Music Distribution
Plan the number of tracks you'll release and ensure you have enough ISRC codes within budget.
Manage the inventory and cost of ISRC codes needed for your upcoming distribution releases.
ISDR (International Standard Recording Number) codes are unique identifiers for sound recordings, similar to ISBNs for books. These codes enable accurate tracking and monetization of recordings across streaming platforms, music databases, and distribution networks globally. Proper ISDR code management ensures your recordings receive correct royalty payments, are properly registered for rights management, and can be efficiently tracked across multiple sales channels and territories. Managing multiple recordings requires systematic ISDR organization to prevent duplicates and attribution errors.
When you register an ISDR code, your recording gets assigned a unique identifier that connects to metadata including artist, title, duration, and recording date. The code allows distributors, streaming services, and collecting societies to properly identify and track your music. Your ISDR code links to your recording in international databases, enabling royalty tracking across platforms. The calculator helps estimate storage needs and organization costs for managing your recording catalog.
Catalog Management Cost = (Number of Recordings × Cost per ISDR) + (Annual Maintenance Fee) + (Database Storage × Storage Rate). For larger catalogs, per-unit costs typically decrease. Annual fees account for database updates, rights management, and distribution to collecting societies.
ISDR codes identify sound recordings, while ISWC codes identify musical compositions. A song needs both: an ISWC for the written music and lyrics, and an ISDR for the specific recording. Multiple artists can record the same composition, each needing their own ISDR.
ISDR codes are typically assigned within 24-48 hours through registration bodies like Gracenote or your distributor. Many music distributors automatically generate ISDR codes during upload. However, international database propagation may take 2-4 weeks.
ISDR codes are permanent and cannot be changed. If you make significant changes to a recording (re-recording, major remix), you should register a new ISDR code. This prevents confusion and ensures each version receives proper tracking and royalties.
No, the same ISDR code applies across all formats of the same recording (MP3, WAV, FLAC, vinyl). However, different mixes, remixes, or mastering variations should each have their own ISDR codes for accurate tracking.
