What is ISRC Code?

The ISRC is a unique international identifier for sound and/or music video recordings. An ISRC is required to sell music through a digital retailer – iTunes, Napster, eMusic, and the like.

The code is encoded at the mastering stage of the recording. In the case of music videos, the ISRC appears in the time clock for all analog formats and on the label outside of the box. The code is also included in the metadata when a song or video is delivered to a digital retailer.

This serves as a “fingerprint” for the song and plays a crucial role in tracking song sales and royalty collection.

Membership is free, and a log of outgoing codes must be kept in case of request from the RIAA. Membership form:

http://www.riaa.com/whatwedo.php?content_selector=whatwedo_is_r_c_codes

Digital distributors including CD Baby and Independent Online Distribution Alliance (IODA) do provide ISRC codes to their clients at no additional charge.

Click here to know about other online music tips such as UPC barcode, gracenote.