What Is an ISNI?
The International Standard Name Identifier uniquely identifies contributors to creative works across music, books, film, television, and more.
Look up any ISNI — Search creative contributors by ISNI code or name using our free database.
Search ISNIsWhat is an ISNI?
An ISNI (International Standard Name Identifier) is a unique 16-digit code assigned to public identities of contributors to creative works. Unlike identifiers that are specific to one industry (such as IPI for music rights), ISNI spans all creative industries — music, publishing, film, television, and academic research.
The ISNI system is defined by ISO 27729 and managed by the ISNI International Agency. With over 16.5 million identities in the global registry, ISNI is one of the largest authority files for creative contributors in the world.
ISNI format and structure
ISNIs are 16 characters long. The first 15 characters are always digits, and the 16th is a check character that can be a digit or the letter X. They are displayed in four groups of four:
Standard ISNI format — 4 groups of 4 digits
ISNI vs. IPI — what's the difference?
ISNI
- 16.5M+ identities
- Cross-industry (music, books, film, TV)
- ISO 27729 standard
- Public API at isni.org
- Managed by ISNI International Agency
IPI
- ~600K identities in music
- Music-specific (songwriters, publishers)
- CISAC/SUISA standard
- No public lookup API
- Managed by SUISA on behalf of CISAC
Many music creators have both an ISNI and an IPI. When Credits.fm detects both on the same person, they are automatically cross-referenced.
Why are ISNIs important?
- Cross-industry disambiguation — ISNIs resolve name ambiguity across creative industries. "John Smith" the songwriter and "John Smith" the author each get a unique ISNI.
- Linked data integration — ISNIs connect to other identifier systems (IPI, ORCID, VIAF, Wikidata), creating a web of linked identities.
- Rights management — Copyright collective management organizations use ISNIs alongside IPIs to ensure accurate royalty distribution.
- Discovery and attribution — Libraries, publishers, and music services use ISNIs to correctly attribute works to their creators.
How to get an ISNI
ISNIs are assigned by authorized registration agencies:
- National libraries — Many national libraries (British Library, Bibliothèque nationale de France, Library of Congress) are ISNI registration agencies and can assign ISNIs.
- ORCID — Researchers and academics can get an ISNI through ORCID, which is an ISNI registration agency.
- Music organizations — Some collecting societies and music industry bodies can request ISNIs for their members.
- Check existing records — Search isni.fm or isni.org — you may already have an ISNI.
Frequently asked questions
What does ISNI stand for?
ISNI stands for International Standard Name Identifier. It is a unique 16-digit code defined by ISO 27729, managed by the ISNI International Agency, used to identify public identities of contributors to creative works across all industries — music, books, film, television, and academic research.
How is ISNI different from IPI?
An IPI (Interested Parties Information) code identifies music rights holders specifically — songwriters and publishers — within the CISAC music rights ecosystem. An ISNI is broader: it identifies any contributor to creative works across all industries. Many music creators have both an ISNI and an IPI. When Credits.fm detects both on the same person, they are cross-referenced.
How do I find an ISNI?
You can search for ISNIs on isni.org, isni.fm, or Credits.fm. ISNIs are assigned by ISNI registration agencies, which include national libraries, ORCID (for researchers), and other organizations authorized by the ISNI International Agency.
Can someone have both an IPI and an ISNI?
Yes. Many music creators have both identifiers. The IPI is used within the music rights management system (PROs, CISAC), while the ISNI provides a cross-industry identifier. Credits.fm automatically cross-references both when they belong to the same person.
What is the ISNI format?
An ISNI is 16 characters long. The first 15 are always digits, and the last character can be a digit or the letter X (a check character). ISNIs are usually displayed in four groups of four: 0000 0001 2345 6789.
Who manages ISNI?
The ISNI International Agency manages the system under ISO 27729. The ISNI database contains over 16.5 million identities and is publicly accessible. Registration agencies include national libraries, ORCID, and other authorized bodies.
Related guides: What Is an ISRC? · What Is an ISWC? · What Is an IPI?