📌 Introduction
The ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) is a unique identifier assigned to each audio or video recording. It provides a standardized system to ensure the uniqueness of recordings, identifying them internationally.
In 1989, the IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry) was appointed as the International ISRC registration authority by ISO, and since 1994, FIMI has been appointed by IFPI as the official agency for Italy.
📌 Example of an ISRC Code
IT-01A-25-00001 → The code consists of 12 characters divided into 4 parts:
IT → Country Code (e.g., IT for Italy)
01A → First Owner Code (assigned by FIMI)
25 → Year of Assignment (e.g., 25 = 2025)
00001 → Sequential number of the recording (e.g., first track = 00001)
🎯 Each part has a specific function and together they uniquely identify your recording internationally.
Although it is not mandatory to register a track with Soundreef, it is strongly recommended to include the ISRC code for each Version of your Track, to improve usage tracking and facilitate royalty collection from digital platforms.
1️⃣ What is the ISRC?
✔ The ISRC code, audio, is a unique identifier for a sound recording.
🎯 It is useful to obtain it because:
it ensures the uniqueness of your audio recordings, identifying them internationally
it improves Soundreef's tracking of your Online usage
it facilitates and optimizes Soundreef's collection of your Online royalties.
2️⃣ Where and how to obtain the ISRC?
✔ You can obtain the ISRC code:
🎓 Through the ISRC Registration Agency responsible for your territory. Contact FIMI, if you reside in Italy. A form is available on the FIMI website to request the code.
📡 Through digital distributors (e.g., Distrokid, Tunecore, CD Baby), if they are enabled for automatic code assignment.
3️⃣ How to insert the ISRC in your Soundreef registrations?
You can add it:
during the registration, to the first/main Version of your track - as well as to all alternative versions that exist for your Track which you can add.
or after the registration, by accessing the Versions tab at a later time and adding the data.
👉 Each master/version of the track must have a unique ISRC, including if you upload remixes, instrumental, extended versions, etc.
4️⃣ When is it useful to add the ISRC?
The ISRC is particularly important if:
your track is distributed on streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.),
it is used in videos on YouTube,
5️⃣ What happens if I don't insert the ISRC?
✔ Soundreef still collects your royalties for your Track.
❗ However, remember that the ISRC code facilitates the tracking of your Online/YouTube usage and ➡️ for this reason, we recommend inserting it always, as soon as it is available.
6️⃣ What to do if I make a mistake inserting an ISRC?
If you have associated an incorrect ISRC with a Version:
report to Soundreef Support, via Messenger on the site or in account, which version needs to be deleted (identify it as precisely as possible to our support team! The more precisely you identify it, the faster we can intervene).
📌 If the system notifies you that an ISRC is already in use:
it means it has already been assigned to another version. In this case, it cannot be reused.
contact us to verify and possibly remove the duplicate ISRC.
❓ FAQ
🔹 Is the ISRC necessary to register a track with Soundreef?
No, but it is highly recommended for digital tracking and Online collection.
🔹 Will Soundreef issue the ISRC code to me?
No, the ISRC code is issued by the National ISRC registration agency (FIMI in Italy) or digital distributor.
🔹 Does each version of the track need a different ISRC?
Yes, each master or version has a unique ISRC code.
🔹 Can I add it after completing the registration?
Yes, you can add it at any time.
🔹 My distributor gave me the ISRC: can I use it on Soundreef?
Yes, there are some digital distribution services that issue it.
🔹 I made a mistake entering it and now it's duplicated: what should I do?
Contact us: we can archive the incorrect version and help you fix the registration.
📌 Conclusion
The ISRC is a recognized international standard and a useful tool for identifying audio tracks.
✔ Inserting it in your Soundreef registration is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended to improve content tracking on YouTube and royalty collection Online.
💬 If you have any doubts or errors, our team is always available to assist you.