SoundExchange and IFPI have introduced a new capability that automatically assigns International Standard Recording Codes (ISRCs) to individual recordings.
The functionality allows an ISRC to be assigned to a recording via an immediate online registration.
It is designed to reduce administrative steps for small labels and self-releasing artists that do not own and manage large catalogs, the two organizations said on Tuesday (June 2).
SoundExchange and IFPI said the new process helps ensure that all recordings are properly identified from the start.
IFPI‘s automatic ISRC assignment system is operated by SoundExchange, which the two organizations say maintains the world’s largest ISRC database.
The new process first checks within that dataset to avoid assigning multiple ISRCs to a single recording.
“By developing the infrastructure necessary to support automated assignment of ISRCs for IFPI, we’re helping to reduce friction and focus on getting music to market with confidence.”
Michael Huppe, SoundExchange
Once a code is assigned, it is registered into the database, which SoundExchange makes accessible via a public-facing search page.
“Reliable, standardized identification is foundational to a fair and efficient music industry,” said Michael Huppe, President and CEO of SoundExchange.
“By developing the infrastructure necessary to support automated assignment of ISRCs for IFPI, we’re helping to reduce friction and focus on getting music to market with confidence.”
An ISRC uniquely and permanently identifies an individual sound recording or music video.
An ISRC stays with a recording as a fixed point of reference across services, formats and borders, and under different licensing deals.
It identifies the recording itself rather than the underlying song, so an original track, a remix and a remaster each carry their own ISRC.
Each code comprises 12 alphanumeric characters, and the codes are used across the industry to track usage, reporting and rights management.
The new capability complements the established route for obtaining an ISRC.
Under that system, IFPI oversees the ISRC standard worldwide and works through national agencies, with the RIAA administering it in the United States.
A national agency issues a unique five-character ISRC prefix code to a record company or other rights owner.
The rights owner then assigns an ISRC to each recording, adding a two-digit year of reference and a unique five-digit designation code under that prefix.
The result is a 12-character code that permanently identifies that specific recording.
“This new capability streamlines the ISRC assignment process while maintaining the integrity of the standard.”
Victoria Oakley, IFPI
Platforms and distributors can instead be appointed as ISRC managers, assigning codes to the recordings they handle on rights owners’ behalf.
By automating key parts of the assignment process, the capability supports more consistent metadata practices and reduces the delays and errors that can occur with manual workflows, according to SoundExchange and IFPI.
“For the global recording industry, accurate and timely identification of sound recordings is critical,” said Victoria Oakley, CEO of IFPI.
“This new capability streamlines the ISRC assignment process while maintaining the integrity of the standard, and we are pleased to partner with SoundExchange to deliver a practical, technology-driven solution for the industry.”
The capability builds on a relationship between the two organizations dating back to 2016, when they launched a public search site for the global ISRC database.
At the time, the site made data on nearly 20 million recordings publicly accessible for the first time.
The International ISRC Database now holds more than 150 million unique codes, according to IFPI.
IFPI manages the ISRC system globally under an appointment from the International Organization for Standardization, and selected SoundExchange to power the underlying database.
SoundExchange is the sole organization designated by the US government to administer the Section 114 sound recording license, collecting digital performance royalties from platforms including Pandora, SiriusXM and iHeartRadio.
The organization says it has collected and distributed more than $13 billion in digital performance royalties to more than 800,000 music creators.
SoundExchange has also expanded its network of international agreements with collective management organizations in recent months.
IFPI represents more than 8,000 record companies worldwide, and reported that global recorded music revenues reached $31.7 billion in 2025.
The automated ISRC assignment capability will be made available through IFPI-authorized channels, supported by SoundExchange‘s platform.Music Business Worldwide
