter. These tools offer more flexibility and customization options, allowing you to fine-tune your ringtone to perfection.

To make a ringtone from a video, the first step is to extract the audio from the video file. This is necessary because most devices, including smartphones, don't support video formats for ringtones.

To extract audio from a video, you can use a video converter tool like Movavi Video Converter. This software allows you to import a video file, select the desired output format, and export the audio as a separate file.

1. Download and install Movavi Video Converter.
2. Launch the program and click on the Add Media button, then select Add video to import the video file.
3. In the output format list, select the Audio tab and choose the desired format for your ringtone.
4. Click on the Convert button to start the extraction process.
5. Once the conversion is complete, you can transfer the audio file to your mobile device and use it as a ringtone.

These alternative tools can be used to extract audio from videos, depending on your specific needs and preferences. CapCut is a good option for those who prefer a simple, mobile-friendly solution, while Audacity is better suited for users who require more advanced audio-editing features and don't mind a more complex interface.

CapCut:

• Pros: user-friendly interface, mobile app available, offers basic editing features
• Cons: limited output formats, watermark on free version

Audacity:

• Pros: free, open-source, advanced audio-editing capabilities
• Cons: steep learning curve for beginners, requires manual import and export of files

Once you've extracted the audio from your chosen video, the next step is to trim and edit the file. Trimming your ringtone is crucial because most devices have a limit on the duration of audio files that can be used as ringtones, typically around 30 seconds.

Here's how to make a ringtone from a video with Movavi Video Editor:

1. Download and install Movavi Video Editor.
   Download Movavi Video Editor for Windows
   Download Movavi Video Editor for macOS
2. Import the extracted audio file into Movavi Video Editor.
3. Place the audio clip on the timeline. You can use the Split tool to cut out unwanted sections.
4. Aim for a ringtone length of 30 seconds or less to ensure compatibility with most devices.
5. Once you've trimmed your audio to the desired length, you can apply fade-in and fade-out effects to create a smooth transition at the beginning and end of your ringtone.
6. Export your edited audio file in a ringtone-compatible format, such as MP3.

1. Adjust fade-in/out: applying subtle fade-in and fade-out effects can help prevent abrupt or jarring transitions at the beginning and end of your ringtone.

2. Normalize volume: if your ringtone has inconsistent volume levels or is too quiet compared to other audio on your device, use volume normalization tools to even out the loudness and ensure your ringtone is easily audible.

3. Set loop options: some ringtone maker apps allow you to set your audio to loop seamlessly, which can be particularly useful for shorter clips or if you want your ringtone to continue playing until you answer the call.

Now that you have your custom ringtone created from a video, it's time to set it as your default ringtone on your phone.

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer and open iTunes. Navigate to the Tones section in your iTunes library and drag the converted M4R file into this folder.

2. Sync your iPhone with iTunes to transfer the custom ringtone to your device.

3. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone. You should see your custom ringtone listed among the available options. Tap on it to set it as your default ringtone.

1. Connect your Android phone to your computer and locate the Ringtones folder in your device's storage. If the folder doesn't exist, create a new folder and name it Ringtones.

2. Copy the MP3 file of your custom ringtone into the Ringtones folder.

3. Disconnect your phone from the computer and go to your phone's Settings app.

4. Navigate to Sound > Phone ringtone or Sound > Ringtone (depending on your device).

5. In the ringtone list, you should see your custom ringtone. Tap on it to set it as your default ringtone.

You can take your ringtone customization to the next level by using your own voice recordings or custom sound effects. However, it's essential to be aware of the legal considerations when using copyrighted content as ringtones.

For iPhone users:

1. Open the GarageBand app on your iPhone (free from the App Store).

2. Tap on the microphone icon to start a new recording.

3. Record your desired voice clip or sound effect.

4. Trim the recording to your preferred length (up to 30 seconds) using the editing tools.

5. Export the recording as a ringtone by tapping the share icon and selecting Ringtone.

For Android users:

1. Record your voice clip using a voice recorder app.

2. Trim the recording to your desired length using the app's editing features.

3. Convert the trimmed recording to MP3 format if necessary.

4. Follow the steps outlined earlier to transfer the MP3 file to your Android device's Ringtones folder and set it as your default ringtone.

In general, using copyrighted material without permission is illegal and can result in penalties or legal action. However, there are some exceptions under the "fair use" doctrine, which allows limited use of copyrighted content for certain purposes, such as commentary, criticism, or parody. To determine if your use of a video clip as a ringtone falls under fair use, consider the following factors:

1. The purpose and character of the use (commercial vs. non-commercial, transformative vs. non-transformative)

2. The nature of the copyrighted work (factual vs. creative)

3. The amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole

4. The effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work

In most cases, using a short clip from a YouTube video as a personal ringtone would be considered fair use, as long as you're not distributing the ringtone commercially or using a substantial portion of the original work. However, to be on the safe side, it's always best to use content that you have the rights to or that is in the public domain.

Ringtone not appearing in settings:

• For iPhone users:

  1. Ensure the converted audio file is in the correct M4R format.

  2. Check that the ringtone is successfully synced to your iPhone via iTunes.

  3. Refresh your iPhone's ringtone list by going to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone.

• For Android users:

  1. Verify that the audio file is in a supported format (MP3, M4A, WAV, or OGG).

  2. Confirm that the audio file is placed in the correct Ringtones folder on your device.

  3. Restart your Android phone to refresh the ringtone list.

Ringtone not playing when receiving calls:

• Double-check that you have successfully set the custom ringtone as your default ringtone in your device's sound settings.

• Test the ringtone by selecting it in the settings app and playing it to verify that the audio file is not corrupted.

Audio quality issues:

• Re-export the audio file from your video-editing software using a higher bitrate or quality setting.

• Adjust the volume of the ringtone using audio-editing tools to ensure it is consistent with other ringtones.