What Are ISRC and UPC Codes?

UPC: the release code

A UPC (Universal Product Code) identifies a whole release: a single, EP or album. It has 12 or 13 digits.

ISRC: the recording code

An ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) identifies one specific recording. It looks like CC-XXX-YY-NNNNN, for example GB-ABC-26-00001. Dashes are optional when you enter it.

Do I need to buy them?

No. Leave the fields empty and DistroVibe assigns them for you for free.

• A generated UPC appears on your release page once it is assigned.
• Generated ISRCs appear on the release page once the release has been delivered to stores.

When should I enter my own codes?

Enter your existing codes when you re-release music that is already out, for example when moving from another distributor. Keeping the same ISRCs lets stores keep your stream counts and playlist placements. See Transferring Your Music to DistroVibe Without Losing Stream Counts.

Rules for your own codes:

• Each ISRC must be unique. The same ISRC cannot be used on two different tracks.
• A UPC that is already used by another release cannot be reused.
• Use the codes exactly as they were issued.

If a release was taken down, rejected or never submitted, you can reuse its ISRCs on a new release.