Identifiers
UPC
A UPC is the unique code that identifies a release (an album, EP, or single) so stores, platforms, and charts can track and report it as a single product.
Where this sits
UPC
- Distribution
- Broadcast
- Publishing
- Performance
The Universal Product Code (UPC), sometimes an EAN outside the US, identifies a release as a whole: an album, EP, or single. It's the barcode-level ID stores, streaming platforms, and the charts use to track and report your release as one product.
Good to know
UPC: common questions
- UPC vs. ISRC: what's the difference?
- A UPC identifies the whole release (album, EP, or single); an ISRC identifies each recording within it. A 10-track album has one UPC and ten ISRCs.
- Do I need to buy my own UPC?
- No. Your distributor assigns one automatically. Notes adds a UPC to every release so it's tracked correctly across stores and charts.