What is an ISRC Code?
ISRC stands for International Standard Recording Code. It is a unique 12-character identifier assigned to each individual music recording. Think of it like a fingerprint or Aadhaar number for your song.
Example ISRC format: Country Code · Registrant · Year · Designation
Every platform — Spotify, JioSaavn, Apple Music, Gaana, YouTube Music — requires an ISRC code before they will accept your track. Without it, your music simply cannot be distributed.
ISRC vs UPC: What's the Difference?
ISRC Code
Assigned to each individual track. If your single has 3 songs, each gets its own ISRC.
UPC Barcode
Assigned to the release (album or single) as a whole. One UPC per release, regardless of track count.
Western Beats gives you both — a free ISRC for every track and a free UPC for every release.
How to Get a Free ISRC Code in India
There are two main ways to get an ISRC code in India:
Option 1: Through Western Beats (Free, Instant)
When you submit a song through Western Beats, we automatically assign a unique ISRC code to every track at zero cost. You don't need to apply anywhere or fill any forms. The ISRC is generated and embedded in your release automatically.
Option 2: Apply Directly to PPL India (Complex, Fees Apply)
You can apply for ISRC codes directly through PPL India (Phonographic Performance Limited). However, this requires becoming a PPL member (fees: ₹5,000–₹50,000 depending on category), submitting documentation, and waiting for approval. Not recommended for independent artists when a free alternative exists.
Step-by-Step: Get Your Free ISRC via Western Beats
Sign up free
Create a free account at westernbeats.com/sign-up. Just your email — verified instantly via OTP.
Go to Submit
Navigate to westernbeats.com/submit. Fill in your release details: song title, artist name, genre, language, release date.
Upload your track
Upload your audio file (WAV or MP3, minimum 320kbps) and cover art (3000×3000px, JPG or PNG).
ISRC assigned automatically
Western Beats assigns a unique ISRC code to your track. You receive it in your confirmation email within 24 hours.
Go live in 72 hours
Your song — with its ISRC embedded — goes live on JioSaavn, Gaana, Spotify, Apple Music and 150+ platforms.
Why ISRC Codes Matter for Your Royalties
ISRC codes are how streaming platforms track your streams and calculate your royalties. If your song is on JioSaavn without an ISRC, the plays may not be attributed to you correctly. A missing or incorrect ISRC can mean lost royalties — money that gets unclaimed and stays with the platform.
Western Beats ensures every track gets a correctly formatted ISRC before going live, protecting your royalty earnings from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ISRC code?
An ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) is a 12-character unique identifier for each music recording. Required by all streaming platforms to track streams and pay royalties.
How do I get a free ISRC code in India?
Submit your song through Western Beats. We assign a free ISRC to every track automatically — no forms, no fees, no waiting.
Do I need a separate ISRC for every song?
Yes. Each track needs its own unique ISRC. Western Beats assigns free ISRCs to every track in your release.
What is a UPC barcode for music?
UPC is assigned to the release as a whole (album or single), while ISRC is per track. Both are required and both are free with Western Beats.