If you've ever distributed music, you've probably seen the term **UPC** — but what is it, and why does every release need one? Here's a simple explanation. ## What Is a UPC Code? A UPC (Universal Product Code) is a unique barcode that identifies an entire release — a single, EP, or album — across every store and streaming platform. Think of it as the ID number for your *release* as a product. This is different from an ISRC, which identifies each individual *track*. A release has one UPC, and each song within it has its own ISRC. ## Why Do You Need a UPC? - **Stores require it** — Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Audiomack use the UPC to catalog and track your release. - **Sales & chart tracking** — UPCs allow your sales and streams to be counted toward charts and analytics services. - **Royalty accounting** — Earnings are tied to the UPC so the right money reaches the right release. ## Do I Have to Buy a UPC? No. ORB Entertainment automatically generates a free UPC for every new release you distribute. You don't need to purchase one separately or register with a barcode agency. If you already have a UPC from a previous distributor, you can enter it manually to keep your release history consistent. ## UPC vs ISRC at a Glance | Code | Identifies | Example | |------|-----------|---------| | **UPC** | The whole release | One album = one UPC | | **ISRC** | A single track | Each song = its own ISRC | Every release you distribute through ORB gets both codes generated automatically — at no extra cost. Start distributing at orbentertainment.live/distribute.