Get ISRC Codes for your music and video today!
To learn more about ISRC codes, please first read the FAQ (frequently asked questions) below. We have worked hard to make the process as simple as possible. Please contact us by phone or chat for additional help.
(If you already know what you need, please click here to purchase your ISRC codes and/or UPCs now.)
Let’s get started…
| What are ISRC Codes and why do I need them? | |
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ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) is the
globally recognized standard numbering system for audio
and music video recordings. It comprises a 12-digit
alphanumeric code and functions as a universal
identification number for each sound recording. ISRC codes are primarily used to identify and catalog individual songs (tracks) on an album. The ISRC allows you to get paid for digital music sales by ensuring that your royalties are tracked properly. ISRC codes are necessary to sell your individual tracks via Apple Music (iTunes) and other online music distributors. They are also required for any songs that you plan to offer for streaming on Spotify and other streaming services. Similarly, you need to get ISRC codes in order to have your songs participate in the Billboard charts. In order to have a chance at making the Billboard music charts, your release must be registered with SoundScan using your ISRC codes for the individual tracks. If you do not register then your sales figures are not counted, and you remain invisible to the system. ISRC Codes are also used to identify videos and spoken word recordings such as audio books, sermons, and training programs. |
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| Is the ISRC code different from a UPC code? | |
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Yes, it is. The ISRC is your Sound/Video Recording Identifier. The International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) is the standard unique international identifier for sound and music video recording itself. The ISRC is tied to the recording in the track and not the carrier of the track (CD/Vinyl/Digital Album or individual digital sound/video file). The UPC is your Release Identifier. The Universal Product Code (UPC) is the standard unique identifier for the release that carries your audio or video performance(s). The UPC may identify a single, an EP, an LP and the various versions thereof (digital download, CD, vinyl, tape, or DVD). You can get both the required ISRC and UPC codes on our order form. |
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| How much does it cost to register ISRC codes for my songs or videos? | |||
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The registration fee for your album, single, or DVD includes issuance of your ISRC codes, the collection of your track information, and the database submission of your tracks as required by the Recording Industry Association of America and IFPI.
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| My business is outside of the United States, can I still purchase my ISRCs from you? | |
| Yes, absolutely. We have provided ISRC Codes to artists in over 157 countries and are authorized by the governing body of ISRC to issue International Standard Recording Codes to clients in ANY country. | |
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| How do I get ISRC Codes for my music and video? | |||||||
You can obtain your ISRC codes from us today, using your
Credit Card or Paypal account. Here is the process…
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| What do I get when I order from The ISRC Team? | |||||||||
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| When do I get my ISRC Codes? | |
| The turn-around time from receipt of your track information is often within a few hours. All orders received before 4 p.m. Eastern Time on business days are completed the same day. Orders placed after 4 p.m. will be processed next business day. If it’s after 4pm and you urgently need your ISRC codes today, please call us 1-877-872-2060 (toll-free) or +1-404-869-0701 (international) and we will see what we can do to help. | |
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| Do I need a UPC Code for digital-only releases (no physical copies are made)? | |||
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The retailers, online distributors, and the Billboard
Charts (SoundScan) set forth these requirements:
You need ISRC codes for each track of your album. However, the album itself requires a UPC code. In fact, if you plan to sell your album as a digital download AND as a physical audio CD then you need 2 UPC codes: one for the digital album download and a second one for the physical audio CD. This is the only way that performance on your individual songs can be tracked versus sales of the physical audio CD versus downloads of the complete digital album.
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| Do same songs occurring on multiple releases require different ISRC codes? | |
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No. The ISRC code for a song stays the same no matter what
album this track occurs on. A new ISRC is required only if
ANYTHING about the song changes (track length, title,
audio mastering, etc.). According to the ISRC Manual, a new ISRC must be issued when:
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| How do I handle ISRC codes for cover songs? | |
| ISRC codes identify audio or video performances. Your cover is a different performance from the original. Hence, a cover song requires its own ISRC just like any other song. (When you complete our track data submission form, you simply list yourself or your band as the featured artist along with the track’s original title.) | |
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| Do I need a separate ISRC code for my videos (full motion picture music videos, visualizer videos, lyric or static-image videos, and teaser/commercial videos)? | |
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Yes, you do. The registrants must be able to distinguish
between the ISRCs that are assigned to audio and those
that are assigned to video. Conventionally, video ISRCs
are identified with a “9” in position #8 of the 12-digit
video ISRC code. Please note, you will need separate unique ISRC codes for different types of your videos:
The META data (ISRC Code, UPC, Artist Name, Video Title, Recording Year, etc.) are then embedded into the MP4 video files. |
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| Can I get ISRC codes before I have all of my track information finalized? | |
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Yes, you can get ISRC codes before having 100% of the track information finalized. We understand that you may need the ISRC codes for mastering but do not yet have complete track times, for example. That is OK!
For us to issue ISRC codes to you, only Artist and Track Title are required. Please note, however, while it is not required for distribution of your work presently, it is highly recommended that you also supply Version and Recording Year. Duration is no longer mandatory as all modern music systems automatically detect how long your audios & videos are. (If you prefer, you can certainly supply duration or have us update it later in the records for a small $15 update charge, if you want.) |
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| What is the best way to submit my track info if I didn't submit it all at the time of purchase? | |
You've got 3 different options:
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| Are the dashes (-) part of my ISRC code? | |
| ISRC codes look like this: **-***-**-*****. They are structured using dashes for easier readability. However, the dashes are NOT considered to be part of the 12-digit ISRC code. When entering your ISRC codes at an online music distribution site like Apple Music (iTunes), registering at SoundScan, or embedding your ISRCs, you should enter it as a 12-digit code without dashes or spaces. (Unless, of course, they specifically instruct you to enter it differently.) | |
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| How can my ISRC Codes be embedded in my music and video? | |
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We are often asked: How are ISRC (and UPC) codes embedded
in music or video? There are two ways in which ISRC and
UPC codes get encoded in your music and video. Both are
important and done SEPARATELY. 1) Embedding ISRC Codes in your individual digital audio or video files for uploading, selling/streaming online, website, social, radio submission, and a more complete copyright submission. (Done by us – see our Embedding Service) 2) Embedding ISRC Codes in the Master Audio CD for duplication and mass production. (Done by your mastering house, studio, or duplication facility.) Click to view our ISRC Embedding Guide. |
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| Do I need ISRC Codes for copyright protection? | |
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(For our many international clients, please consult your domestic copyright office for details.) In the United States, the U.S. Copyright office does have a field to supply your ISRC code(s) at the time of filing for your copyright. While not (yet?) mandatory, it certainly is helpful in making your registration as complete as possible. The field on their form is called “International Identification Number” You first pick ISRC from the “International Standard Number Type” drop-down and then enter your ISRC code for the recording that you are registering for copyright in the “International Identification Number” field. We also recommend that when you upload your audio files to the copyright office, where possible, you upload the fully-embedded files. These are the versions that have the ISRC Code and all other META data already inside the audio files. |
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| What do I need to know about listing directly with Apple Music (iTunes)? | |
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Please click for important information regarding using
your
ISRC Codes for Apple Music (iTunes). |
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| What is SoundScan, why does it matter, and how do I register with it? | |
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Luminate’s SoundScan (formerly Nielsen SoundScan) tracks
sales and streams. In order to have a chance
at making the Billboard music sales/streaming charts, any
release must be registered with SoundScan using UPC number
(for the whole album) and ISRC codes (for the individual
tracks). Without a registration, the sales figures will
not be counted, and you will remain invisible to the
system. At the time of this FAQ’s publication, Luminate SoundScan registration is still free of charge. Please click for our SoundScan Registration Guide. |
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| What is Mediabase, why does it matter, and how do I register with it? | |
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Mediabase tracks airplay for the charts, monitoring
the music airplay of more than 1,800 media outlets in over
160 markets. In order to have a chance at making the
Billboard music charts, your release should be registered
AND uploaded as stripped files to Mediabase.
Without registration AND upload of your stripped files,
airplays will not be counted for the charts, and will you
remain invisible to the system.
At the time of this FAQ’s publication, Mediabase registration is still free of charge. Don’t miss out; get registered! Please click for our Mediabase Registration Guide. |
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| What is BDSradio (formerly Nielsen BDS), why does it matter, and how do I register with it? | |
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As of November 1st, 2022 BDSradio airplay
tracking services have been merged into Mediabase. This
means you no longer have to register in two different
spots for your airplay tracking.
Please click for our Mediabase Registration Guide. |
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| What are the Official Charts, why do they matter, and how do I register? | |
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Official Charts Company is the UK’s source for definitive
music and video charts. According to them, they collect
sales and streaming data from “all significant
retailers/music services – including Apple Music (iTunes),
Amazon, HMV, Google Play, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda,
Morrisons, Spotify, Deezer and over 2,600 independent
record and video shops. As a result, we estimate that we
capture around 99% of all singles sold, 98% of all albums
and over 90% of all videos/DVDs.” A registration of your works with the Official Charts assures that your sales & streams get counted properly. Please click for our Official Charts Registration Guide. |
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| What do I need to know about ISRC Codes for Audio Books, Podcasts, and other Spoken Word Recordings? | |
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ISRC Codes are standard for spoken word recordings such as
audio books, Podcasts, training programs, sermons, and
similar audio recordings. Please click to learn more about how to assign ISRC Codes for audio books, podcasts, and other spoken word recordings. |
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"I am thoroughly pleased with the ISRC team. Because of their efficiency in handling my music, I was able to clinch a deal with a publisher the same day. In the music business timing is essential. I thank isrc.com for making that happen."
Bonita Secunda
Breaking Point Productions
New Haven, Vermont
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"I received my ISRC codes in a neat spreadsheet with an amazingly fast turnaround time. I also made use of the chat system where a friendly agent was able to address my queries of being a first time user of the service with an immediate and effective response. I was very pleased and will be using this service again for our next release :)"
Robert Godfrey
Mayhem Deranged
London, United Kingdom
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"Fast and efficient service with very helpful support team!"
Stephen McDonogh
BBC Studios
London, United Kingdom
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"Easy, effective and personable. Got it all done online and when I did have a question, I got to speak to a REAL person (with a sense of humor)."
Carmela Rappazzo
Myth and Legends (Apple Music (iTunes) | Amazon)
New York City, NY
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"This was our first time purchasing ISRC Codes. isrc.com has a very easy to understand website, easy purchasing process, and for the simple questions that I had, a very quick and responsive customer service chat function. The codes were delivered via e-mail in just a few hours and we were able to move forward with the rest of our music project. We will use the ISRC Team again for sure."
Rob Rigoni
Budapest West
Seattle, Washington
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"The customer service at The ISRC Team is incredible. They have a live chat option and are very responsive and helpful. Anything to make the tedious process of music uploading more efficient and enjoyable is appreciated. And ISRCmusicCodes goes above and beyond."
Christyn Trelow
N3WLEVEL
Los Angeles, CA & Nashville, TN
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"I had a lot of questions about ISRC that were answered quickly and friendly, and was given great peace of mind. It was a pleasure working with you."
Wesley Jensen
Wesley Jensen Music
Redding, California
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"We’re very pleased with your service. The friendly staff made ordering ISRC Codes easy for us. We look forward to working with you in the future."
Holger Kermer
A-Minor Records & Publishing
St. Gallen, Switzerland
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"I own a music business based in Nashville, TN. I was very happy with how easy it was to register and receive these codes. It was made simple to understand and I got my codes on the same day. I’m very happy! Thank you!"
Brad Nowell
NSound Entertainment
Nashville, Tennessee
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"Thanks for the great service. I will definitely be back for more."
Jerry Christie
Toluca Lake, California
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"The easiest step of the whole CD production process was purchasing our ISRC codes from you. Super fast and accurate service. We could not be happier!"
Jaigh Lowder & Jill Manning
Lowder & Manning Music
Petersburg, IL, USA
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"As an entrepreneur I’d like to give very high complements to your company. I’m impressed by your level of expertise even with products that aren’t precisely your line of work. You answered every question with incredible professionalism and ethics… that’s something I don’t take for granted. As an artist, I’d like to express my infinite gratitude for making my deadline your own and working on a Sunday to return my codes so I can make it on time. A heartfelt thank you from me to you! Love & Light."
Yisel Duque
Duque Productions
Miami, Florida -
"Thanks for the rush delivery on our ISRC codes tonight - you are fantastic! We will definitely use you guys again!"
BLUEBERRY TRICYCLE
Texas, USA
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"I received my order fast and in time. I will be using your services in future."
Sergey Sukhotskiy
DJ Molniya
Novorossiysk, Russia
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"All was really easy and you guys were great to work with. Thanks!"
Phil DaRosa
TPS Presents
Martha's Vineyard, MA
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"Got my ISRCs hassle free and super quick. Thanks for the great service!"
Angela Dodson Music
Nashville, Tennessee
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"Excellent service, thank you!"
BJ Estares and Route 61
Disk Dog Noise Reproductions
Colorado Springs, CO, USA
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"We’re happy with your service. Thank you for your help!"
Suffreny Plancher
The Profession Entertainment Music Group
Van Nuys, California
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"Thanks for the great service!"
Rodney Bakerr
Rockin' House Records
Chicago, Illinois
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"As a first time customer with a pressing deadline, I found the service exemplary and the ISRC delivered as promised. I really appreciated the well-informed representative who made the process easy to understand."
Aenea Keyes
MusicAEterna
San Anselmo, California
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"Getting ISRC codes for my band's CD could not have been easier! The purchase was easy and they were emailed to me the next morning. I will definitely be back for our next album!"
Gregory Mathews
Fwaza Music
Chula Vista, CA
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“As a new start-up Company, being able to call on the expertise of the team at Simply Barcodes has been a huge help to us, we have launched over 20 new products this year, with another 20+ to come in Q4, all globally, and the team has been extremely supportive of these efforts to ensure we are compliant with both UPC and EAN requirements around the world. We owe them a huge thanks!!”
Jerry Simons
SMS Audio - by 50 CENT
Delray Beach, FL
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“I'm extremely happy with your service, thanks!”
Hao-Yue
Hollywood, California
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“I was pleased with your ISRC service.”
Drummer Casey Glass
Loveland, Colorado
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“I am happy with my experience with Simply Barcodes. I own a digital printing shop and I was impressed with the ease of the process. All we had to do was order and that same day we were able to put the barcode in the packaging artwork. I did not have any problems.”
Ysabelle Roy
DIGIPUB
Port-au-Prince, Petion Ville, Haiti -
“I recommend Simply Barcodes for any small business who is ready to get started and needs UPC codes. I had my code within one hour and I did not expect such a quick response. The delivery time was great!”
Vanessa Rivera
MiamiHot Productions
Miami, FL, USA -
“This was our first foray into the world of barcodes. It was all a little daunting the more people you speak to about how to create them, what information is required and so on. Then we found Simply Barcodes and voila we had high resolution print-ready barcode for our new product release.
Thanks for the help and turnaround under 2 hours is just amazing!”
David Russell
F7 Studio
Toronto, Canada -
"I will definitely do business with you next time I need ISRC codes. Very easy and fast. isrc.com is the way to go."
Carmen Grillo
Big Surprise Music
Encino, California -
"Thanks for great and prompt service! I am totally satisfied!"
Leroy Griffith JR
Leroy Griffith JR
Brooklyn, New York City -
"The interactive scroll on isrc.com takes you directly to the section you need to read, saved me a lot of time. The info in each section was also very concise and answered each question I had about ISRC codes. Thank you ISRC Team!"
William Cusack
William Cusack Music
Garden City, GA -
"My experience with ISRCmusicCodes was GREAT!!! I can put my song on ANY site I want and receive recognition for it. So, instead of my song just being heard and talked about, my plays can now be tracked. Kudos to ISRCmusicCodes!!!!"
Kashmir Satchel-Jarrett
College Park, GA
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