ISRC vs UPC.
Explained, plain.
Two codes that move money in the background of every stream. KushTunes generates both free on every release — here's what they actually do.
Overview
ISRC and UPC are two identifier codes required by streaming stores to track plays and route royalties. ISRC identifies a single recording; UPC identifies a release. KushTunes generates both free on every release, and the codes are owned by the artist permanently.
Last updated 2026-05-28
International Standard Recording Code
A 12-character code that uniquely identifies a single recording.
Every track recording gets its own ISRC. The code travels with the recording across every streaming platform, radio station, and royalty-collection society — making sure the play count and payment line up to the right track.
Universal Product Code
A 12-digit code that identifies a full release.
Every release — single, EP, or album — gets its own UPC. Stores use the UPC to organize catalog and reconcile sales, downloads, and stream counts at the release level.
Why they matter
No code, no royalty.
Streaming platforms log every play against an ISRC. When Spotify pays out royalties, the money flows from Spotify to the distributor of record for that ISRC, then to the artist's account. UPCs do the same at the release level for things like sales reports and chart eligibility. Without valid codes, plays still happen — but they may not be attributable to your account, so the money may not arrive.
How KushTunes handles them
Free, automatic, yours.
KushTunes generates a free ISRC for every track and a free UPC for every release at upload time. Codes are written into the release metadata before delivery to stores. You can see the codes in your dashboard and they remain yours permanently — even if you later migrate the release to another distributor.
Last updated 2026-05-28
Frequently asked
ISRC and UPC, asked.
Last updated 2026-05-28
What is an ISRC code?
An ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) is a 12-character identifier assigned to each recording of a track. It uniquely identifies that specific recording across every streaming platform and radio station, ensuring royalty payments route to the correct rights holders.
Do I need a UPC for my music?
Yes if you're releasing music to streaming platforms. A UPC (Universal Product Code) identifies a full release — single, EP, or album — and is required by stores like Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube for catalog organization and sales reporting.
Where does my ISRC come from?
ISRCs are issued through national agencies authorized by the IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry). Distributors like KushTunes are registered to allocate ISRCs to releases, which is why your free KushTunes ISRC is valid worldwide on every platform.
What is the difference between ISRC and UPC?
An ISRC identifies a single recording (one track). A UPC identifies a release (a collection of tracks — single, EP, or album). Every track has its own ISRC. Every release has its own UPC. Both are required by streaming stores for royalty accounting.
How much does an ISRC code cost?
Direct from a national ISRC agency, ISRC manager codes typically cost $80-$95 USD for the right to allocate up to 100,000 codes. Distributors like KushTunes include free ISRCs in every release at no extra cost, so artists do not pay separately.
Can I keep my ISRC code if I leave KushTunes?
Yes. ISRC codes are tied to the recording itself, not the distributor. If you move your catalog to another distributor, you can use the same KushTunes-issued ISRC. Codes are yours permanently once allocated to a track you uploaded.
Do I need an ISRC for Bandcamp or SoundCloud uploads?
Direct uploads to Bandcamp and SoundCloud do not require an ISRC. However, if you later distribute that same recording to Spotify, Apple Music or other DSPs, an ISRC is required. KushTunes assigns one automatically during distribution.
What does an ISRC code look like?
An ISRC is 12 characters in the format CC-XXX-YY-NNNNN: a 2-letter country code, 3-character registrant code, 2-digit year, and 5-digit designation code. Example: US-S1Z-26-00001. KushTunes-issued ISRCs follow this standard and are recognized worldwide.