Metadata, ISRC & UPC
Give your music the right identity.
Understand what ISRC and UPC identify, organise credits and artist profiles, and review your music metadata before distribution.
What you’ll take away
For anyone preparing, correcting or moving a catalogue
Separate recording data from release data and create a consistent reference for your entire catalogue.
ISRC: the recording identifier
An ISRC identifies a particular recording, not the composition or its owner. Keeping the correct code helps identify the same recording across deliveries.
- Store each master’s ISRC alongside its audio file.
- When moving an unchanged recording, retain its ISRC and confirm the process with the new distributor.
- A new recording or version may require a new code; ask before reusing one.
UPC: the release identifier
A UPC identifies a product such as a single, EP or album. It does not replace the codes of its individual recordings.
- Associate each UPC with its release and track listing.
- Keep a catalogue sheet with title, artist, UPC, each track’s ISRC and live links.
- If you do not have codes yet, ask how they will be assigned before delivery.
Names, roles and profiles
Different artists can share a name. Profile links and consistent credits help avoid incorrect mapping.
- Separate primary artists, featured artists, writers and producers.
- Use consistent spelling in your files, artwork and delivery form.
- Provide existing profile links; a matching name does not necessarily identify the right artist.
Run a final review
The data must describe exactly what you deliver. An identifier does not prove ownership or replace licence documentation.
- Check language, version, explicit content, track order and release date.
- Compare your catalogue sheet with the files and distributor preview.
- Keep a copy of approved metadata and record later corrections.
Questions about this guide
01Does an ISRC prove that I own the song?
No. It identifies a recording but does not prove ownership or replace contracts, licences or rights registrations.
02Are UPC and ISRC the same thing?
No. A UPC identifies a product or release; an ISRC identifies a particular recording. An album can have one UPC and multiple ISRCs.
03Can I correct metadata after release?
Some changes can be handled as updates; others need a different process. Consult your distributor before replacing files or redelivering content.
Guides help you prepare. Delivery requirements and timelines should be confirmed for your project.
Talk to the team
Build a clear foundation for your catalogue.
If you are preparing distribution or a transfer, tell us how your catalogue is organised and what you need to resolve.