ISRC vs UPC: What's the Difference

ISRCs identify sound recordings. UPCs identify products, including albums released as physical goods.

An ISRC identifies a specific recording. A release can carry multiple ISRCs, one per track. The ISRC is used by platforms to track streams and report royalties.

A UPC identifies a product or a release unit. A single album can be issued as a UPC, while each track carries its own ISRC. UPCs are primarily used for physical and digital product sales. They are not the same as ISRCs.

A release should have both when it is available as a product. The ISRCs identify the audio. The UPC identifies the product. The two identifiers serve different purposes and are assigned through different channels.

The most useful pattern for an independent release is to assign ISRCs for each track, and to assign a UPC for the album product if a physical or digital product is planned. The labels should be recorded so the correct owner is identified.