ISRC and UPC Codes Explained

These codes are your music’s unique fingerprints. They ensure you get credited and paid for every stream and sale.

What Are These Codes?

Every piece of released music needs unique identifiers so platforms can track it correctly. Think of them like:

• ISRC: A social security number for each individual track
• UPC: A barcode for your entire release (single, EP, or album)

In simple terms: ISRC identifies your song, UPC identifies your release package.

Why Do They Matter?

Without these codes, platforms can’t:

• Track your streams: No code = no data = no royalties
• Credit you properly: Your music might get mixed up with someone else’s
• Pay you accurately: Royalty organizations use these codes to route payments
• Chart your music: Billboard and other charts rely on these identifiers

ISRC: International Standard Recording Code

What It Is

An ISRC is a 12-character code that uniquely identifies a specific recording. It stays with that recording forever, even if it appears on multiple releases.

Format

US-ABC-24-12345
│  │   │  │
│  │   │  └── Unique number (5 digits)
│  │   └───── Year of assignment (2 digits)
│  └───────── Registrant code (3 characters)
└──────────── Country code (2 characters)

Example: USRC12345678

Key Rules

Rule	Explanation
One per recording	Each unique recording gets its own ISRC
Permanent	Once assigned, an ISRC never changes
Locked after distribution	Cannot be changed once your release is distributed (see Validation and Review)
New for remixes	A remix is a new recording, so it needs a new ISRC
Reuse across releases	Same track on an album and a single uses the same ISRC

When You Need a New ISRC

You need a new ISRC when:

• Recording a new song
• Creating a remix or new version
• Re-recording an existing song
• Changing the audio in any significant way

You use the same ISRC when:

• Putting the same track on a different release
• Distributing to additional platforms
• Re-releasing without audio changes

UPC: Universal Product Code

What It Is

A UPC (or EAN in Europe) is a 12-13 digit barcode number that identifies your release as a product. Every single, EP, and album needs one.

Format

123456789012
│     │    │
│     │    └── Check digit
│     └─────── Product number
└───────────── Company prefix

Example: 0123456789012 (UPC) or 5012345678901 (EAN)

Key Rules

Rule	Explanation
One per release	Each release (single, EP, album) gets its own UPC
New for re-releases	Deluxe editions or re-releases need new UPCs
Format specific	Digital and physical versions often use different UPCs
Valid check digit	The last digit must be a valid GTIN check digit (Modulo 10 algorithm)

Note

LabelGrid validates the check digit on all barcodes you enter. Both UPC-A (12-digit) and EAN-13 (13-digit) formats are accepted. If your barcode is rejected with “invalid GTIN check digit,” verify it using the GS1 check digit calculator. You can also leave the field blank and LabelGrid will generate a valid barcode automatically.

LabelGrid Handles It

Good news: LabelGrid automatically assigns both codes when you create a release.

• ISRC codes: Automatically generated for each track
• UPC codes: Automatically generated for each release

You don’t need to purchase or register codes yourself unless you have specific requirements.

Bringing Your Own Codes

Already have codes from another distributor? You can enter them manually:

1. During release creation, look for the “Use existing code” option
2. Enter your existing ISRC for each track
3. Enter your existing UPC for the release

Caution

Never reuse codes from one recording on a different recording. This causes tracking errors and royalty problems.

Common Questions

Do I need to buy my own codes?

No. LabelGrid provides ISRC and UPC codes at no extra cost. These codes are yours to keep, even if you switch distributors later.

What if I already have codes from another distributor?

Use them! Enter your existing codes during release creation. This maintains continuity in your streaming history and charts.

Can I use the same ISRC if I re-release a track?

Yes, if the audio is identical. Using the same ISRC links the new release to your existing stream counts and playlist placements.

What happens if I use wrong codes?

• Duplicate ISRCs: Royalties may be split or misdirected
• Wrong ISRC: Your streams may credit someone else
• Missing codes: Platforms may not accept your release

How do I find my existing codes?

Check your previous distributor’s dashboard, or look up your music on sites like ISRC.soundexchange.com.

Examples

Example 1: Releasing a Single

You release “Summer Nights” as a single:

• Track ISRC: USRC12400001 (assigned to the recording)
• Release UPC: 0123456789012 (assigned to the single)

Example 2: Adding That Single to an Album

Later, you include “Summer Nights” on your album “Beach Vibes”:

• Track ISRC: USRC12400001 (same code - same recording)
• Album UPC: 0123456789029 (new code - different release)

Example 3: Creating a Remix

You release a remix of “Summer Nights”:

• Original ISRC: USRC12400001 (the original recording)
• Remix ISRC: USRC12400015 (new code - different recording)
• Remix Single UPC: 0123456789036 (new code - new release)

Quick Reference

Scenario	ISRC	UPC
New song	New	New
Remix of existing song	New	New
Same track on different release	Same	New
Re-release with same audio	Same	New (or same if identical product)
Instrumental version	New	New
Live version	New	New

What’s Next?

Now that you understand music codes, you can:

• Create your first release - Put your knowledge into action
• Creating a Release - Complete your release information

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Deep Dive (Advanced)

For labels managing large catalogs and technical integrations.

ISRC Registration

While LabelGrid provides codes, labels can become ISRC registrants directly:

• US: Register through RIAA (usisrc.org)
• UK: Register through PPL
• Other countries: Contact your national ISRC agency

Having your own registrant code means:

• Consistent prefix across all your releases
• Direct control over code assignment
• Required for some sync licensing deals

UPC/EAN Procurement

Labels can purchase UPC prefixes from GS1:

• Single codes: ~$30 each
• Company prefix: $250+ for 10-100,000 codes
• Benefits: Consistent branding, physical product compatibility

DDEX and Code Standards

When delivering via DDEX:

• ISRCs must follow ISO 3901 format
• UPCs/EANs must follow GS1 standards
• Invalid codes cause delivery rejections

Historical Code Lookup

For catalog migrations, use:

• SoundExchange ISRC Database: isrc.soundexchange.com
• Spotify’s Search: Shows ISRCs in track metadata
• Previous distributor exports: Request full catalog data including codes