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How to Get an ISRC Code for Free
Music is a universal language, but for it to be played and shared across the world, it needs to be properly identified. This is where an ISRC code comes in. The International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) is a unique identifier for sound recordings and music videos. It is essential for tracking royalties, ensuring proper distribution, and preventing piracy.
What is an ISRC Code?
An ISRC code is a 12-character alphanumeric code that uniquely identifies a sound recording or music video. It is made up of four parts:
– Country code
– Registrant code
– Year of reference
– Designation code
The first two characters of the ISRC code represent the country where the recording was made. The next three characters identify the registrant, who could be the record label, artist, or producer. The year of reference and designation code make up the remaining seven characters.
Why Do You Need an ISRC Code?
If you’re a musician or producer, having an ISRC code for your recordings is essential. This code helps track your royalties when your music is played on the radio, on streaming services, or in public places like restaurants or bars. It also ensures that your music is properly distributed and prevents piracy.
How to Get an ISRC Code for Free
Now that we know what an ISRC code is and why it’s important, let’s talk about how to get one for free.
Option 1: Use a Free ISRC Code Generator
There are several websites that offer free ISRC code generators. These generators create a unique code for your recording based on your input. All you need to do is provide some basic information about your recording, such as the title, artist, and label.
However, it’s important to note that not all free ISRC code generators are reliable. Some may generate invalid codes or codes that have already been assigned to another recording. Before using a free ISRC code generator, do your research and make sure it’s a reputable site.
Option 2: Register with a Free ISRC Code Provider
Some organizations offer free ISRC codes to musicians and producers. One such organization is the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The RIAA offers free ISRC codes to its members, who can register their recordings online.
Another organization that offers free ISRC codes is the Independent Online Distribution Alliance (IODA). IODA is a digital music distributor that offers free ISRC codes to its members.
Option 3: Use a Digital Distribution Service
Many digital distribution services, such as DistroKid, TuneCore, and CD Baby, offer free ISRC codes to their users. These services distribute your music to various streaming platforms and online stores, and they provide you with an ISRC code for each of your recordings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting an ISRC code for your recordings is essential if you want to track your royalties, ensure proper distribution, and prevent piracy. While there are several options for getting an ISRC code for free, it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re using a reputable source. With the right ISRC code, your music can reach a global audience and generate income for years to come.
How to Use an ISRC Code
Once you have an ISRC code for your recording, it’s important to use it correctly. The code should be embedded in the metadata of your audio file, along with other important information like the title, artist, and album. This metadata can be added using audio editing software like Audacity or Adobe Audition.
When you upload your music to streaming platforms or online stores, the ISRC code will be automatically detected and linked to your recording. This ensures that your music is properly identified and tracked for royalties.
It’s important to note that each individual track within an album should have its own unique ISRC code. This allows for accurate tracking of royalties and ensures that each recording is properly identified.
Benefits of Having an ISRC Code
Having an ISRC code for your recordings offers several benefits beyond just tracking royalties and preventing piracy. Here are a few additional benefits:
– Increased visibility: Many streaming platforms prioritize music with accurate metadata, including ISRC codes. This means that having a properly embedded ISRC code can increase the visibility of your music on these platforms.
– Professionalism: Having an ISRC code shows that you take your music seriously and are committed to proper distribution and tracking of royalties.
– Collaboration: If you collaborate with other musicians or producers on a recording, having an ISRC code ensures that everyone involved is properly credited and compensated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting an ISRC code for your recordings is an important step in ensuring proper distribution, tracking royalties, and preventing piracy. There are several options for obtaining an ISRC code for free, but it’s important to use a reputable source and embed the code correctly in your audio file metadata. Having an ISRC code offers additional benefits like increased visibility and professionalism, and ensures accurate credit and compensation for collaborations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get an ISRC code for free?
There are several ways to get an ISRC code for free:
- If you are signed to a record label, they will usually provide you with ISRC codes for your releases.
- You can join a performance rights organization (PRO) like ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC, who may provide you with ISRC codes.
- You can sign up with a digital distributor like DistroKid, CD Baby, or TuneCore, who will provide you with ISRC codes as part of their services.
- You can apply for a free ISRC code from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) through their website.
Can I create my own ISRC codes?
No, ISRC codes must be obtained from a designated agency. In the United States, the designated agency is the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Do I need an ISRC code for every track on my album?
Yes, each track on your album needs its own unique ISRC code.
Key Takeaways
- ISRC codes are unique identifiers for individual music tracks.
- ISRC codes are necessary for tracking and reporting on the usage of music tracks.
- ISRC codes can be obtained for free through various methods, including record labels, PROs, digital distributors, and the RIAA.
- Each track on an album requires its own unique ISRC code.
Conclusion
ISRC codes are an essential part of the music industry, allowing for tracking and reporting on the usage of music tracks. While they do need to be obtained from a designated agency, there are several ways to get them for free through record labels, PROs, digital distributors, and the RIAA. If you are a musician or music industry professional, it is important to understand the importance of ISRC codes and how to obtain them.
