Often we advise our clients to obtain an ISRC Code, but what exactly is a ISRC code, where can I get one and how do I apply to the tracks on the cd......

WHAT IS AN ISRC CODE?

The 'International Standard Recording Code'  (or ISRC code) is a unique identification system for sound recordings and music video recordings. Each ISRC code identifies a specific unique recording and can be permanently encoded into a product as a kind of digital fingerprint. It can then used for sales tracking by the music download and streaming platforms. So whether your music is being played in Skegness or Sweden, it will be instantly recognised, all thanks to your ISRC code.

Is an ISRC code the same as a barcode?

No. ISRCs are for individual tracks/recordings. Barcodes are for the complete product (album/ep/single) that the tracks come together to make.

What does an ISRC code look like?

An ISRC Code follows a standard template and looks like this:

IE-LFP-19-12345 

Let’s break that down:

IE is the country (US for United States / IE for Ireland / AU for Australia)

LFP is the unique letters assigned to your record label (at Ditto Music our code is LFP)

19 is the year

12345 is a unique number assigned by the label themselves. Most record labels assign them sequentially so their first recording of 2016 would be IE-LFP-19-12345 

HOW DO I GET AN ISRC CODE?

You can get an ISRC code from the PPI Ireland or similar MCPS / IMRO organisation 

And you should never pay for ISRCs. They are always free.

WHY DO I NEED AN ISRC CODE?

Thinking of skipping the ISRC code? Think again! Digital stores will NOT put any track on sale without an ISRC code – they need it for sales tracking.

Also remember, each individual track needs to have a different ISRC code. It’s the recording not the track that it’s attached to. Same applies to releasing music physically. So if you want to release a single online with a couple of remixes, a live version and a b-side, each track will need its own code.

WE WILL APPLY YOUR ISRC CODE FREE OF CHARGE TO ALL OF YOUR TRACKS - JUST ASK !!!