What Is an ISRC? (International Standard Recording Code)

What Is an ISRC?

An ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) is a 12-character alphanumeric code that uniquely identifies a specific recorded track. It is the global standard for recording identification — used by streaming platforms, digital distributors, collection societies, and physical media manufacturers to track plays, attribute royalties, and identify recordings across systems.

The ISRC format is: CC-XXX-YY-NNNNN

• CC — 2-letter country code (e.g., QZ for international registrants)
• XXX — 3-character registrant code assigned to the label or distributor
• YY — 2-digit year of registration
• NNNNN — 5-digit sequential designation for the specific recording

Why Does an ISRC Matter?

Every time your track is streamed, downloaded, broadcast, or synced in a film, the ISRC is the identifier that tells the system which recording it is. Without an ISRC, your track cannot be properly tracked for royalty purposes across DSPs (Digital Service Providers) like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal.

ISRCs also enable:

• Duplicate identification — preventing the same track from being counted as multiple different recordings
• Performance royalty collection — your PRO (ASCAP, BMI, SOCAN) uses ISRCs to match plays to payable performances
• Neighboring rights — master recording rights royalties from SoundExchange (US) and equivalent bodies internationally
• Digital watermarking and verification — confirming originality and preventing fraud in distribution

Leerecs ISRC Prefix: QZAQQ

Leerecs assigns ISRCs to tracks released directly on the platform under the registrant prefix QZAQQ. For example, the debut album Vesica Piscis by One Yen carries ISRCs from QZAQQ2600001 through QZAQQ2600013 — one per track, registered in 2026 under the Leerecs registrant code.

This means that every track released on Leerecs with a Leerecs-assigned ISRC is uniquely identified in the global recording registry and can be tracked for royalty purposes worldwide.

How to Get an ISRC for Your Track

There are three ways to obtain an ISRC:

1. Through your distributor — Most digital distributors (DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby) assign ISRCs automatically during distribution. These are valid and permanent.
2. Through a platform like Leerecs — Leerecs assigns ISRCs directly to tracks released through the platform under the QZAQQ prefix.
3. Directly from your national ISRC agency — In the US, this is the RIAA. You can apply for your own registrant code if you are a label or prolific independent artist.

ISRC vs. UPC — What's the Difference?

An ISRC identifies a recording (a specific track). A UPC (Universal Product Code) identifies a product (an album, EP, or single release). Both codes are required for full digital and physical distribution. See our guide: What Is a UPC for Music?