What Is an ISRC?
The International Standard Recording Code is a unique identifier for every sound recording and music video in the world.
Look up any ISRC — Search recordings by ISRC code, artist name, or song title using our free database.
Search ISRCsWhat is an ISRC code?
An ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) is a 12-character alphanumeric code that uniquely identifies a sound recording or music video. Think of it as a fingerprint for a recording — no two recordings share the same ISRC, and the code stays with the recording for its entire lifetime, regardless of which platform or format it appears on.
ISRCs are defined by the international standard ISO 3901 and are managed globally by the International ISRC Agency (IFPI). They are the foundation of how royalties are tracked and paid in the modern music industry.
ISRC format and structure
Every ISRC follows a fixed 12-character format:
Country Code — Two-letter code for the country where the code was assigned (ISO 3166-1 alpha-2)
Registrant Code — Three-character code identifying the organization that registered the ISRC (e.g., the record label or distributor)
Year of Reference — Two-digit year the ISRC was assigned
Designation Code — Five-digit serial number assigned by the registrant
Why are ISRCs important?
ISRCs serve several critical functions in the music industry:
- Royalty tracking — Streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube use ISRCs to track plays and calculate royalties for artists, songwriters, and rights holders.
- Rights management — Performance rights organizations (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC) and mechanical rights organizations (the MLC) use ISRCs to match recordings to their underlying musical works and distribute royalties.
- Anti-piracy — ISRCs help identify and track unauthorized copies of recordings across digital platforms.
- Chart reporting — Billboard, Official Charts, and other chart organizations use ISRCs to aggregate streams and sales data across platforms.
- Metadata accuracy — ISRCs ensure that the correct recording is identified even when song titles or artist names are similar or identical.
How to get an ISRC
There are three main ways to get an ISRC for your recording:
- Through your distributor — Most digital distributors (DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, AWAL, etc.) automatically assign ISRCs when you upload your music. This is the easiest option for independent artists.
- Through your record label — If you are signed to a label, they will assign ISRCs for your recordings as part of the release process.
- Directly from the RIAA — In the United States, you can register as a First Allocator with the RIAA to assign your own ISRCs. This is free and gives you a unique registrant code.
ISRC vs. ISWC vs. IPI
| Code | Identifies | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ISRC | A specific recording | USRC12400001 |
| ISWC | A musical composition (the song itself) | T-012345678-9 |
| IPI | A songwriter or publisher | 123456789 |
One song can have multiple ISRCs (original, remix, live version) but typically has one ISWC for the underlying composition.
Frequently asked questions
What does ISRC stand for?
ISRC stands for International Standard Recording Code. It is a unique 12-character alphanumeric identifier assigned to individual sound recordings and music video recordings.
How do I find the ISRC for a song?
You can look up an ISRC using the free search tool at isrc.fm or credits.fm. You can search by ISRC code, song title, or artist name. ISRCs are also displayed in most digital distribution platforms and music metadata databases.
Who assigns ISRC codes?
ISRC codes are assigned by National ISRC Agencies, record labels, and digital distributors. In the United States, the RIAA serves as the National ISRC Agency. Many distributors like DistroKid, TuneCore, and CD Baby automatically assign ISRCs when you upload music.
Does each version of a song need its own ISRC?
Yes. Every unique recording needs its own ISRC. A remix, live version, remaster, or radio edit of the same song each requires a separate ISRC because they are distinct recordings.
Is an ISRC the same as a UPC?
No. An ISRC identifies a single recording (one song), while a UPC (Universal Product Code) identifies a product release (an album, EP, or single). One album UPC can contain multiple ISRCs — one per track.
Are ISRCs free?
In the United States, you can obtain ISRC codes for free through the RIAA by registering as a First Allocator. Many digital distributors also assign ISRCs at no additional cost when you distribute your music.
Related guides: What Is an ISWC? · What Is an IPI?