---
title: ISRC: what it is, and when a track needs a new one
publisher: RapCanon
canonical: https://rapcanon.com/glossary/isrc/
license: CC-BY-4.0
retrieved: 2026-08-12
---

> An ISRC is a unique identifier for a specific sound RECORDING, used to track that recording across platforms and reporting systems.

Glossary · Credits

 
# ISRC

 
also filed under: International Standard Recording Code

 
 

 
 An ISRC is a unique identifier for a specific sound RECORDING, used to track that recording across platforms and reporting systems. 

 
## The mechanism

 
Each distinct recording gets its own code, permanently. A remix, a live version, a radio edit and a re-record are separate recordings and each needs its own ISRC. The code travels with the audio through distribution and reporting, which is what allows plays to be attributed to the right master.

 
## A worked example

 A song released as a single and later included on an album keeps the same ISRC, because it is the same recording. A sped-up version issued afterwards is a different recording and requires a new one. 

 One work, many recordings. The codes are not interchangeable. 

 
## What it is confused with

 - ISWC ISRC identifies the RECORDING. ISWC identifies the underlying WORK. One song can have one ISWC and twenty ISRCs, and confusing them is a common cause of misrouted royalties.
- UPC A UPC identifies a release or product, such as an album or single package. An ISRC identifies a single recording inside it.
 

 
## Why it matters

 
Reissuing the same recording with a fresh ISRC splits its stream history across two identities, which fragments both the reporting and any chart or playlist momentum attached to it.

 
Sources: US Copyright Office
 This entry is part of an open dataset published under CC-BY 4.0. Reuse it, including commercially, with attribution.
 Related: Recoupment · Black box royalties · 360 deal

---

## How to cite this page

**APA**
RapCanon. (2026). ISRC: what it is, and when a track needs a new one. Retrieved from https://rapcanon.com/glossary/isrc/

**BibTeX**
```bibtex
@misc{rapcanon-glossary-isrc,
  title  = {ISRC: what it is, and when a track needs a new one},
  author = {{RapCanon}},
  year   = {2026},
  url    = {https://rapcanon.com/glossary/isrc/},
  note   = {Accessed: 2026-08-12}
}
```

**Wikipedia**
```
{{cite web |title=ISRC: what it is, and when a track needs a new one |url=https://rapcanon.com/glossary/isrc/ |publisher=RapCanon |access-date=2026-08-12}}
```

Licensed CC-BY 4.0. Reuse it, including commercially, with attribution and a link back.
Canonical HTML: https://rapcanon.com/glossary/isrc/