ISRC code: Structure, assignment, and meaning for your release
What's behind the code?
The identifier works like a serial number for audio recordings: it's tied to the specific recording, not to the song as a work or the product. If you release the same track, for example, on a single, later on an album, and in a compilation, the code remains identical – because the recording is the same. However, if you create a new version (remix, radio edit, etc.), the code changes. Remaster(Live version), it gets its own identifier because it is a new recording.
This very uniqueness is what makes the code so important: Spotify, Apple Music, and others count streams per ISRC, GfK Entertainment also uses it to determine the German charts, and collecting societies like GVL calculate their royalties based on the code as well. Without it, streams and revenue cannot be accurately attributed to your recording.
This is how the code is structured
The code consists of twelve characters in four blocks, for example: DE-A12-26-00007:
| Block | Example | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Country prefix (2 characters) | DE | Country of the awarding authority, e.g. DE for Germany |
| Initial allocation key (3 characters) | A12 | Identifier of the label or rights holder, assigned by the BVMI |
| Year key (2 digits) | 26 | Year of award, e.g. 26 for 2026 |
| Admission key (5 digits) | 00007 | Sequential number that you assign yourself for each recording |
The hyphens are only for readability – the code is stored as a continuous string.
Apply for ISRC: Here's how to get your code
There are two ways – and one of them will cost you nothing:
About your Music distribution (for free): Distributors like recordJet, TuneCore, DistroKid, or iGroove automatically assign an identifier to each track upon upload. For most artists, this is therefore the easiest way – you don't have to apply for anything.
Directly at the BVMI (own initial allocation key): Labels and self-marketers who want to manage their codes independently of distribution apply to the German Music Industry Association (BVMI) You'll receive your own initial allocation key. However, there is a one-time processing fee for this; the current amount is listed on the BVMI website. After that, you assign your own codes – without any further costs per recording.
Important: Never assign the same code to two different recordings and do not invent codes – because duplicate or invalid identifiers lead to incorrect allocations for streams and royalties.
Difference to EAN/UPC and ISWC
Although the three identifiers are often confused, they refer to different levels of a release:
| Kennung | Identified | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ISRC | the individual audio recording (track) | each recording of your album individually |
| EAN/UPC | the product as a whole (barcode) | the album or single as a sales unit |
| ISWC | the work (composition/text) | The song, regardless of the recording, is relevant for GEMA. |
So, an album has an EAN/UPC barcode, but Each track has its own recording identifier. – and each included work also receives an ISWC.
When do you need the code?
At the latest upon release: Streaming platforms do not accept tracks without a code (your distributor will otherwise assign it automatically). The code is also mandatory for chart placement, as the charts are determined by it. Furthermore, it is required for registration with GVL (the German collecting society for performing rights) and for radio airplay analysis. Anyone pressing a CD or a Vinyl release Therefore, if planning, the codes should be embedded directly into the master – then every playback and capture path will read the same identifier.
Embed ISRC during mastering
On an audio CD, the code isn't stored as a file tag, but rather written into the subcode of each track during mastering. That's exactly what we do with ours. DDP mastering for the pressing plantYou supply us with your codes (from your distributor or your own BVMI quota), and we then embed them, along with CD-Text and pause times, into the ready-to-press DDP image. This also applies to the regular... online mastering We take the release workflow into account – so that your finished master doesn't fail due to formalities just before it goes to the pressing plant or distribution.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about the ISRC
Where can I get an ISRC code?
The easiest way is through your music distributor: recordJet, TuneCore, DistroKid, and others automatically assign a code per track upon upload. Alternatively, you can apply for your own initial allocation key from the BVMI (German Federal Association of the Music Industry) and then assign your codes yourself.
How much does an ISRC code cost?
Distribution through the sales channel is free. However, if you apply for your own initial allocation key directly from the BVMI, you first pay a one-time processing fee – after which you can assign any number of codes yourself without further costs.
Do I need an ISRC for Spotify?
Yes – without an identifier, no streaming platform will accept your track. In practice, however, you don't need to worry about anything: your distributor automatically assigns the code upon upload.
What is the difference between ISRC and EAN/UPC?
The ISRC identifies the individual audio recording, while the EAN/UPC barcode identifies the product as a sales unit. Therefore, an album has one EAN, but each track has its own recording code.
Does a remix or remaster get a new ISRC?
Yes. Every new version – remix, radio edit, remaster, live recording – is considered a new recording and therefore needs its own identifier. Only an unaltered re-release retains the existing code.
Where can I find the ISRC of a released song?
In your distributor's portal, in the song credits or metadata of the streaming platforms – or, for example, via the IFPI public search.