Every release on the platforms carries two codes: a UPC for the release and an ISRC for each recording. Streams, royalties and charts are counted against them, and they are how platforms know a remix is a different recording. Your distributor issues both for free — here is what to do with them and what not to do.
Two codes, two levels
| UPC (EAN) | ISRC | |
|---|---|---|
| Identifies | the whole release: single, EP, album | one recording: a specific track in a specific version |
| How many per release | one | one per track |
| Who issues it | distributor or label | distributor, label or the national ISRC agency |
| Used for | release-level sales and streams, chart eligibility | stream counting and royalties per recording |
Where to get the codes
Nowhere, in 99% of cases: your distributor assigns a UPC and ISRCs automatically at submission, free of charge. Buying codes separately only makes sense for a label that wants its own ISRC prefix and unified reporting across distributors. If you already have codes from a previous release — say you are moving to another distributor — enter them at upload so the stream history stays in one place. Our distribution issues codes at no extra cost.
When a new ISRC is required
- Remix, radio edit, live version, acoustic version — every version gets its own ISRC.
- Platform rule: a version that differs by more than 10 seconds of playing time or in the audio itself is a new recording.
- The same master in a new release (single, then album) keeps its ISRC so streams accumulate.
- A new master of the same mix usually keeps the ISRC; a new mix does not.
What breaks without the right codes
Without a UPC a release cannot chart: Billboard, the Official Charts and national charts aggregate sales and streams by it. Duplicate ISRCs for the same recording split the stats and the royalties: half the streams go to "another" track, and algorithms see two weak releases instead of one strong one. Someone else’s ISRC on your track is a direct route to a rights claim and a takedown.
How the payouts counted against these codes work is in how much streaming platforms pay per 1,000 streams.
Codes and performing rights
An ISRC identifies a recording, not the composition. To collect performance royalties, songwriters register the work with a PRO — ASCAP, BMI, PRS, SOCAN and others — and get a separate ISWC. They are different systems: one song can have a single ISWC and dozens of ISRCs, one per recording and version.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to buy an ISRC before releasing?
No. Your distributor issues the codes for free. Buying your own prefix only makes sense for a label with a large catalog.
Where can I see my track’s ISRC?
In your distributor dashboard on the release page, in Spotify (track menu → Show credits) and in the file metadata if it was exported with the code.
Can I move a track to another distributor with the same ISRC?
Yes, and you should: enter the previous ISRC and UPC at upload so platforms merge the stats instead of creating a duplicate.
What is an EAN and how does it differ from a UPC?
The same kind of release code: a UPC has 12 digits, an EAN 13. Platforms accept both; distributors more often issue EANs.
Ready to release your track?
Single — $45, album — $135. We work with Zvonko Digital and deliver the release to Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, TikTok and 150+ platforms. Sent in 1–2 days after all materials are provided.