ISRC Finder
Find the ISRC code for any song, or look up what recording an ISRC belongs to. Powered by the MusicBrainz open music database.
Search by Artist & Title
Enter at least one field to search the MusicBrainz database
Find the ISRC for any recording
Enter an artist name and/or song title to search the MusicBrainz catalog for ISRC codes.
Data from MusicBrainz · open music encyclopedia · results may not include every recording
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How the ISRC Finder Works
This tool searches the MusicBrainz database — the world's largest open music encyclopedia — to find ISRC codes associated with recordings. It supports two lookup modes:
Find ISRC: Search by Artist & Title
Enter an artist name and/or song title to search for matching recordings. The tool returns all known ISRC codes, along with release information, duration, and country of registration. Use this when you need the ISRC for a specific song.
Lookup ISRC: Reverse Search by Code
Paste a 12-character ISRC code to find out which recording it belongs to. The tool returns the song title, artist, duration, and all associated releases. Use this to verify ISRC codes or identify unknown recordings.
Copy & Use
Click the "Copy" button next to any ISRC code to copy it to your clipboard. Use it for distribution, royalty claims, copyright registration, or metadata verification.
What is an ISRC Code?
The International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) is a unique 12-character identifier assigned to every distinct sound recording and music video worldwide. Managed by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), the ISRC system has been the global standard for identifying recordings since 1986.
Every time a song is played on a streaming platform, broadcast on radio, or used in a sync license, the ISRC is what links that play back to the correct rights holders for royalty payments. Without an ISRC, it becomes difficult — if not impossible — to properly track and monetize a recording.
ISRC Code Format Explained
Every ISRC follows the same 12-character structure. Here's how to read one:
| Segment | Characters | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Country Code | 2 letters | US | Where the ISRC was assigned |
| Registrant | 3 chars | UM7 | Label or distributor code |
| Year | 2 digits | 17 | Year of registration |
| Designation | 5 digits | 00626 | Unique recording number |
| Full ISRC | 12 total | USUM71700626 | Kendrick Lamar — HUMBLE. |
When Do You Need an ISRC Code?
Distributing to Streaming Platforms
Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, and every major streaming service require an ISRC for each track. Your distributor (DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby) typically assigns one automatically.
Collecting Royalties
Performance rights organizations (PROs) and mechanical rights societies use ISRCs to track plays and calculate royalty payments. Without a proper ISRC, plays may not be attributed correctly to your account.
Copyright Registration
When registering a sound recording copyright (SR copyright in the US), including the ISRC creates a clear, globally recognized link between the copyright registration and the specific recording.
Content ID & Sync Licensing
YouTube Content ID, Shazam, and sync licensing databases all use ISRCs to match audio. Having your ISRC properly registered ensures your music is identified when it appears in videos, ads, films, and TV shows.
ISRC vs Other Music Codes
| Code | Identifies | Used For | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISRC | Sound recording | Streaming, royalties, radio tracking | USUM71700626 |
| UPC/EAN | Product (album/EP/single) | Retail, store listings, distribution | 602557592788 |
| ISWC | Musical composition | Publishing, songwriter royalties | T-070.237.057-6 |
| IPI | Person/organization | Rights holder identification | 00521865457 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ISRC code?
An ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) is a 12-character alphanumeric code that uniquely identifies a sound recording or music video. It follows the format CC-XXX-YY-NNNNN, where CC is a 2-letter country code, XXX is a 3-character registrant code, YY is a 2-digit year, and NNNNN is a 5-digit designation code. ISRCs are used worldwide to track recordings across streaming platforms, radio play, and royalty distribution.
How do I find the ISRC code for my song?
If you distributed your song through a distributor like DistroKid, TuneCore, or CD Baby, they assign an ISRC code automatically — check your distributor dashboard. For songs by other artists, use this free ISRC finder tool to search by artist name and song title. You can also find ISRCs in streaming platform metadata (Spotify, Apple Music) or through your record label.
Do I need an ISRC code to release music?
Yes, an ISRC code is required to distribute music on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Tidal. Most digital distributors (DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, Ditto) will assign an ISRC automatically when you upload a track. If you manufacture physical media (CDs, vinyl), you may need to register for ISRCs directly through your national ISRC agency.
Can the same song have multiple ISRC codes?
Yes. Each unique recording gets its own ISRC. So a remaster, remix, live version, or re-recording of the same song will each have a different ISRC code. However, the same exact recording should keep the same ISRC even when it appears on different albums or compilations.
What is the difference between ISRC and UPC codes?
An ISRC identifies an individual sound recording (a single track), while a UPC (Universal Product Code) or EAN identifies a product or release (an album, EP, or single as a whole). One album with 10 tracks would have 1 UPC and 10 ISRCs. Distributors and streaming platforms use both: the UPC for the release and ISRCs for each track within it.
Is this ISRC finder tool really free?
Yes, this tool is completely free with no signup required. It searches the MusicBrainz open music database, which is a community-maintained encyclopedia of music metadata. While MusicBrainz has millions of recordings, not every song may be listed — particularly very new or independent releases that haven't been added to the database yet.
How do I get an ISRC code for a new song?
The easiest way is through your digital distributor — DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, and others automatically assign ISRCs when you upload tracks. Alternatively, you can register directly with your national ISRC agency (in the US, that's USISRC via the Recording Industry Association of America). Independent artists in many countries can also register through local recording industry bodies.
Can I look up an ISRC code to find a song?
Yes! Use the "Lookup ISRC" tab in this tool. Paste any 12-character ISRC code, and the tool will return the song title, artist name, duration, and release information from the MusicBrainz database. This is useful for identifying unknown recordings, verifying metadata, or cross-referencing distribution records.
Why can't I find an ISRC for a song I know exists?
This tool uses the MusicBrainz open database, which — while extensive — doesn't contain every recording ever made. Very new releases, independent tracks, or recordings from certain regions may not yet be listed. Try searching with slight variations of the artist or title, or check your distributor's dashboard directly for ISRCs of your own music.
What does each part of an ISRC code mean?
An ISRC like USUM71700626 breaks down as: US = country (United States), UM7 = registrant code (Universal Music Group), 17 = year of registration (2017), 00626 = unique designation number. The country code identifies where the ISRC was assigned, not where the artist is from. The registrant code identifies the label or distributor that registered the recording.
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