SoundExchange and IFPI Announce Immediate Online Registration for ISRCs
This move will streamline how rights holders can claim royalties from digital performance revenue
SoundExchange, the nonprofit overseeing the distribution of digital performance royalties, and the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) have announced an update that will make it much easier for sound recording rightsholders to get paid. Rightsholders will be able to attach an International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) to a recording through immediate online registration.
How it works:
The service is not yet available, but according to a press release, "the automated ISRC assignment capability will be made available through IFPI‑authorized channels."
SoundExchange operates the ISRC assignment system.
SoundExchange maintains the world's largest ISRC database, ensuring every recording has a unique code.
The ISRCs are then available in a public database.
Why it matters:
ISRCs are a primary method for tracking digital performance royalties throughout the industry.
Major channels such as radio and Spotify deliver royalties to SoundExchange based on ISRCs. When a song is played through these platforms, the payment sent to SoundExchange is attached to the associated ISRC, and the rights holder of that recording then claims royalties from SoundExchange.
By streamlining the process of attaching an ISRC to a recording, rightsholders will be able to access their royalties more easily.
This is especially beneficial to independent labels and artists who do not have an in-house infrastructure for tracking royalty payments.
What they said:
Michael Huppe, President and CEO of SoundExchange: "Reliable, standardized identification is foundational to a fair and efficient music industry. 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."
Victoria Oakley, CEO of IFPI: "For the global recording industry, accurate and timely identification of sound recordings is critical. 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."
👋 Disclosures & Transparency Block
This article was written from a press release provided by SoundExchange.
We covered it because this update can have a significant effect on royalty distribution in the music industry.
