09/04/2025
🎶 Demystifying ISRC & UPC Codes: Why Every Artist Should Care
In the world of music distribution, two small codes carry massive importance: ISRC & UPC. Yet, many artists don’t fully understand their role in royalties, tracking, and career growth. Let’s break it down:
🔹 What is an ISRC?
The International Standard Recording Code is a unique digital fingerprint for your recording. Each track you release gets its own ISRC, ensuring it’s properly tracked across streaming platforms, downloads, and even radio play. This is how royalties find their way back to you.
🔹 Why ISRCs Matter
Identifies your song globally, no matter where it plays.
Tracks performance and revenue accurately.
Protects your ownership and ensures proper credit.
🔹 What is a UPC?
The Universal Product Code is assigned to your release as a whole (single, EP, or album). Think of it as the “barcode” that identifies your project in stores and on streaming platforms. Without it, your release cannot be properly distributed.
🔹 Why UPCs Matter
Groups your tracks into a release.
Enables distribution platforms to recognize your project.
Essential for sales tracking, reporting, and chart eligibility.
👉 Together, ISRCs and UPCs are the backbone of professional music distribution. Without them, your music risks being lost in the noise, untracked, and unpaid.
If you’re serious about a career in music, mastering these fundamentals is just as important as recording your next hit.
