Welcome to the official website for the International Standard Recording Code (ISRC). Here you’ll find clear guidance on how ISRC codes work and why they matter.
For Creators: If you are a self-releasing artist or creator, or if you are beginning your journey with ISRC, you may wish to start here.
For Labels: If you are a record label, help and guidance on obtaining an ISRC Prefix and using it in compliance with the ISRC standard is here.
For Platforms: You can learn about appointment and operation as an ISRC Manager here.
The ISRC website provides authoritative information on every aspect of ISRC. Have you got a question we haven’t answered? Please get in touch.
The International Standard Recording Code -
The Gateway To The Digital World
ISRC enables sound recordings and music videos to be uniquely and permanently identified. ISRC helps to avoid ambiguity among recordings and simplifies the management of rights when recordings are used across different formats, distribution channels or products. The ISRC for a recording remains a fixed point of reference when the recording is used across different services, across borders, or under different licensing deals.
ISRC identifies sound recordings and music videos. ISRC is not used to identify compositions/musical works, music products or performers. Please check the FAQ page for more details.
For details of how to implement ISRC please consult the ISRC Handbook.
The International ISRC Database contains over 150 million unique ISRCs registered with associated recording and release data. The data is searchable by artist and title with advanced filtering options or the ISRC can be entered to retrieve registered recording data. Data of interest can be selected for export and downloaded as a csv spreadsheet.
How It works
The structure (syntax) of ISRC comprises 12 alphanumeric characters, which should be presented with the 4-character prefix ‘ISRC’ when displayed in printed form.
Click on the ISRC for a breakdown of the code.
Code Identifier
Prefix Code — a five character alphanumeric code allocated by the ISRC Agency
Year of Reference — the last two digits of the year in which the ISRC is assigned to the track — assigned by the registrant
Designation Code — five digit unique code assigned by the Registrant. These numbers must not be repeated in the same calendar year.
