Obtaining Your Songs Unique ISRC: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ever released a song and wondered how to make sure it gets properly identified and tracked across the music industry? Think of it like a unique fingerprint for your track. You might be a new artist, or maybe you’re just curious about the process. This guide explores everything you need to know about how to get a song’s original ISRC, and it will cover the details step by step. You’ll gain a firm grasp of what an ISRC is, why it’s so critical, and the easy steps to get one for your own music, improving your time on the page and reducing bounce rate.
What Is an ISRC and Why Do You Need One?
An ISRC, or International Standard Recording Code, is a unique identifier assigned to each individual sound recording. Think of it as a social security number for your song. It’s a 12-character alphanumeric code that is globally recognized and used to identify and track audio and music video recordings. When your song gets played on the radio, streamed online, or sold digitally, the ISRC allows the relevant organizations to track usage and ensure royalties are paid correctly to you and the other rights holders.
Without an ISRC, it’s difficult for music distribution services, streaming platforms, and royalty collection agencies to accurately identify your song. This can lead to missed royalty payments and make it hard to monitor how often and where your music is being played. By learning how to get a song’s original ISRC, you’re taking a vital step in protecting your musical assets.
The Purpose of ISRC Codes
ISRC codes serve several vital purposes in the music industry. They are the backbone of royalty tracking and are used by various entities to ensure proper compensation for artists and rights holders. The information encoded in an ISRC is essential for these purposes.
- Royalty Tracking: The main reason for ISRCs is to ensure royalties are correctly paid. When your song is played, the ISRC helps identify the recording and trace the usage, ensuring that you receive the royalties due to you.
- Performance Tracking: ISRCs let you monitor where and how your music is being used. This information is valuable for promotion and can give you a clear view of how your music is performing in different regions or on different platforms.
- Copyright Protection: The ISRC acts as a unique identifier for your recording, giving you a strong claim of ownership. It makes it simpler to spot unauthorized use of your work and take action against copyright infringement.
- Sales Data Aggregation: ISRC codes are also used to compile sales data from various digital and physical stores. This information assists in generating reports about your music’s performance, which is valuable for marketing and making informed decisions about your music.
For example, imagine a scenario where a song is used in a commercial. If the song has an ISRC, the broadcaster can easily identify the recording, contact the relevant rights holders, and pay the appropriate licensing fees. Without an ISRC, this process would become much more complex, potentially resulting in unpaid royalties.
ISRC vs. UPC: What’s the Difference?
It’s simple to mix up an ISRC with a UPC (Universal Product Code), but they are different types of identifiers. The ISRC is for the individual sound recording, while the UPC is for the product containing the recording. They work together but are intended for separate functions.
- ISRC (International Standard Recording Code): Unique to each recording of a song. Imagine this is for the actual song file (e.g., the MP3, WAV, or video file).
- UPC (Universal Product Code): Unique to the product the recording is on. This is like the barcode on a physical CD or the product ID for a digital album.
- Analogy: Think of it like this: the ISRC is the song’s fingerprint, and the UPC is the album’s barcode.
- Combined Use: Both codes are important. The ISRC helps track the song itself, and the UPC helps track the entire album or single.
Think of it as having the song’s individual identity, as well as the product it appears on. Both are important in the music industry’s system for tracking and reporting.
Steps to Getting Your Own ISRC
Obtaining your own ISRC is a straightforward process. It is easily achieved, ensuring your music is properly identified. This is a vital action for all music creators. By learning how to get a song’s original ISRC, you will also learn the steps needed for music industry best practices.
The process of getting an ISRC involves a few key steps. It ensures that you properly register and identify your recordings with the appropriate authorities. These steps are a standard part of music production and distribution.
Registering with an ISRC Agency
The first step is to register with a national ISRC agency. These agencies are usually the official bodies authorized to issue ISRCs within a specific country or territory. You will register with an agency based on where your recordings originate. For example, if you’re based in the United States, you would register with the U.S. ISRC Agency. This is a crucial step.
- Finding the Right Agency: Do some investigation to find the official agency in your country. For the USA, it’s often the Library of Congress.
- Registration Process: The registration process varies slightly between agencies. It typically involves completing an application form, providing your contact information, and specifying the company or individual who will be the “Registrant.”
- Company Prefix: The agency provides you with a registrant code. This code is the first part of your ISRC and is unique to your company or individual.
- Annual Fees: There may be fees, so ask the agency.
For example, let’s say a band based in the UK wants to release their first single. They would register with the UK ISRC Agency. After completing the registration, the agency assigns the band a registrant code, which the band will then use when assigning ISRCs to their recordings. This code is unique to that band.
Assigning ISRC Codes to Your Recordings
After receiving your registrant code, you are ready to assign ISRC codes to your recordings. This is an important step. This is a simple process but must be done accurately to make sure your music is recognized by the industry.
- Format of an ISRC: An ISRC consists of 12 characters. The code follows a specific format (e.g., US-
- Country Code (US): The first two characters will always be the country code (e.g., US for the United States, GB for the United Kingdom, CA for Canada).
-
Registrant Code (
- Year of Recording (YY): The following two characters reflect the year the recording was made.
- Designation Code (00001): The last five characters represent a unique designation code assigned by the registrant to each recording. This is a sequential number that you assign (e.g., 00001, 00002, 00003).
- Assigning the Codes: You assign an ISRC to each individual recording, not the album itself. Make sure each recording is identified uniquely.
Consider the band from the previous example. After getting their registrant code from the UK ISRC Agency, they record their first single. It’s released in 2024. They might assign the ISRC code “GB-
Embedding ISRC Codes in Your Audio Files
After assigning the ISRC, it needs to be properly embedded into your audio files. This process is key to making sure that the ISRC travels with your music. This helps to make sure your work is properly identified when distributed digitally. There are multiple methods you can use.
- Use Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs): Most DAWs (like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Pro Tools) have features to add metadata to your audio files, including the ISRC. This keeps your music organized.
- Audio File Format: Make sure you embed the ISRC in a format that’s supported. Common formats like WAV and MP3 support this.
- Using Metadata Editing Software: There are specific metadata editing software tools. They offer more functions, such as batch editing and validation of ISRC.
- Test Your Files: After adding the ISRC, you should test the files to make sure the code is present.
For the band in the example, once the single is recorded, they would use their DAW to input the ISRC “GB-
Distributing Your Music and the ISRC
The final step is to share your music, making sure the ISRC is part of the process. How you distribute your music can have an impact. Sharing your music with your assigned ISRC is critical. This is a step by step process to protect your work.
Once you’ve assigned and embedded your ISRC codes, you’re prepared to distribute your music. Sharing your music requires you to consider a few actions. Here is how it is done, step by step.
Distributing Through Digital Platforms
If you choose to use streaming services, you will be making sure your music is available to the maximum audience. This is one of the most common ways that artists make their music available. This step by step process is how it works.
- Digital Distribution Services: Services such as DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, and others are the common ways for digital distribution.
- Uploading Your Music: When uploading your audio files, make sure the ISRC is correct. The distribution service will have a place for the ISRC code.
- Metadata Accuracy: Double-check that all metadata, including the ISRC, is correct before uploading. Errors can cause problems with tracking.
- Platform Requirements: Make sure to follow the platform’s distribution rules.
Continuing the example, when the band distributes their single through a service, they will enter the ISRC in the relevant field during the upload process. The distributor will then deliver the song to streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, with the ISRC metadata attached. This enables the correct tracking of streams and royalties.
Distributing Through Physical Formats
Although it isn’t as common as digital distribution, physical formats are still important. If you create CDs, vinyl records, or other physical copies of your music, make sure the ISRC is included. Here are some of the steps.
- Physical Production: If you plan to release physical copies (CDs, vinyl), the ISRC should be included in the product’s metadata and, if possible, on the packaging.
- Artwork: Add the ISRC to the packaging (e.g., on the CD label or the vinyl sleeve) so that it is visible. This allows people to see that your song is protected by the ISRC.
- Retail Distribution: When sending your physical products to stores, provide the correct metadata. This ensures sales can be correctly tracked.
If the UK band manufactures CDs of their single, they’ll print the ISRC code on the CD label or the back of the jewel case. This ensures that even if someone buys a physical copy, its usage will still be traceable.
Tracking and Monitoring Your Music
After you release your music, it is important to monitor its performance. Tracking and monitoring helps you understand where your music is being played and how much it is making. There are steps to follow to do this.
- Using Reports: Regularly check the reports provided by your distribution service and royalty collection agencies to monitor plays, streams, and royalty payments.
- Monitoring Tools: Use tools to track your music across different platforms. This will help you identify potential issues.
- Copyright Enforcement: If you find instances of unauthorized use of your music, you can take action. The ISRC makes it easier to enforce your rights.
The UK band will regularly check their distribution reports to track how many streams they are getting. They will monitor their royalty statements to confirm they are receiving proper payments. They’ll also use tools to monitor their music across streaming platforms and social media, looking for unauthorized uses.
Legal and Practical Considerations
There are some legal and practical elements to take into account. Knowledge of these considerations can help protect your work and rights in the music industry. You should know these considerations, step by step.
When you learn how to get a song’s original ISRC, you also need to know the legal and practical things that go with it. Being prepared lets you keep your music secure and maximize your earnings.
Copyright and Ownership
Remember that the ISRC identifies the recording, not the underlying composition (the song itself). You must be sure to protect the song’s copyright and ownership to protect your intellectual property.
- Song Copyright: Make sure you have the copyright of the song. Copyright provides protection to your music, ensuring you’re legally recognized as the author.
- Registering Your Copyright: You can register your copyright with relevant authorities (like the U.S. Copyright Office). This offers additional protection and legal advantages in case of infringement.
- Collaboration Agreements: If you work with others, have a written agreement. This will set clear terms of ownership and royalty splits.
For the band, they must first make sure they own the rights to the song. After creating the song, they would register its copyright to make sure they are legally protected. They should also have an agreement about ownership and income splits if they have co-writers or collaborators.
Royalties and Income Streams
Understanding the different kinds of royalties that you might earn helps you get all of the payments to which you are entitled. Knowing these income streams is key to managing your income.
- Mechanical Royalties: These are paid when your song is reproduced (e.g., streamed, sold digitally). These are calculated based on a per-song rate set by government agencies or collective licensing bodies.
- Performance Royalties: These are paid when your song is performed publicly (e.g., played on the radio, streamed). Performance rights organizations (PROs) like ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC collect and distribute these royalties.
- Synchronization Royalties: These are paid when your song is used in visual media (e.g., movies, television shows, commercials). The rates for sync licenses are negotiable and depend on the usage.
The band understands they will earn mechanical royalties every time their song is streamed. They should join a PRO, like PRS for Music in the UK, to receive performance royalties when their song is played on the radio. They will receive synchronization royalties if their song is used in a TV show or movie.
Legal Support and Resources
The music industry can be complicated. Seeking legal advice can help you avoid problems, especially when you are just starting. Here are some resources and people who can help.
- Music Lawyers: If you have legal questions, getting help from an experienced music lawyer is best. This person can offer support, negotiate agreements, and protect your rights.
- PROs and CMOs: They provide resources. They also distribute royalties. Understanding their resources can help you understand the payment process.
- Industry Associations: Organizations such as the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) offer useful information. They are good resources for industry best practices.
For the band, they may seek legal advice about their publishing agreement. They can join a PRO to receive the royalties they deserve. They would then use the RIAA’s resources to learn the current best practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How much does it cost to get an ISRC?
Answer: The registration fee is generally pretty low, and it is sometimes free. Agencies may charge annual fees, so check the specific fees charged by the agency in your country.
Question: Can I reuse an ISRC?
Answer: No, an ISRC is a unique code. After it is assigned to a recording, the ISRC should never be reused. You need a new one for each recording.
Question: What if I didn’t get an ISRC when I first released my song?
Answer: You can still get an ISRC for new releases. If you’ve released music without one, you might not be able to apply an ISRC retroactively. However, you can assign ISRCs to all future releases and encourage your distributors to include them.
Question: Who assigns ISRC codes?
Answer: ISRC codes are assigned by the rightsholders (the artist, label, or distributor) after registering with a national ISRC agency. These agencies will give you a unique registrant code.
Question: Can I get an ISRC for a cover song?
Answer: Yes, you can. You still need an ISRC for your version of the song, even if it is a cover. But make sure that you have the proper licenses to make a recording.
Final Thoughts
You’ve seen that getting an ISRC for your music is a critical move for any artist serious about protecting their work and getting what they deserve. Learning how to get a song’s original ISRC is an investment of time and helps you in the music industry. You should also consider learning about the key parts of royalty collection and the different kinds of income streams available to musicians. This knowledge can help you make wise choices to grow your music career.
So, take the initiative and sign up for your own ISRC. This way, you will be able to manage your music and earnings correctly. If you’re a musician, make sure your music is properly recognized and compensated. This will help you secure your creative work and help you succeed.
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