ISRC and UPC codes explained for musicians
These boring codes are how you get paid and tracked. Understand them in five minutes.
What they are
UPC identifies the release, like a book ISBN. ISRC identifies each track, like a fingerprint. Stores need both to sell and stream your music.
Your distributor usually assigns both for free. Check your dashboard, they are already there.
Why they matter
ISRCs track your plays for royalties and charts. Wrong or missing codes mean lost money and broken analytics.
Keep a spreadsheet of every ISRC you ever get. Future you, your label, or your estate will need them.
Do not overthink it
You do not need to buy codes separately unless you are pressing physical media independently. Let the distributor handle it.
Next step: open your distributor dashboard and save every ISRC to a spreadsheet today.
Register with a PRO
ISRCs track plays, but PROs collect performance royalties. Register with ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC to get paid for radio and venues.
This is separate from your distributor. Both systems must be set up for full collection.
Your Monday action plan
Open your distributor dashboard and export every ISRC and UPC you have ever been assigned.
Save them in a permanent spreadsheet with song titles and release dates. Future you will thank you.
Sources and further reading
Sources were checked for this article. Tool features, prices and availability can change. Product claims are attributed to their publishers.
