ISRC (International Standard Recording Code)
A unique 12-character alphanumeric code that identifies a specific sound recording.
What it means
The International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) is a globally recognized identifier assigned to individual sound recordings and music videos. Think of it as a fingerprint for your recording — each unique version of a track gets its own ISRC, and that code stays with the recording for its entire commercial life. ISRCs are essential for tracking plays, streams, and sales across digital platforms. When you upload music to Spotify, Apple Music, or any other streaming service through a distributor, each track is tagged with an ISRC. This code allows the platforms to accurately report usage data back to rights holders and royalty collection organizations. Without an ISRC, it becomes extremely difficult to track where your music is being played and ensure you receive all the royalties you're owed. For ambient and meditation music producers who may release dozens or even hundreds of tracks (including variations, extended versions, and remixes), having a proper ISRC system is critical for catalog management. Each variation of a recording needs its own ISRC — a 10-minute extended mix and a 3-minute edit of the same composition are two different recordings and require two different ISRCs. Distributors like DistroKid, TuneCore, and CD Baby can assign ISRCs automatically, or you can obtain your own ISRC registrant code to self-assign codes.
Technical details
The ISRC format follows ISO 3901 and consists of 12 characters: a 2-letter country code (e.g., US), a 3-character registrant code (assigned by the national ISRC agency), a 2-digit year of reference, and a 5-digit designation code. Example: US-ABC-23-00001. ISRCs are assigned to recordings, not compositions (compositions use ISWCs). A new ISRC is required when a recording is remixed, remastered, or re-edited in a way that creates a materially different sound recording. The same ISRC should be used when a recording is distributed across multiple platforms or re-released without modification. In the US, the RIAA is the national ISRC agency and assigns registrant codes. ISRCs are embedded in audio file metadata and are used by SoundExchange, the MLC, and digital service providers for royalty tracking.
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