Releese iconReleese Logo
Product
Releese for
Pricing
Resources
How to get an ISRC and UPC code for a music release?

How to get an ISRC and UPC code for a music release?

By Maxence Pepin
18 April, 2023

Releasing your music to the world is an exciting step, but it's crucial to ensure your tracks are correctly encoded with an International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) and a Universal Product Code (UPC). These codes help with tracking sales, managing royalties, and organizing your music catalog. In this article, we'll walk you through the process of obtaining both ISRC and UPC codes for your music release.

Understanding ISRC and UPC codes

If you're a musician, producer or someone involved in the music industry, you've probably heard of ISRC and UPC codes. These codes are essential for tracking sales, managing inventory, and ensuring that copyright owners receive accurate royalties. Let's dive deeper into what these codes mean and their importance in the music industry.

What is an ISRC code?

An ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) is a unique identifier for individual tracks or music video recordings. This code is assigned to a specific recording and stays with it throughout its entire lifespan. The ISRC code helps track sales, streaming, and other usage data for each recording, ensuring that musicians and copyright owners are accurately paid royalties. The ISRC code also helps with categorizing and organizing recordings in digital music platforms and stores.

For example, let's say you're a musician and you've recorded a song called "Sunshine." You would assign an ISRC code to the recording of "Sunshine," and that code would stay with the recording no matter where it's used or distributed.

What is a UPC code?

A UPC (Universal Product Code) is a unique 12-digit barcode assigned to your entire music release, such as an album or an EP. This identifier is crucial for sales tracking, inventory management, and chart eligibility, especially when distributing your music through physical and digital stores. While ISRC codes are specific to individual tracks, UPC codes represent the broader product for sale.

For example, if you're releasing an album called "Summer Nights," you would assign a UPC code to the entire album, and that code would stay with the album no matter where it's sold or distributed.

Why are they important for your music release?

Having proper ISRC and UPC codes for your music release is essential for several reasons. These codes make it easier to track sales and usage data, ensuring that you receive accurate royalties and recognition for your work. Additionally, they help digital music platforms and stores categorize and organize your music, making it more accessible and discoverable by listeners.

Without proper codes, your music could get lost in the vast sea of digital content, making it difficult for listeners to find and enjoy your work. Proper codes also ensure that you're receiving fair compensation for your hard work and creativity.

In conclusion, ISRC and UPC codes are essential tools for musicians and copyright owners in the music industry. These codes help track sales and usage data, manage inventory, and ensure that you receive accurate royalties for your work. So, make sure to assign proper codes to your music releases and reap the benefits of proper tracking and recognition.

Registering for an ISRC code

Acquiring ISRC codes for your music is a straightforward process. Here's how you can get started.

Finding your national ISRC agency

ISRC codes are essential for tracking your music's performance and ensuring you receive proper royalties. These codes are issued by your country's national ISRC agency, which is responsible for assigning them to music releases. Each country has a designated agency, and you can find yours easily through the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) website.

The IFPI website offers a comprehensive list of ISRC agencies worldwide. Simply choose your country from the list, and you'll be directed to the agency's website, where you can find more information about registering for ISRC codes.

It's important to note that some countries may have more than one ISRC agency. In such cases, you should choose the agency that best suits your needs.

Completing the registration process

Once you've found your national ISRC agency, you'll need to follow their guidelines to complete the registration process. This usually involves filling out an application form and providing basic information about your music release, such as the artist name, track titles, and release date.

Some agencies may charge a fee for registering and assigning ISRC codes, while others offer the service for free. It's important to check the agency's website for information on any fees or charges you may incur.

When completing the registration process, ensure that all the information you provide is accurate and up-to-date. Any errors or omissions could result in delays or complications further down the line.

Obtaining your unique ISRC code

After completing the registration process, the ISRC agency will issue a unique ISRC code for each track you've registered. These codes are essential for tracking your music's performance and ensuring you receive proper royalties.

It's important to keep these codes safe, as you'll need to embed them in your audio files and provide them to your music distributor during the release process. Failure to do so could result in your music not being properly tracked, and you missing out on royalties.

ISRC codes are an essential tool for any musician or music producer looking to track their music's performance and receive proper royalties. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily register for ISRC codes and ensure that your music is properly tracked and accounted for.

Abstract music note

Acquiring a UPC code

Now that you have your ISRC codes, it's time to secure a UPC code for your complete music release. Here's how:

Choosing a UPC provider

To get a UPC code, you'll need to work with a UPC provider, such as GS1 or a reseller. GS1 is the official global organization responsible for issuing UPC codes, but purchasing from them may be more expensive. Resellers are often more affordable and provide UPC codes compatible with most music distribution services. Make sure you choose a reputable provider because using an invalid UPC can cause issues with your music release.

Purchasing a UPC code

Once you've chosen a UPC provider, sign up for their service and purchase a UPC code for your music release. The price of a UPC code varies depending on the provider and whether you need a single code or a package deal for multiple codes. Remember that you typically need one UPC code per music release, so plan accordingly.

Assigning the UPC code to your music release

Upon acquiring your UPC code, assign it to your music release by providing the code to your music distributor. They'll use this information to ensure your music release is properly tracked and accounted for across digital platforms, physical stores, and charts.

Embedding ISRC and UPC codes in your music files

Before you distribute your music, it's essential to embed the ISRC and UPC codes in the appropriate files. Here's how to do this:

Adding ISRC codes to your audio files

Use an audio editor or a dedicated ISRC code editor to add your ISRC codes to the metadata of your audio files. This process may vary depending on the software you use. Most digital audio workstations (DAWs) and audio editors, such as Audacity, Logic Pro, or Pro Tools, allow you to input metadata when exporting your tracks. Consult the software's help documentation to learn more about adding ISRC codes to your audio files.

Adding UPC codes to your album artwork

Typically, you don't need to embed the UPC code in your album artwork or music files. Instead, provide the UPC code to your music distributor, and they'll ensure it's properly associated with your music release. However, if you're releasing physical copies of your album, make sure to include the UPC barcode on the packaging to facilitate sales tracking and inventory management.

In conclusion, obtaining ISRC and UPC codes for your music release is a vital step in ensuring that your tracks are properly organized, tracked, and monetized across platforms. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to making your music accessible and profitable in the digital marketplace.

Maxence Pepin profile picture
Maxence has amassed over 50 million streams as an independent artist before working as a business development manager for an indie dance record label.
logo

Manage your entire music business in one place