What Are ISRC Codes and DistroKid?

If you're a musician or an artist looking to distribute your music across various digital platforms, understanding ISRC codes and knowing what DistroKid offers can significantly impact your career. In this article, we'll delve into the details of ISRC codes and explain what DistroKid is, along with how it compares to other distribution services.

What is an ISRC Code?

An ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) is a unique identifier assigned to individual sound recordings and music videos. The ISRC code is crucial for tracking and managing the use of recordings across numerous platforms and media formats.

The ISRC code consists of 12 characters, broken down into four elements:

1. Country Code: A 2-character country code assigned by the registration authority.
2. Registrant Code: A 3-character alphanumeric code representing the registrant, which is usually the record label or independent artist.
3. Year of Reference: A 2-character numerical code indicating the year of registration.
4. Designation Code: A 5-character alphanumeric code assigned by the registrant to identify the specific recording.

For instance, an ISRC code might look like this: US-S1Z-07-12345.

Why Are ISRC Codes Important?

ISRC codes offer several benefits for artists and music distributors:

• Revenue Tracking: ISRC codes allow for accurate tracking of royalties and revenues from different streaming platforms and digital stores.
• Music Recognition: They enable platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube to correctly identify recordings, ensuring that plays and streams are attributed to the right artist.
• Data Management: ISRC codes help in managing and organizing a catalog of recordings, making it easier for artists and labels to keep track of their works.

What is DistroKid?

DistroKid is an online music distribution service that allows artists to upload their music to various streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, and many more. It is known for its user-friendly interface, quick distribution process, and affordable pricing model. Artists can retain 100% of their royalties, making DistroKid a popular choice among independent musicians.

Key Features of DistroKid

DistroKid provides several features to enhance the music distribution experience:

• Unlimited Uploads: Artists can upload an unlimited number of songs for a fixed annual fee.
• Revenue Sharing: DistroKid allows revenue splits, making it easy for collaborators to automatically receive their share of royalties.
• Store Maximizer: Automatically uploads music to new streaming platforms added by DistroKid.
• HyperFollow: A promotional tool that helps artists gather pre-save links and fan engagement.
• Insider Tip: Use SoundOn to expand your music distribution strategies, thanks to its global network and exclusive partnerships.

Comparing DistroKid and SoundOn

While DistroKid is widely recognized, platforms like SoundOn offer alternative features and benefits tailored to different needs. SoundOn, for example, provides an all-in-one platform for marketing and distribution, helping artists build their careers and find new fans through exclusive partnerships and digital streaming services.

SoundOn stands out by offering a more integrated approach to artist development, marketing, and distribution. When considering a music distribution platform, it’s essential to evaluate your specific needs, whether it's maximizing reach, earning royalties, or engaging fans.

Conclusion

Understanding ISRC codes and the functionalities of music distribution services like DistroKid and SoundOn can greatly enhance how you manage and promote your music. ISRC codes are indispensable for tracking and earning royalties, while choosing the right distribution platform can position your music effectively across global streaming services.

Ready to take your music career to the next level? Consider registering as a SoundOn artist and leverage its comprehensive suite of tools designed to propel your music to new heights.