Four codes make sure the right people get paid for your music. An ISRC identifies each recording, a UPC identifies each release, an ISWC identifies each song you wrote, and an IPI number identifies you as a songwriter or publisher. The Artist Platform can generate your ISRC and UPC codes for you, free of charge. You get your ISWC and IPI through a collecting society.
What this means
Each code has one job. Here's what each one does:
Code | What it identifies | Who issues it | When you need it |
ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) | One recording or music video. 12 characters, and it stays with that recording for life | National ISRC agencies, under the international system run by IFPI. Your distributor can provide one | Every track you release |
UPC (Universal Product Code, sometimes EAN) | One release: a single, EP or album | Your distributor can provide one | Every release |
ISWC (International Standard Musical Work Code) | One song (the composition: melody and lyrics), however many times it's recorded | Allocated when the song is registered with a collecting society | When you register songs to collect publishing royalties |
IPI (Interested Party Information) | You, as a songwriter, composer or publisher | Allocated through the international IPI system when you join a collecting society | When you register songs with a society |
Example: you write one song, so it has one ISWC. You release the original version and a remix, so there are two recordings with two ISRCs. The original comes out as a single and both versions appear on your EP, so there are two releases with two UPCs. Your IPI number appears on the song's registration as its writer.
When this applies
Every release needs a UPC, and every track needs an ISRC. Stores use them to list your music and report your streams.
ISWC and IPI matter when you register the songs you wrote with a collecting society to collect publishing royalties. Publishing royalties: how to register your songs
Switching distributor: keep your original ISRC and UPC codes (see below).
What you need before you start
For ISRC and UPC: nothing. You can enter your own codes, or The Artist Platform can generate them when you create your release.
For ISWC and IPI: membership of the collecting society in your country. Your society gives you these codes.
Access to your account at app.theartistmusic.com.
Step-by-step
Getting your ISRC and UPC codes:
Enter your own ISRC and UPC codes when you create your release, if you already have them.
No codes yet? Choose No when you're asked whether you have your own, and we'll generate them for you.
Wait for your release to be approved. We create generated codes once it has passed review and is approved for delivery to stores.
Finding your codes:
Log in at app.theartistmusic.com.
Go to Distribution and open the Distribution Center.
Select your release in the Catalog sidebar. You'll see its UPC there.
Open the Tracks tab to see the ISRC for each track.
Copy your codes into your own records, with each song's ISWC once you have it. You'll need them if you ever switch distributor.
Keeping your codes when you switch distributor
Moving a release to The Artist Platform from another distributor? Reuse its original ISRC and UPC codes. That way stores can usually link it to your existing streams, playlists and stats, instead of treating it as new music. Follow Move from another distributor without losing streams for the full order of steps.
What happens next
Your ISRC stays with the recording for life, wherever it's distributed.
Stores and societies use these codes to match plays and streams to the right recording, song and people. It's worth checking them before you submit. Essential music metadata tips
ISWCs and IPI numbers are managed by your collecting society, not by us.
Troubleshooting
Problem | What to do |
I can't see my codes | Generated codes appear once your release is approved for delivery. If it's approved and you still can't see them, send us the release title and we'll check. |
Do I need a new ISRC for a remix, edit or live version? | A different recording usually needs its own ISRC. The same recording on a new release keeps its ISRC. |
I've lost the codes from my old distributor | Check your old distributor's account or catalogue export. |
My song doesn't have an ISWC | Register the song with your collecting society. An ISWC is allocated through that registration. |
Do codes cost anything on The Artist Platform? | No. We generate your UPC and ISRC codes for free. |
I entered the wrong ISRC or UPC | Contact us before your release goes live, with the release title and the correct code. |
Need help?
Contact us through the chat in The Artist Platform, or see How can I contact you? Include your release title and UPC, so we can check straight away. We aim to get back to you within 1 business day.