An ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) is a 12-character code — for example USKAL2600001 — that permanently identifies one specific sound recording. Platforms and collecting societies use it to count plays and route royalties.
Key facts
- Identifies the recording, not the song. A remix, live take or radio edit is a different recording and needs a different ISRC.
- Stays with the recording for life. When you move distributors, the same ISRC should travel with the recording.
- Is free from Kalmori — leave the field blank and one is assigned.
Why keep the original ISRC when migrating
Platforms use the ISRC to recognise a recording that is already in their system. A matching ISRC (with matching metadata) is what allows a re-delivered track to keep its streams and playlist placements. Final matching is controlled by each platform.
Warning:
Warning: Never generate or reuse a random ISRC to bypass validation. Conflicting codes send royalties to the wrong place.
