Identifiers
ISRC
An ISRC is the unique 12-character code that identifies one specific sound recording (the master) so its streams, sales, and plays can be tracked and paid to the right owners.
Where this sits
ISRC
- Distribution
- Broadcast
- Publishing
- Performance
The International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) is the fingerprint of a recording. Every individual master (a studio cut, a live take, a remix) gets its own ISRC, and platforms and collectors use it to track that recording's streams, sales, and broadcasts and route the recording royalties to whoever owns it.
Good to know
ISRC: common questions
- ISRC vs. ISWC: what's the difference?
- An ISRC identifies a recording (the master); an ISWC identifies the composition (the song). A cover has a new ISRC but the same ISWC as the original.
- Do I need to buy ISRCs?
- No. Your distributor assigns them. Notes adds an ISRC to every recording it distributes for free, so you don't need your own registrant code.
- Can an ISRC change?
- It shouldn't. An ISRC stays with the recording for life, even if you switch distributors. Re-issuing a new ISRC for the same master splits its play history and can strand royalties.
- Does a remix or remaster get a new ISRC?
- Yes. A remix, remaster, live version, or edit is a distinct recording and gets its own ISRC, while the underlying composition keeps the same ISWC.