The ISRC code: Definition and structure of the digital fingerprint of your music
The ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) is a standardized identification code for audio recordings and music videos. It works in a similar way to an ISBN for books or an EAN for commercial products and serves as a unique "digital fingerprint" for each individual recording.
Structure of an ISRC code
An ISRC code consists of 12 characters and is made up of the following components:
- Country code (2 characters): Indicates the country in which the code was issued (e.g. "DE" for Germany)
- Registrant code (3 characters): Identifies the issuing label or artist
- Year code (2 digits): The last two digits of the year in which the ISRC was issued
- Recording number (5 digits): A consecutive number for the recording
Example: DE-AB1-23-00001
Important:
Each individual recording needs its own ISRC code. This also applies to different versions (such as remix, edit, live version) of the same song.
Why is an ISRC number essential for every release?
The ISRC number is essential for your music releases for several reasons:
1. unique identification and assignment:
- Enables precise attribution of streams, downloads and other uses to your tracks
- Prevents confusion between similar titles or different versions of a song
- Remains intact even with label changes or new releases
2. tracking and monetization:
- Streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube use ISRCs for billing
- Collecting societies (GEMA, GVL) use ISRCs to allocate airplay and public performances
- ISRCs make it possible to accurately record your performance in charts and on streaming platforms
3. international standard:
- Recognized and used worldwide
- Facilitates the global distribution and exploitation of your music
- Prevents language barriers in the identification of recordings
Without ISRC, you run the risk of your music not being recorded correctly and missing out on revenue. In addition, most professional distribution platforms require an ISRC for every release.
How do I obtain ISRC codes via FEIYR?
As an independent artist or label, you can obtain ISRCs in various ways, but at FEIYR we make it particularly easy for you: free ISRCs are automatically generated for your tracks with every release via FEIYR. You don't have to apply or pay for anything extra and the ISRCs are displayed directly in your FEIYR account and linked to your releases.
Step-by-step publishing process:
- Upload your tracks to FEIYR
- Fill in the required metadata
- FEIYR automatically generates an ISRC for each track
- The ISRCs are saved in the metadata of your music and you can find them in your account under "My releases"
Advantages of ISRC allocation by FEIYR:
- Free of charge as part of your release
- Time saving through automated allocation
- Professional registration according to international standards
- Central management of all your ISRCs in one system
- Compatibility with all digital platforms and streaming services
Conclusion: Your ISRC - the digital identity of your music
The ISRC code is far more than just a technical formality - it is the digital fingerprint of your music and an indispensable element for your professional presence in the music industry.
At FEIYR, we make it particularly easy for you: you receive ISRCs for all your tracks automatically and free of charge. So you can focus on the essentials - producing great music while we take care of the technical details.
Ready to bring your music to the world with the right digital fingerprint?
