Applying for ISRC: Do You Really Need To?
As an independent artist, you face many decisions. One of them concerns the ISRC – the International Standard Recording Code. Do you need this code? If so, how do you get it? We'll explain what an ISRC is and why it's indispensable for your music.
What is an ISRC and what is it used for?
The ISRC is a unique, international identifier for individual sound and music video recordings. Think of it as your track's fingerprint. Each song and music video has its own ISRC, which is globally unique. This code allows your specific recording to be identified – regardless of the platform or format it's heard on.
An ISRC consists of 12 alphanumeric characters and is assigned by the rights holder of the recording. It is permanently linked to the recording and remains unchanged even with further use or licensing. The ISRC is not the same as the UPC (Universal Product Code) for your entire release or the ISBN for books. It is specific to each individual recording.
Why is the ISRC so important for your music?
Without an ISRC, your music cannot be effectively tracked and accounted for. When your songs are streamed on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube Music, the ISRC is the primary tool to attribute these uses to you as the rights holder. It ensures that you receive royalties for every stream and download attributed to your specific recording.
The ISRC is also crucial for licensing and copyright. It serves as proof of the existence and ownership of your recording and helps combat piracy. In short: the ISRC is the basis for monetizing and protecting your music rights in the digital world.
Applying for ISRC: Do I have to do it myself?
Traditionally, artists or labels had to contact an ISRC registration agent to apply for ISRCs. This often involved bureaucracy and additional costs. For independent artists, this can be a hurdle that slows down and complicates the release process. The good news is: you don't have to go through this process manually.
When you release your music through a digital distributor like OGRECORDS™, this task is taken off your hands. You don't have to worry about manual application or delve into the details of ISRC assignment.
OGRECORDS™: Your ISRC is assigned automatically
At OGRECORDS™, we make your life easy. When you upload a track or release to us, we automatically take care of assigning the necessary identifiers. This means: you don't have to apply for an ISRC. We automatically generate a unique ISRC for each of your tracks. The same applies to the UPC of your entire release. These services are included in our distribution.
Our system ensures that your music is correctly identified from the start, guaranteeing smooth tracking and payout of your royalties. You can focus on your music, we'll take care of the technical details. Learn more about our distribution at /distribution.
Further advantages with OGRECORDS™
In addition to automatic ISRC assignment, OGRECORDS™ offers you a comprehensive solution for distributing your music. With just one upload, you reach 38+ DSPs in over 240 territories. 100% of your masters remain yours, with no lock-in. We operate on a fair 10% revenue-share model, with no subscription or per-release fees. You only pay if you earn. Your payouts are usually processed within 24 hours, manually via bank transfer. Discover all the details at /pricing.
Additionally, you benefit from features like free royalty splits for unlimited recipients, daily analytics, pre-save options, and smart links. For further marketing options, we offer add-ons such as playlist pitching (/playlist-pitching) and sync licensing. Check out our free iOS and Android app to keep track of everything.
Focus on your music – we'll handle the identifiers and distribution.