ISRC and ISWC codes
ISRC codes identify sound recordings and ISWC codes identify compositions. They help make sure royalties reach the right rights holders.
Definition
The International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) is a unique 12-character code for one specific recording or music video.12 The International Standard Musical Work Code (ISWC) identifies the underlying composition.3 A release as a whole is identified by a UPC or EAN barcode from the GS1 system.24
Why codes matter
- Streaming services and distributors use the ISRC to track each recording, so income is matched to the right one1
- Collecting societies identify compositions by ISWC and their writers by IPI numbers3
- Missing or wrong metadata, including codes, is a known cause of late royalty payments5
- On YouTube, Content ID sound recording assets also carry the ISRC in their metadata6
Who assigns them
The owner of the recording, usually the label or a self-releasing artist, assigns the ISRC, often through a distributor that acts as ISRC manager.2 ISWCs are assigned centrally by the ISWC system when a publisher or songwriter registers the work through a collecting society or other local registration agency.3 Keeping both in the label's catalog data makes royalty accounting much easier.
How Talentir helps
Labels, publishers and distributors use Talentir to pay artists and collaborators in the method they choose: bank transfer, PayPal, Venmo (US) or stablecoins. See Talentir for music
Related topics
Music distribution
A music distributor delivers releases to streaming services and stores, and collects the master royalties they pay.
Publishing and collecting societies
Music publishers manage and license compositions. Collecting societies, such as PROs, collect royalties for songwriters and publishers.
What is YouTube Content ID?
Content ID is YouTube's system that automatically finds videos using copyrighted audio or video and lets rights owners block, track or earn money from them.
Music royalties
Music royalties are payments to the owners of a song or recording each time it is streamed, sold, performed or used in media.