What Is an ISRC Code and Do I Need One in Nigeria? | Help Center
Everything Nigerian artists need to know about ISRC codes — what they are, why they matter, and how ORB Entertainment generates them for you automatically.
If you're distributing music for the first time, you may have come across the term "ISRC code." Here's everything you need to know.
## What Is an ISRC Code?
ISRC stands for **International Standard Recording Code**. It's a unique 12-character identifier assigned to each individual sound recording. Think of it like a serial number for your song.
## Why Do ISRC Codes Matter?
1. **Tracking streams** — ISRC codes allow streaming platforms to track plays of your specific recording across all platforms
2. **Collecting royalties** — Performance rights organizations use ISRCs to ensure you get paid
3. **Avoiding duplicates** — If the same song is on multiple platforms, the ISRC ensures they're recognized as the same recording
4. **Industry standard** — All professional releases have ISRC codes
## Do I Need to Get My Own ISRC Code?
**No!** When you distribute through ORB Entertainment, we automatically generate ISRC codes for every track in your release. You don't need to purchase or register them separately.
## What If I Already Have an ISRC Code?
If you're transferring music from another distributor and your tracks already have ISRC codes, you should keep the original codes. This ensures your stream counts carry over.
## What About UPC/EAN Codes?
A **UPC (Universal Product Code)** or **EAN** is similar to an ISRC but applies to the entire release rather than individual tracks. ORB Entertainment also generates these automatically.
## Summary
| Code | Applied To | Generated By ORB? |
|------|-----------|-------------------|
| ISRC | Each track | Yes, automatically |
| UPC/EAN | Each release | Yes, automatically |
Don't worry about the technical details — ORB Entertainment handles it all for you.
