The short answer
ISRC = recording. UPC = release.
One song recording has an ISRC. A single, EP or album release has a UPC. If you move the exact same recording to another distributor, the original ISRC should normally stay with that recording. A distributor may assign a new UPC to the new release package.
What is an ISRC?
ISRC stands for International Standard Recording Code. The international ISRC authority describes it as a unique and permanent identifier for sound recordings and music videos. It identifies the recording itself rather than the composition, songwriter, performer or album product.
Think of it as the fingerprint of one specific recorded version of a song. A studio recording, a live recording and a substantially different remix are separate recordings and may need separate identifiers.
Official reference: International ISRC Registration Authority.
What is a UPC?
UPC stands for Universal Product Code. In digital distribution, it identifies the release product rather than an individual track. A one-track single can have one UPC and one ISRC; an album has one UPC for the album while every track has its own ISRC.
DistroKid currently generates a unique UPC automatically each time you upload a release. Its help center notes that DistroKid-issued UPCs are intended for digital distribution within DistroKid.
Official reference: DistroKid: What is a UPC?.
ISRC vs UPC at a glance
ISRC: identifies one specific sound recording or music video.
UPC: identifies the release package, such as a single, EP or album.
One album: normally one UPC, but a separate ISRC for every track.
Same recording moved to another distributor: retain the existing ISRC where possible.
New recording or substantially different version: evaluate whether a new ISRC is required.
Does DistroKid give you ISRCs?
Yes. DistroKid says it automatically generates a unique ISRC for every song you upload when that recording does not already have one. The assignment is free and automatic.
If a recording already has an ISRC, you should not create a new identity for the same recording just because you are changing distributors. DistroKid allows Musician Plus and Ultimate subscribers to enter an existing ISRC during upload.
Official reference: DistroKid: UPC and ISRC requirements.
When should you keep the same ISRC?
The ISRC authority says an existing ISRC should be retained for the same recording even when the recording is used across different releases, formats, countries or licensing arrangements. DistroKid gives similar guidance: an ISRC identifies a recording throughout its life and should remain the same despite changes in distributor, ownership or file type.
A common example is moving an already released single from one distributor to another. If the audio is the same recording, use the existing ISRC rather than treating it as a brand-new recording.
Official reference: ISRC guidance on when not to assign a new code.
What if the single later appears on an album?
If the album uses the same previously released recording, the track should generally retain its existing ISRC. The album itself can have a different UPC because it is a different release product.
This is one of the clearest examples of why ISRC and UPC are not interchangeable: the track identity can stay the same while the product containing that track changes.
When might a new ISRC be needed?
A genuinely different recording needs its own identity. That can include a new live performance, a newly recorded version or another version that is materially different from the original recording. Remastering can be more nuanced, so check the current ISRC guidance before assigning a new code solely because a master was changed.
Do not reuse an old ISRC for a completely different recording. Once an ISRC has been assigned, the international authority says it must not be recycled for another recording.
Can you bring an existing ISRC to DistroKid?
Yes, on DistroKid's Musician Plus or Ultimate plans. The upload form includes an option for an existing ISRC. DistroKid does not currently allow you to enter an outside UPC for a new DistroKid upload; it generates a new DistroKid UPC for the release.
Official reference: DistroKid: using existing ISRCs or UPCs.
A simple catalog habit that prevents future problems
Keep a spreadsheet or release log with the artist name, song title, version, ISRC, release title, UPC, distributor and release date. Save those identifiers as soon as the distributor assigns them.
This becomes especially useful when you move distributors, compile singles into an album, investigate duplicate artist pages or need to match an older recording.
ISRC vs UPC 2026 FAQ
What does an ISRC identify? An ISRC identifies a specific sound recording or music video rather than the release package as a whole.
What does a UPC identify? A UPC or equivalent release barcode identifies the single, EP or album package.
Should the same recording keep the same ISRC when changing distributors? Yes, when it is genuinely the same recording and you are re-delivering it.
Can the same track on a single and album use the same ISRC? Yes, when the recording itself is unchanged even though the surrounding release package is different.
Need a distributor?
DistroKid can generate the identifiers for a new release automatically.
For a brand-new recording, you do not need to buy an ISRC or UPC before uploading to DistroKid. If you are migrating existing recordings, preserve the original ISRC information before you start.
If you sign up through the DistroKid link above, you can receive 7% off your first year and Indie Artist Stack may earn a referral reward at no extra cost to you.