ISRCn

ISRCn, or the International Standard Recording Code number, is a unique identifier assigned to individual sound recordings and music videos. Developed and maintained by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) under the standard ISO 39001, the ISRC system facilitates the precise tracking, management, and royalty collection of digital and physical media. Each ISRC is a 12-character alphanumeric code that encodes specific information about the recording, including its country of origin, the registrant (typically the record label or recording company), the year of registration, and a unique serial number.

The primary purpose of ISRCn is to provide a standardized method for uniquely identifying recordings across different platforms and territories. This system aids in efficient rights management, licensing, and royalty distribution, especially in the digital streaming era where recordings are frequently copied and distributed globally. ISRCs are typically embedded in the metadata of digital audio files and associated with physical media during production.

Registration of an ISRC is generally handled by authorized agencies or national ISRC agencies, which assign and maintain the codes. Record labels, artists, and digital distributors are responsible for obtaining and attaching ISRCs to their recordings to ensure proper attribution and royalty collection. The use of ISRC is widely adopted within the music industry, as it enables reliable tracking of individual recordings regardless of format or distribution method.

Overall, ISRCn plays a vital role in the global music ecosystem by ensuring transparency, accountability, and fair compensation for creators and rights holders. It aligns with the industry’s movement toward more efficient digital rights management and helps to streamline the complex process of licensing and royalty payments worldwide.