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ISRC Finder

Search for your song or enter the Spotify song link directly to retrieve the ISRC:

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ISRC Finder

Any song you listen to nowadays will have an ISRC code and today we will be discussing everything ISRC finder related so you can get the process just right. What is an ISRC lookup and how to complete an ISRC code search? We will answer all these questions for you and more. Read on for more info! 

What Is An ISRC?

An ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) is a unique identifier for sound recordings and music video recordings. It is used to identify and track music sales and streams and is the global standard for identifying sound recordings and music video recordings.

You can find your  ISRC through your record label or distributor, or search for it with an Online ISRC Finder Tool – or you may need to purchase one from a third-party provider.

The code was developed by the recording industry in conjunction with the ISO technical committee 46, subcommittee 9 (TC 46/SC 9), which codified the standard as ISO 3901 in 1986, and updated it in 2001. 

The code only refers to the recording of the track (composition and lyrical content), therefore any revised recording, mastering, remixes, etc., will require a new ISRC code. 

Why Are ISRCs Important? 

ISRCs are important because they help identify recordings and ensure accurate tracking of sales and usage. They are used to track the performance of a song, and they provide essential information for royalty payments. ISRCs are also used to identify recordings in radio and television broadcasts, online streaming services, and in other digital music services.

To perform an ISRC music search, you can use a variety of online music databases such as Discogs, AllMusic, and MusicBrainz. These databases allow you to search for music by ISRC, artist, album, or track name. Some streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music also have some ISRC search capability.

The easiest way to find your IRSC Code is with our ISCR Finder tool – which can search through millions of songs at the click of a button.

How To Perform An ISRC Search On Spotify

To perform an ISRC search on Spotify, you can use the “Search” feature on the Spotify app or website. When you type in your search query, you can add the ISRC code to the end of the query to narrow down your search. For example, if you are searching for a particular song, you can type in the song title, followed by the ISRC code. This will bring up the exact track you are looking for.

SoundExchange is a nonprofit performance rights organization that collects and distributes digital performance royalties for featured recording artists and copyright owners. SoundExchange collects royalties from satellite radio (such as SiriusXM), internet radio (such as Pandora), cable TV music channels, and similar platforms for streaming sound recordings. It then distributes those royalties to the featured artists, copyright owners, and other rights owners.

In terms of an ISRC search, SoundExchange is a tool that allows users to search for recordings by International Standard Recording Code (ISRC). With the SoundExchange ISRC Search, users can search for recordings by ISRC, artist, title, and label. The search results will provide information about the recordings, including artist, title, label, ISRC, and other pertinent data.

IFPI stands for International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. It is an organization that represents the recording industry worldwide. It works to protect the rights of artists, labels, and other music industry professionals, and to promote the value of recorded music.

An IFPI ISRC Search is a searchable database of International Standard Recording Codes (ISRCs) used to identify sound recordings and music video recordings. The codes are issued by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) and are used by digital music services to identify recordings. The search allows users to look up specific ISRCs and view information about the recordings associated with them.

What Is An ISWC?

An International Standard Musical Work Code (ISWC) is an internationally recognized identification code for musical works, similar to an ISBN for books. It is used to identify and track the use of musical works around the world and to ensure that writers and publishers of musical works receive the royalties they are due.

Difference Between An ISWC & ISRC

An ISWC (International Standard Musical Work Code) is a unique identifier for a musical work, while an ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) is a unique identifier for a recorded sound or video. ISWCs are used to identify musical works, such as compositions, musical arrangements, and songs, while ISRCs are used to identify sound recordings and music videos.

What Is An Example Of An ISRC Code

ISRC codes are always 12 characters long, in the form “CC-XXX-YY-NNNNN”. The hyphens are not part of the ISRC code itself, but codes are often presented that way in print to make them easier to read. 

  • “CC” is the appropriate two-character country code for the ISRC issuer.
  • “XXX” is a three-character alphanumeric registrant code of the ISRC issuer.
  • “YY” represent the last two digits of the reference year – the year that the ISRC was assigned to the recording. 
  • “NNNNN” is a 5-digit number that identifies the particular sound or video recording, unique within the scope of the reference year.

A recording of the song “Crazy Eyes” by American duo Daryl Hall & John Oates has been allocated the ISRC code USRC17607839:

US for the United States

RC1 for RCA

76 for 1976

07839 as the unique id identifying this particular recording

What Happens If You Don’t Have An ISRC?

If you don’t have an ISRC, you will not be able to register your music with digital music services or collect royalties for your music. An ISRC is a unique identifier that is used to track and identify music recordings, and without it, you will not be able to properly register your music with digital music services.

Are ISRC Codes Necessary For A Cover Or A Remix?

Doesn’t matter, you still need a code for them. They might be recordings of an existing song but the recordings themselves are new and unique. So, they’ll need a unique ISRC.

Once a code is encoded, it should never be changed, even if the rights to the recording are transferred to a new owner. There is only ever one ISRC code for every song.

The encoding is usually left to either mastering engineers to do, record label staff, digital distributors, or CD manufacturers. You shouldn’t have to worry about doing the encoding yourself. You will, however, in most cases have to get the code yourself.

How Much Does An ISRC Cost?

The cost of an International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) varies depending on the country in which the code is being issued. Generally, the cost ranges from $0.50 to $2.00 per code.

Closing Thoughts

ISRC codes are vital as it allows distributors and broadcasters to do their jobs correctly. It also ensures you get paid! You will also need an ISRC for anything such as podcasts and audiobooks, so make sure you follow the same process.  


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