Music Publisher India

ISRC The Invisible Code Powering the Global Music Industry

Music Industry

By Music Publisher India News Desk
Published on May 9, 2025

In today’s digital age, where billions of songs are streamed daily across platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, the question arises — how does the industry track each song, pay the right artist, and avoid mix-ups? The answer lies in four letters: ISRC.

What Is ISRC, and Why Should Every Artist Know About It?
ISRC stands for International Standard Recording Code — a 12-character alphanumeric code that serves as the digital DNA of a song or music video. Every time you record and distribute a track, an ISRC ensures your work is globally identifiable.

Unlike copyrights or publishing rights, which deal with ownership of lyrics and compositions, the ISRC is assigned to the actual recorded version of a track — not the written song. Even if you remix, remaster, or record a live version, each version must have its own unique ISRC.

The Structure of an ISRC
Here’s how the ISRC code is structured:

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IN-ABC-25-00001
IN – Country code (India)

ABC – Code assigned to the label or independent artist

25 – Year of the recording’s registration

00001 – The unique identifier for that specific recording

It’s like the passport number of your song, allowing it to travel the world while being tracked for usage, royalties, and credits.

Why ISRC Is Critical for Indian Artists in 2025
With India's booming independent music scene and rising exports to global playlists, assigning ISRCs has become more crucial than ever. Here’s why:

 Royalty Tracking: Without an ISRC, your song could be streamed a million times, and you might not receive a rupee.

 Global Distribution: Digital stores and streaming platforms require ISRCs to catalog your music.

 Protection Against Theft: ISRC acts as proof of your recorded work.

 Analytics & Reporting: It allows platforms and distributors to send precise reports, showing which tracks are performing well.

Who Issues ISRC in India?
In India, ISRC codes are administered by the Indian Music Industry (IMI). Artists, labels, or distributors can register with IMI or work with a music distribution company like Music Publisher India to generate ISRCs automatically for each release.

"We handle ISRC creation for every track distributed through our platform. It’s part of ensuring our artists get the global recognition and revenue they deserve," says Atul Singh, founder of Music Publisher India.

Common Misconceptions
One ISRC for all my songs” – No. Each recording needs its own.

I don’t need an ISRC for YouTube” – Wrong. YouTube Content ID uses ISRCs for proper identification.

 Only big labels use ISRCs” – Absolutely false. Every independent artist should have them.

Final Thoughts
The music industry is built on recognition, data, and rights. An ISRC bridges all three. Whether you're a newcomer releasing your first track or a seasoned artist building a catalog, assigning ISRCs is non-negotiable in the professional music world.

Need ISRCs for your songs?
Music Publisher India provides free ISRCs for all distributed tracks.  Visit Musicpublisherindia.com or DM us on Instagram @musicpublisher.in to get started