How to Get ISRC and UPC Codes for Your Music

What Is an ISRC Code?

An ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) is a unique 12-character identifier assigned to each individual sound recording. Think of it as a Social Security number for your song's recording.

Key facts about ISRC codes:

• Each recording gets ONE ISRC — it stays with that recording forever
• Different mixes/remasters get different ISRCs
• ISRCs track royalties across all platforms — streams, sales, radio play
• Without an ISRC, platforms can't track your royalties accurately

What Is a UPC Code?

A UPC (Universal Product Code) is a 12-digit barcode assigned to a release — a single, EP, or album. It's the same type of barcode used on any physical product in a store.

• One UPC per release (the album/single as a whole)
• Individual tracks within a release use ISRCs, the release itself uses a UPC
• Required by all digital stores and physical retailers

How to Get ISRC and UPC Codes

Option 1: Through Your Distributor (Recommended)

Most distributors — including OneSync — automatically generate and assign ISRC and UPC codes when you upload your release. This is free and by far the easiest option.

• OneSync: Free ISRC + UPC assignment, automatic
• DistroKid: Free ISRC + UPC assignment
• TuneCore: Free ISRC + UPC assignment
• CD Baby: Free ISRC + UPC assignment

Option 2: Purchase Directly

If you need codes without a distributor (e.g., for physical manufacturing):

• ISRC codes: Register with your country's ISRC agency (USISRC in the US — free registration, then self-assign)
• UPC codes: Purchase from GS1 (official UPC issuer) — single codes from ~$30, or annual membership from ~$250

Transferring Codes When Switching Distributors

How to Transfer Your ISRCs

1. Export your catalog data from your current distributor — download all ISRC codes for every track
2. Keep your old releases live until the new ones are up (prevents gaps in availability)
3. Enter existing ISRCs when uploading to OneSync — there's a field for "existing ISRC" during upload
4. Take down the old versions only after confirming the new ones are live on all platforms

UPC Transfer

UPC codes may or may not transfer depending on the distributor. Some distributors generate UPCs they "own," meaning you can't take them. OneSync assigns UPCs that stay with your release — if you ever leave, they're yours.

Common Mistakes with ISRC/UPC Codes

• Reusing an ISRC for a different recording: Each unique recording needs its own ISRC. A remix, remaster, or even a different mix gets a new code.
• Getting new ISRCs when switching distributors: This creates duplicates. Always transfer your existing codes.
• Using the same ISRC for a track on two different distributors: This will cause one version to be rejected or taken down. Only one distributor should deliver each ISRC at a time.
• Not keeping records: Maintain a spreadsheet of all your ISRCs and UPCs. You'll need them if you switch distributors or need to resolve store issues.