What are ISRC codes? Why do I need them?

An  International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) is an international standard code for uniquely and permanently identifying sound recordings and music video recordings.  ISRC's help to avoid ambiguity among recordings, and simplifies the management of rights when recordings are used across different formats, distribution channels, or products. The ISRC for a recording remains a fixed point of reference when the recording is used across different services, across borders, or under different licensing deals. It is necessary for streaming, sales & royalty tracking. Each individual track has a  unique ISRC that is necessary for all commercial music uses. One unique ISRC is created and assigned to every song that is released to ensure that you will receive your royalties and streaming data accurately.

According to  isrc.com,  ISRC 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 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  Nielsen 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 audiobooks, sermons, and training programs.

You can get an ISRC code from the PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited) or similar  IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry) organization when you sign up as a label. Alternatively, Trac Music will give you  ISRC codes  for free for every track you release through us - because we are nice like that!

Actually, you should never pay for ISRCs. They are always free, which is why  trac gives you them for no extra cost with every release.

Trac assigns ISRC's to your uploads as soon as they are approved and as long as your song is not previously released. You'll be able to view the assigned ISRC's for your releases in your trac account  “ Catalog " page. If you are submitting a previously released music, you have to enter the  ISRC on the designated field in the release process of the track/music that you are trying to submit then just leave it blank if it's a new release. You can refer to the screenshot below for where to find it in the submission process.

An ISRC code follows a standard template, always consisting of 12 characters, and looks like this:

GB-LFP-23-12345

GB is the country (US for the United States / AU for Australia)

LFP is the unique letters assigned to your record label

23 is the year

12345 is a unique number assigned by the label themselves

Most record labels assign them sequentially so their first recording of 2023 would be GB-LFP-23-00001.