ISRC is intended for use by producers and users of sound recordings and music videos.
Examples include record labels, as well as copyright organisations, broadcasting organisations, libraries etc.
- ISRC is normally assigned to recordings or music videos by the first owner of the recording or music video. Following assignment, other parties that need to use ISRCs will usually obtain them from the owners of recordings.
- Owners of recordings may for example be independent artists, record labels or recorded music groups. ISRC is available to all owners of recordings regardless of their being a member of any industry association or not.
- ISRC Prefix Codes form the basis of the ISRCs which are assigned to individual recordings by following a simple process. The first owner of a recording may assign ISRC directly or may use an ISRC Manager to carry out the required steps.
Minimum reference data to be maintained for each ISRC
Those assigning ISRC shall, for each ISRC, maintain the following reference metadata elements in a database or similar storage medium:
No. | Element | Description |
|---|---|---|
1 | ISRC | The unique ISRC assigned to this particular recording. |
2 | Main Artist | The name of the featured artist or band as it would appear attached to an MP3 or printed on a CD sleeve. Often termed ‘ArtistBand’. |
3 | Track Title | The title of the recording. |
4 | Version Title or Alternative Title or Subtitle | Additional information about the recording, for example ‘Live in Paris’ or ‘extended mix’. |
5 | Duration | The elapsed playing time between the first and last recorded modulations of the recording. |
6 | Content Type | Sound Recording or Music Video Recording |
7 | Date of Publication | The date of first publication or first simultaneous publication. Known as ‘P-date’ , it is used in relation to copyright term, as well as to link the ISRC to a specific recording. |
Registrants shall provide this reference metadata to IFPI or its designee upon request.
Comprehensive information on all aspects of ISRC management are contained in the ISRC Handbook.
