The Difference Between ISRC and Bar Codes

in my last blog entry, I gave a little overview of ISRC codes. Then I received a few questions from customers asking, “what is the difference between ISRC codes and bar codes (UPC Codes).

Think of an ISRC code as the “license plate” of any single song that travels around the internet in places where digital music is sold — like iTunes or Walmart’s music store. Just like a license plate identifies the owner and history of a car, the ISRC code allows these digital stores to track sales and other history of a single song or video.

Another place that this “license plate” is helpful is in the emerging online radio stations and satellite stations. This allows for the tracking of plays which should eventually lead to the payment of royalties.

A UPC Code, or barcode, is the code that identifies the overall CD. It represents the collection. And instead of being only relevant in the digital world, it’s very relevant when it comes to tracking overall sales of products.

On the most basic level, this effects the stores that carry a CD or DVD product. They have to be able to identify a CD or DVD quickly when it comes time to sell and when it comes time to check inventory for re-orders.

On the next level, Soundscan uses this to keep track of how a CD is selling overall. This is really relevant when an artist is trying to get signed because this is an important indicator to A&R reps about how healthy the product is. Soundscan also reports to organizations like Billboard which use the information to publish standings of albums or songs in charts.

In today’s market, you need to be covered by both the ISRC and UPC codes if you want to be tracking your music in a way that has future potential.

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