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What Are UPC / EAN / ISRC?

Digital Identifiers Used in Music Distribution

When uploading a release, you must provide unique digital identification codes. These codes are used by streaming platforms, digital stores, and reporting systems to accurately identify releases, tracks, and rights holders. Below is a clear explanation of each type of code.

UPC / EAN

UPC (Universal Product Code) is the standard barcode system used in the United States. EAN (European Article Number) is the equivalent European barcode standard.

Both codes perform the same function — they identify a release as a commercial product within digital stores, charts, and automated accounting systems. A UPC/EAN is required for every release (single, EP, or album).

If you do not have your own code, Sundesire Media Worx will automatically provide a UPC/EAN for your release. To receive it, simply check the option “Request EAN Code” during release creation.

UPC / EAN codes are used for:

  • correct release identification in digital stores,
  • accurate tracking of streams and sales,
  • chart eligibility (Billboard, Official Charts, Apple Charts),
  • catalog matching between distributors,
  • proper release indexing in platform search systems.

ISRC (International Standard Recording Code)

ISRC is the international standard code used to identify each individual audio recording.

The ISRC consists of 12 characters and is assigned to a specific recording, not to a song as a composition. This means that the original version, a remix, a radio edit, and a remastered version of the same track always receive different ISRC codes.

ISRC format: CC-XXX-YY-NNNNN where:

  • CC — country code,
  • XXX — registrant (label or distributor) code,
  • YY — year of registration,
  • NNNNN — unique recording number.


If you do not already have your own ISRC codes, Sundesire Media Worx will automatically assign ISRC codes to each of your tracks. Simply check the option “Request ISRC Code” during the upload process.

ISRC is used for:

  • accurate tracking of streams, sales, and performances,
  • identification of the sound recording owner,
  • royalty allocation from DSPs,
  • reporting to PROs, collecting societies, and MLC systems,
  • automatic data matching between platforms and distributors.

If you do not have your own codes, Sundesire Media Worx will provide UPC/EAN and ISRC automatically — simply enable the corresponding options when creating your release.



UPC / EAN : 
Universal Product Code or European Article Number is found on physical releases as well as barcode.
(If you don’t have EAN codes we will set own code of Sundesire - Please select box Request EAN code)

ISRC: International Standard Recording Code for uniquely and permanently identifying sound recordings. An ISRC code is 12 characters long and identifies a particular recording, not the song itself. Therefore, different recordings, edits, and remixes of the same song will each have their own ISRC code. ISRCs are strongly recommended by Beatport, and registration with the ISRC registration authority is free. http://www.ifpi.org

(If you don’t have ISRC codes we will set own code of Sundesire, Please select box Request ISRC Code