Short for MPEG Layer 3.

MP3 is a common file format for music and other audio content. It is commonly used on the Internet, on PCs, and on portable devices, including dedicated music players and phones with music player functionality.

Some phones that do not have full music-player functions may support the MP3 format for short music clips that play as ringtones.

Unlike some formats, MP3 files usually do not include DRM technology that would limit playback and sharing.

MP3 files can be created at different "bit rates". Higher bit rates offer better sound quality, but also increase file size, requiring more memory space to store.