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How to get an ISRC code in India (free, step by step)

An ISRC is the barcode of your recording. Here is what it does and how to get one in India without overpaying.

By Siby John, thirteen years inside the platforms that decide which music gets seen: Marketing Manager at YouTube India from 2022 to 2025, working with 400+ artists and labels, now Senior Creator Manager at LinkedIn. Reviewed 31 August 2026.
Short answer

An ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) uniquely identifies your specific recording so every stream, sale and radio play is counted and paid to you. In India, the easiest way to get one is free: your distributor assigns an ISRC automatically when you upload. If you want to issue your own, you register as a manager with IFPI's local agency. Never pay a reseller a per-code fee you do not need to.

What an ISRC actually is

An ISRC is a 12-character code (like IN-XY7-26-00001) attached to one recording. It follows that recording everywhere, so if you change distributor later, keeping the same ISRC means your stream counts and playlist adds carry over. A different mix or a remaster gets its own ISRC; the same master keeps one for life.

The easy way: let your distributor assign it (free)

For almost every independent artist this is the answer. When you upload a track, your distributor issues an ISRC at no extra cost. You do not need to apply anywhere. Check your release dashboard, the ISRC appears there, and note it down for your records.

The direct way: become your own ISRC manager

If you release at scale or want to control your own codes, you can register as an ISRC manager and be issued a registrant prefix, then generate your own ISRCs for every recording. In India this goes through IFPI's appointed national agency. This makes sense for labels and prolific artists, not for a first single.

Whatever route you take, keep a simple spreadsheet of every track and its ISRC. It is the backbone of getting paid correctly.

Do not pay a reseller

Some sites sell ISRCs individually at inflated prices. You rarely need this: your distributor's free codes are valid and permanent. Paying per code only makes sense in specific label workflows.

ISRC is for your recording. It is separate from your composition rights and IPRS registration, which cover the song itself. You need both handled.

Free to read, no sign-up. When you want a team on your releases, the programme is founder-led, one month to start, and never takes a cut of your music.
Last updated 2026-08-31. Free to read. Part of Answers by Indie Music India.