An ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) is a unique identifier assigned to an individual track or recording. Unlike UPCs, an ISRC never changes. It stays with that specific recording forever, regardless of how many times it's included in different releases (singles, EPs, albums). All streaming data, sales data, and royalty calculations for that specific recording are tied to its ISRC. This permanence of the ISRC is what allows momentum to compound across different releases in the Waterfall Strategy.
Step 2 of 10 in this module#172 of 1,000
2. Understanding ISRCs: The Track Identifier
Part 2 • Technical Execution of the Waterfall Strategy (UPC/ISRC)
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In this module: Technical Execution of the Waterfall Strategy (UPC/ISRC)10 steps
- 1Understanding UPCs: The Release Identifier
- 2Understanding ISRCs: The Track Identifier
- 3The Technical Sequence: Release 1 (Single)
- 4The Technical Sequence: Release 2 (2-Track EP)
- 5The Technical Sequence: Subsequent Releases
- 6Why Using the Same ISRC is Non-Negotiable
- 7Communicating with Your Distributor
- 8Verifying ISRC Assignment in Spotify for Artists
- 9The Appearance on Spotify: "Appears On"
- 10Your Actionable ISRC/UPC Checklist
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