What is an ISRC?
The International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) system is the international system for the identification of recorded music and music videos. Each ISRC is a unique identifier that can be permanently encoded into a recording or music video.
If you’re asking yourself, ‘do I need an ISRC code’ then the answer is yes. Yes, you do. ISRC codes are 100 percent necessary if you’re releasing music commercially. Administering ISRC codes correctly is paramount for any commercial release. If a song is being put out for public consumption, the rights holder is responsible for obtaining and assigning an ISRC code to it.
The code allows distributors and broadcasters to do their jobs correctly. It also ensures you get paid! Any song you listen to today will have an ISRC code attached to it. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Billie Eilish track or an unsigned ‘bedroom’ producer’s first-ever single.
Here is an example ISRC code SN6Q72000047 is constructed as follows:
- SN is the appropriate two-character country code for the ISRC issuer.
- 6Q7 is a three-character alphanumeric registrant code of the ISRC issuer.
- 20 represents the last two digits of the year that the ISRC was assigned to the recording.
- 00047 is a 5-digit number that identifies a particular sound or video recording.
This example uses a code made up for the purposes of explanation only and should never be used.
- Main artist name (or band name)
- Recording title
- Version title (or alternate title or subtitle)
- Duration of the recording
- Content type (SR: sound recording or MV: music video recording)
- Year of publication (P date)
NB: The country code allocated to you has worldwide validity.
The purpose of the country code is to ensure that ISRCs issued by different registrants in different countries do not ‘collide’ with each other.
You must use the Code and Registrant Code together to form your ISRCs no matter where in the world your recordings may be distributed.
You should supply the ISRC for each recording alongside the recording when you pass it (or information about it) to someone else (such as a retailer, distributor, digital aggregator, streaming service, or broadcaster.
You should include the ISRC when mastering CDs and where possible include it in digital files containing the recording.
NB: Please, don't forget to add the information below for each track in the description
If you need ISRC Read and fill out the form Music Metadata Management and I will answer as soon as possible
