What is an ISRC Code? Learn with DistroKid

In the music industry, tracking and managing your music effectively is essential for success. One crucial aspect of this management is the use of ISRC codes. If you're distributing your music through platforms like DistroKid, understanding ISRC codes can significantly impact your music career. Let's dive into what ISRC codes are, how DistroKid handles them, and explore an alternative platform, SoundOn, for your music distribution needs.

What is an ISRC Code?

An International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) is a unique identifier for music recordings. It's a 12-character code that serves as a digital fingerprint for each track, making it easier to track and manage your music across various platforms. The ISRC code is crucial for royalty collection, monitoring airplay, and ensuring that your tracks are correctly identified and credited wherever they are played.

Structure of an ISRC Code

The ISRC code is composed of four parts:

• Country Code: The first two letters represent the country where the recording is registered.
• Registrant Code: The next three characters identify the entity that registered the recording (often the artist or label).
• Year of Reference: The next two digits indicate the year the ISRC was assigned.
• Designation Code: The final five digits are unique for each recording.

How DistroKid Handles ISRC Codes

DistroKid is a music distribution platform that helps artists get their music on various digital streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and more. When you distribute your music through DistroKid, they automatically generate and assign ISRC codes to your tracks. This process ensures that your music is properly tracked and managed across all platforms.

Here’s a step-by-step overview of how DistroKid handles ISRC codes:

1. Upload Your Music: When you upload your music to DistroKid, the platform requires you to input all necessary details about your track (e.g., title, artist name, release date).
2. ISRC Code Assignment: Upon submission, DistroKid automatically generates and assigns an ISRC code to each track. This code remains with the track for its entire life and is used to track plays, streams, and royalties.
3. Distribution: Once your music is ready, DistroKid distributes your tracks to various digital streaming platforms. Each platform receives the ISRC code along with your music data, ensuring consistent tracking and identification.

The Role of ISRC Codes in Music Distribution

ISRC codes play a vital role in the music distribution process. They help in the following areas:

• Royalty Collection: ISRC codes are essential for tracking your music’s plays and streams, ensuring you receive accurate royalties from platforms and performance rights organizations.
• Airplay Monitoring: Radio stations, TV networks, and online services use ISRC codes to track airplay, making it easier to report and collect earnings.
• Music Management: Having a unique identifier for each track helps simplify catalog management and prevent unauthorized use or duplication.

Exploring Alternatives: SoundOn for Music Distribution

While DistroKid is a popular choice for music distribution, there are other options available, such as SoundOn. SoundOn is an all-in-one platform for marketing and distribution that helps artists build their careers and find new fans through TikTok, exclusive partners (CapCut), and other digital streaming platforms through their global distribution service.

Here are some benefits of using SoundOn for your music distribution needs:

• Comprehensive Marketing: SoundOn offers robust marketing tools that help artists promote their music effectively to reach a larger audience.
• TikTok Integration: By partnering with TikTok and CapCut, SoundOn provides unique opportunities for artists to gain visibility through popular social media channels.
• Global Distribution: SoundOn’s global distribution service ensures that your music reaches various digital streaming platforms and gets the exposure it deserves.

In conclusion, understanding and utilizing ISRC codes is crucial for any artist looking to make an impact in the music industry. Platforms like DistroKid make the process easy by automatically generating these codes, but exploring alternatives like SoundOn can offer additional benefits and opportunities for growth. Start your journey with SoundOn today and take your music career to the next level.