What is an ISRC Code and DistroKid HyperFollow?

In the evolving landscape of the music industry, understanding the tools and codes essential for music distribution and promotion is more important than ever. Among these tools are the ISRC code and DistroKid HyperFollow. Both play crucial roles in ensuring your music reaches the right audience and gets the recognition it deserves.

What is an ISRC Code?

The International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) is a unique identifier for sound recordings and music video recordings. It's used to distinguish one recording from another, much like a fingerprint. Each ISRC is a 12-character alphanumeric code that allows for easy and precise identification of recordings across digital platforms and physical media.

An ISRC code is structured as follows:

• Country Code: The first two characters represent the country of origin, such as the 'US' for the United States.
• Registrant Code: The next three characters identify the registrant, typically the record label or independent artist.
• Year of Reference: The following two digits denote the year the ISRC was allocated.
• Designation Code: The final five digits are a unique identification number for the track.

For example, in the ISRC code 'US-ABC-21-12345': 'US' is the country code, 'ABC' is the registrant code, '21' refers to the year 2021, and '12345' is the unique designation code for the recording.

Why is an ISRC Code Important?

An ISRC code ensures your music is tracked correctly across all platforms, enabling you to collect royalties accurately. It provides a reliable way to track the usage of your music, from radio plays to streaming and downloads. Without an ISRC code, you risk losing out on revenue and not getting the full recognition for your work.

How to Obtain an ISRC Code?

Obtaining an ISRC code can be done through several channels:

• Record Label: If you're signed to a label, they will typically provide you with ISRC codes for your recordings.
• ISRC Agencies: Independent artists can apply for an ISRC code through their national ISRC agency. In the US, this would be the US ISRC Agency.
• Distribution Services: Platforms like SoundOn, as well as competitors like DistroKid, offer ISRC code services as part of their distribution packages.

It's important to ensure your tracks have ISRC codes before distributing them to digital platforms to secure your royalties and proper recognition.

Understanding DistroKid HyperFollow

DistroKid is a popular music distribution service that offers a wide range of tools to help artists get their music onto digital platforms. One of these tools is HyperFollow, a powerful marketing feature designed to maximize your reach and fan engagement.

What is DistroKid HyperFollow?

HyperFollow is a free promotional tool offered by DistroKid that creates a unique landing page for your releases. This landing page serves as a central hub where fans can pre-save your upcoming releases on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and more. It also gives you valuable data on your fans' email addresses and streaming habits, enabling you to build a direct connection with your audience.

Benefits of Using HyperFollow

HyperFollow offers various advantages to artists, including:

• Increased Visibility: By pre-saving your music, fans can be notified as soon as your new release goes live, increasing the chances of it being streamed immediately.
• Fan Engagement: Collect valuable contact information from fans who pre-save your music, allowing you to engage with them directly through email marketing.
• Unified Links: Instead of sharing multiple links for different streaming services, you can share one HyperFollow link, simplifying the promotion process.
• Metrics and Insights: Access detailed analytics about who is saving your music, including their locations and preferred streaming platforms.

How to Use HyperFollow Effectively

Maximize the potential of HyperFollow by following these steps:

1. Create Your HyperFollow Page: Once you've scheduled a release on DistroKid, generate your HyperFollow page from your dashboard.
2. Share the Link: Promote your HyperFollow link on social media, your website, and email newsletters to encourage fans to pre-save your release.
3. Engage with Your Fans: Use the contact information collected through HyperFollow to send personalized messages, thank-you notes, and updates about future releases.
4. Monitor the Analytics: Regularly check the performance of your HyperFollow page to understand your audience better and adjust your marketing strategies accordingly.

Combining ISRC Codes and HyperFollow for Maximum Impact

Understanding and utilizing ISRC codes and HyperFollow can significantly enhance your music promotion efforts. Here's how to make the most of both tools:

• Ensure ISRC Codes for All Tracks: Before distributing your music, make sure each track has a unique ISRC code to guarantee proper royalty tracking and recognition.
• Leverage HyperFollow for Promotion: Use HyperFollow to create anticipation and excitement for your releases, ensuring they get the attention they deserve right from launch day.
• Integrate with Your Marketing Strategy: Incorporate ISRC tracking and HyperFollow links into your broader marketing strategy, including social media campaigns, email newsletters, and press releases.
• Analyze and Adjust: Continuously analyze the data from your ISRC tracking and HyperFollow metrics to refine your promotional tactics and engage with your audience more effectively.

Conclusion

The music industry is complex, but tools like ISRC codes and DistroKid HyperFollow can simplify your journey and amplify your success. By understanding and utilizing these tools, you'll be better equipped to navigate the industry, promote your music effectively, and ensure you receive the recognition and royalties you deserve.

For those looking for a comprehensive solution to enhance their music distribution and promotion efforts, consider joining SoundOn. With our extensive network and marketing tools, you can take your music career to the next level.