UPC vs ISRC
- UPC identifies the release product
- ISRC identifies each recording
- A multi-track album can have one UPC and many ISRCs
- Both should be stored with release metadata
Glossary
What is a UPC in music?
A UPC is a product identifier for a music release. In distribution, it usually identifies the single, EP, or album as a release product rather than one individual recording.
Operational notes
- Distributors often assign UPCs
- Keep UPCs connected to release records
- Use UPCs consistently in reports and assets
FAQs
Common questions
Does every song need a UPC?
The release product needs a UPC. Individual tracks usually need ISRC codes.
Who provides the UPC for a music release?
Many distributors provide UPCs during release setup, but labels may also manage their own codes.