In plain English

An ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) is a unique identifier assigned to each sound recording. An ISNI (International Standard Name Identifier) identifies artists and rights-holders. These codes are essential for accurate royalty attribution across streaming platforms and collection societies. Labels and distributors are responsible for assigning and registering these codes.

Why it matters

Without ISRC codes, recordings cannot be tracked accurately across streaming platforms and collection society systems. Missing or incorrect codes mean royalties get paid to the wrong entity or not at all. Artists should confirm their label's ISRC registration process.

Where it can land

The same clause is drafted three ways. These are the positions we see, worst first, so you can tell at a glance which one is in front of you.

Read next

• Neighboring RightsRoyalties paid to performers and record labels when recordings are played on radio, TV, or in public.
• Streaming RoyaltiesHow your share of streaming revenue is calculated, typically a small fraction of what platforms pay the label.
• Accounting PeriodsHow often the label calculates and pays royalties, and how long they have after each period to actually pay.
• Audit RightsYour right to inspect the label's financial records to verify royalty calculations are correct.