VYRALUNIVERSITY

ISRC Codes: An
Overview

WHAT IS AN ISRC CODE?
We will define what an
ISRC code is an
breakdown the
different parts of the
code.
HOW ARE THEY USED? HOW DO I OBTAIN ONE?
We will explain how We will walk you
ISRC codes are through the
utilized in the united registration process
states by retailers in required order to
and companies. get your own ISRC
codes for your
products.

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 Vyral University: isrc codes: An Overview

VYRAL MUSIC
ISRC Codes: An
Overview

ISRC CODES ARE USED BY DIGITAL RETAILERS...

Digital Retailers use ISRC codes as identifiers for tracks on sound recordings. These codes allow them to access
information about each track on a release, acting as a digital fingerprint for that song.

ISRC stands for International Standard Recording Code

(for some reason many people refer to these as “ISRC
codes” despite the redundancy). These codes are imbedded
on each individual track of a release. Digital Retailers and
digital music companies use these codes to access Here is an example of an ISRC
code as issued by the RIAA
information associated with each track. The ISRC code is (Recording Industry Association
much like a UPC barcode in that it is a 12 digit code, and it of America). The IFPI
(International Federation of the
is broken into four parts. You can use these codes to track Phonographic Industry) has been
information regarding royalty collection and sales. One of the designated as the authority over
most interesting things about an ISRC code is that it is not the registration and obtainment
of ISRC Codes worldwide, and has
changed with the exchange of ownership. The ISRC code delegated that responsibility in
will stay with the track through it’s existence in the digital the US to the RIAA.
realm.

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ISRC ANATOMY

Just like UPC Barcodes, ISRC codes are broken down into four main parts. These parts help to
identify each individual track. Let’s take a look at the different sections of an ISRC code.

COuntry CODE:
The first two “characters” are actually letters. As you can probably tell, these two letters identify
the country where the SRCO (sound recording copyright owner) resides. Each country has a
specific two-letter code assigned to them. (obviously the code for the United States is “US”).

Registrant CODE:
The next three “characters” are the registrant code. This is a unique identifier issued to each
registrant. When you register with the US-ISRC, they will provide you with your own unique
registrant code, which will be used of ALL tracks you own.

Year of Reference Code:

The “year of reference” section of the ISRC code is a two digit code that references the year
that the ISRC was applied to the recording.

TRACK Identifier Code:

The last 5 digits of the ISRC code are the track code. This code is generated by the registrant
and is a unique number to identify each track in the registrant’s catalog. This code cannot be re-
used after it is assigned to a track until one year has passed.

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HOW TO OBTAIN A Registrant Code:
There is only one way to obtain a registrant code in the US, and that is through an online
registration process with the US-ISRC. Let’s walk through the steps of the registration process. You
can start by navigating to www.usisrc.org. Registration requires a one time fee of $75.00.

Getting Started:
Locate the box on the US-ISRC.org homepage
that says, “Obtain a Registrant Code” and click
on the read more link.

SHort Questionnaire:
There will be a series of 4 yes or no questions for you to answer to determine your eligibility.

Are you the SRCO?

If you don’t have a
record label then
you most likely

Are you based in

the United States.

Do you have more

than 10K titles.
I’m guessing this
is a no.

If you are reading

this article, then
you probably don’t
have one already.

when you are

finished, click
next to continue.

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HOW TO OBTAIN A Registrant Code:

Registration Form
The next step is a two part registration form. This form is very simple and shouldn’t take more than
a few minutes.

Part 1 of 2:

This is your name.

If you do not have a label or a

distributor, leave these blank

The rest of this information is

dealing with the person who
should be contacted regarding
this registration and their
contact info should be
completed here. This is most
likely your personal
information.

Make sure to enter the code

displayed to the right here.

when you are

finished, click
next to continue.

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HOW TO OBTAIN A Registrant Code:

Part 2 of 2:

This is your name.

This is the email where the

registration info will be sent.

If You are the account manager

as well, clicking this button
will automatically fill in the
rest of the form with the
information entered in the
previous step.

when you are

finished, click
next to continue.

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HOW TO OBTAIN A Registrant Code:

Registration Payment:
The last step is to pay the $75.00 Dollar Registration Fee. You can choose to use the information
you provided in the previous steps or you can choose to enter your own billing information.

Billing Details:
Depending on which option you choose, this form will pop-up with pre-filled with that information
(or blank of you choose “ I Will Enter Billing Info”.

when you are finished, click

Pay By Credit Card to continue.

Credit Card Details:

The final step is to enter your credit card information. Make sure that the credit card you enter is
associated with the billing details you provided in the previous step.

when you are

finished, click
submit to process
your payment.

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HOW TO CONSTRUCT AN ISRC CODE...

WHO USES
There are 4 main parts to an ISRC code as discussed earlier. It
is very simple to make ISRC codes for your recordings. The first 2

THESE CODES
sections will be the same for each code. The third section is
simply the last two numbers of the year (so codes made this year
would be “10”)
Maybe the only confusing part is the last section of the code
which is the Track Designation code. The US-ISRC recommends
that you start with 00001 and work your way up.

note: if you are registering video and audio, the US-ISRC

recommends that you designate audio recordings with a 9 as the
first digit in the code. ex: 90001

For Example: Sound Exchange:

Sound Exchange uses these
codes for tracking and
ALBUM 1: reporting performance
track 1 US - _ _ _ - 10 - 00001 royalties.

track 2 US - _ _ _ - 10 - 00002
ALBUM 2:
track 1 US - _ _ _ - 10 - 00003
track 2 US - _ _ _ - 10 - 00004

you get the idea right?.....

These codes do not need to be registered with anyone, but

you should keep a spreadsheet record of all codes you assign,
and make sure to keep these codes unique to each track,
meaning that you should not re-use any codes. Digital Retailers:
Most digital retailers use
these codes not only to
SO WHEN DO I USE THESE CODES: track and report sales,
but also to provide track
There are many different ways to use them, but two of the information such as track
major uses are digital distribution and registration with Sound length, track title,
artist and album name, and
Exchange. When you are filling out your digital distribution more.

information, there will be a place to put the ISRC code for each
track. The same goes for Sound Exchange. When you are
registering your works, you will be asked to enter the ISRC code
associated with each work you register.

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FACTS ABOUT ISRC CODES...
There is no database for these codes...
That’s right, there is no agency or organization
that keeps a database of these codes. They are
user-created and user-maintained. You do not
have to register your codes with anyone except
yourself. This has caused many people to The RIAA
question the use and administration of this governs ISRC
registration in
system in general. Many people are calling for the US.
a more uniform system with better record
keeping practices and guidelines.

Benefits of ISRC Codes...

There are many benefits to having these codes
embedded on your recordings. Most media players can read these
codes. They give you a unique way to catalog your recordings. And maybe best of all, they allow you
to provide an accurate way for Sound Exchange and digital retailers to track your recordings. There
are many confusions about the actual use and benefit of this system, but until a better system is
devised and implemented, it is a good idea to obtain and implement these codes with all of your
recordings.

Difference between UPC Barcodes and ISRC’s.

UPC Codes are used to track physical inventory. ISRC’’s are used to track digital inventory. They
do however share one similarity. Both of them can access information about the product/recording
and provide an easy way for retailers to catalog and report their inventory.

OTHER ARTICLES NEED MORE INFO

• Preparing Your Release
• Digital Distribution 101
• Tunecore: An Overview
• ISRC Codes
• Neilson Soundscan: An
Overview
Obtain a UPC Barcode for more detailed information on
music publishing i recommend
Obtain ISRC’s
checking out our bookstore for
some great guides to UPC Codes
and Distribution!
Click Here

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