What is an ISRC code number?
An ISRC stands for The International Standard Recording Code (ISRC). This code is used for uniquely identifying sound recordings and music video recordings. An ISRC identifies a particular recording, not the work (composition and lyrical content) itself on Spotify.
So if you have the same song available on Spotify with the exact same track, but one of them is marked as US-EAC it means that this version may differ from another version that has a different ISRC code.
If an album is released in several countries at different times, each country's release will have its own ISRC code.To begin with, I think that it is important to define this because the word "code" sounds a bit misleading and technical to me. It has been said by many people that you can't buy an ISRC code, but instead of buying a code, one should simply register a title and a track on the ISRC database.
Read more: How many monthly listeners do you need on spotify to make money?
How To Find ISRC code on Spotify?
- Go to Spotify and click the three little dots beside each song
- Click share > then, copy song link
- Head over to www.isrcfinder.com
- Copy and paste song link into box
- Click Find ISRC
- There you have it - song ISRC code! :)
There are several websites where you can find your ISRC code, but the easiest way to find them is by using http://isrcfinder.com.
This website will also help you do other stuff like copy the tracking link (right-click on the song), download album artwork and lyrics.It is very important that all songs have unique ISRC codes because of copyright issues. If you are not registered in the ISRC database, then it may put your copyright at risk.
According to Spotify - "If you don't provide us with an ISRC for new releases on Spotify, we will create one based on the title". So make sure that all of your tracks have unique ISRC codes.
Where is an ISRC code used?
ISRC codes are necessary to sell your individual tracks via Spotify and other online music distributors. They are also required for any songs that you plan to offer for streaming on Spotify and other streaming services.
If you are submitting an audio file for a streaming license, then ISRC code is your unique identification (ID). In the same way, when it comes to copyright, an ISRC code assists in clear rights management. It helps one in identifying exactly who owns the track and what his/her percentage ownership in the track is.
However, you don't have to be a part of the ISRC database in order to distribute your music via Spotify. For example, you can sell your songs on iTunes without being registered into ISRC. But as I've said before, if you want to stream those songs through Independent Spotify playlists and other streaming services, then an ISRC code is a must.
In order to sell your songs on iTunes or as a CD, one does not need to have an ISRC code as each physical track is given its own unique UPC (Universal Product Code). However, it is easier for those music services that use an online database to keep track of their artists and the tracks they provide for streaming.
How To Upload Your Music To Spotify
DistroKid is a service for musicians that put their music into online stores & streaming services. Then when people listen to your music, they send you money. Distrokid distributes all your music worldwide to over 100 online stores & streaming services. You can upload 10 songs or 500 songs; it's an unlimited service with no fees per song (unlike other distributors).
To get started with Distrokid, Click here to sign up for an account and get 7% off your DistroKid Membership. Once you have created your account, then follow these steps:
- Click the "Add Your Music" blue button on the left.
- Select "Upload".
- Choose your music file from your computer and click Open.
- Click Upload Now (or Add Tracks if you want to upload more than one song at once).
- You'll see all of your songs appear as individual tracks. Click the orange button on the right, "Distribute".
- Select whether you want to distribute with an email address or Facebook account.
- Check all of your songs.
- Click submit and wait for a confirmation email from Distrokid! That's it! You've distributed your music to all of the most popular platforms.
