ISRC
An ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) is a unique 12-character identifier for a specific sound or music video recording. Managed by IFPI, it follows the format CC-XXX-YY-NNNNN: prefix code, registrant code, year of reference, and a five-digit designation. Streaming services and collecting societies use the ISRC to track plays and pay royalties for that exact recording.
How an ISRC code is structured
An ISRC is always 12 characters in four blocks: CC-XXX-YY-NNNNN. The first two letters are a prefix (historically the country code of the registrant; newer allocations like QZ are not tied to a country), and the next three characters identify the registrant itself, typically the label or distributor that assigned the code. Two digits mark the year of reference, and the final five digits are a designation number assigned sequentially. Hyphens exist only for readability; systems store the code as a single 12-character string. An ISRC is permanent: once a recording carries it, it keeps it across every release, store, and compilation. A new version (remaster, radio edit, remix, live take) counts as a new recording and receives its own ISRC.
How to get an ISRC at no cost
Distribute through bbn.music and every track receives a valid ISRC automatically — no registration, no fee. If a recording was released before and already carries an ISRC, enter the existing code during upload so streaming history and royalty matching stay attached to the same recording. Labels that prefer their own code range can register as an ISRC registrant with the national agency in their country and supply their own codes; bbn.music accepts those too. Once each track has its ISRC, the release travels through our delivery network to 35+ stores in 195 countries, and every stream comes back matched to the right recording.
ISRC vs. ISWC vs. UPC
An ISRC identifies a recording, an ISWC identifies the underlying musical work, and a UPC or EAN identifies the release as a product. One song can carry all three at once: the composition has one ISWC, every recorded version has its own ISRC, and every single, EP, or album that contains it has its own UPC. Royalty accounting depends on this separation. Master royalties from streams are matched by ISRC, publishing royalties for songwriters are matched by ISWC via collecting societies, and sales reports are grouped by UPC. For labels, keeping these identifiers consistent across the catalogue is the foundation for accurate statements and clean splits.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to buy ISRC codes?
No. bbn.music assigns a valid ISRC to every track automatically and at no cost when you upload a release. You only enter a code yourself when the recording was released before and already has one.
Does a remix or remaster need a new ISRC?
Yes. Every distinct version of a recording (remix, remaster, edit, or live take) is a new recording and receives its own ISRC. The original recording keeps its existing code permanently.
Can the same ISRC appear on two releases?
Yes, as long as it is the identical recording. A track keeps its ISRC when it appears on a single, an album, and a compilation. Two different recordings never share a code.