Previously released music, ISRCs and UPCs
An ISRC identifies a single recording, and a UPC identifies a release. You don't need either to release new music: we assign them for free when your release is approved. If a track is already out somewhere, mark it Previously released and enter its existing ISRC so its streams stay linked.
What ISRCs and UPCs are
- ISRC (International Standard Recording Code): one per recording, for example
QT8JA2500001. Stores use it to count streams and connect the same recording across releases. A recording keeps the same ISRC wherever it appears. - UPC (Universal Product Code): one per release, a 12- or 13-digit barcode number. It identifies the single, EP or album as a product.
New music
Leave each track set to New recording. When your release is approved, we assign an ISRC to every track that doesn't have one, and a UPC to the release. You'll see them on the release page afterwards.
An ISRC we assigned shows as locked in the builder: "Assigned by us and registered to this recording."
Music that's already out
If a track was released before, with us or anywhere else, use its existing ISRC.
- Open the track in the builder.
- Under Previously released, choose Previously released.
- Enter the ISRC in the ISRC field.
If the recording is already on AMM Distro, click Or reuse a recording already on the platform instead. See Single, EP or album? for how this works.
A previously released track can't be approved without its ISRC.
Where to find your ISRC
- Your old distributor's dashboard usually lists the ISRC for each track.
- In Spotify for Artists or Apple Music for Artists, look at the song's details.
ISRC format
An ISRC is 12 characters: 2 letters for the country, 3 letters or numbers for the registrant, then 7 digits. You can type it with or without hyphens. If it doesn't fit this format, you'll see "Invalid ISRC format."
Moving a whole release from another distributor
Use Catalog Transfer. It copies the ISRCs, the UPC and the original release date for you and marks the tracks as previously released. See Move your catalog from another distributor.
When an ISRC is locked
If an ISRC has already been delivered to stores, the recording's details, credits and audio are locked: "This ISRC is already distributed. Recording metadata, credits, and masters are locked so every product stays identical." This keeps the same recording identical on every release it appears on.
Common questions
Can I use my own UPC?
The builder doesn't have a UPC field for new releases. If you're moving a release from another distributor, Catalog Transfer keeps its UPC.
Does the ISRC change if I put a single on an album?
No. Reuse the recording on the album so it keeps the same ISRC and its streams stay together.
Is a sped-up or remixed version the same ISRC?
No. A different version is a different recording, so it needs its own ISRC. Leave it as New recording and we'll assign one.
I entered the wrong ISRC.
Fix it in the builder before you submit. If it's locked, send us a message from the chat on this page, or email team@ammdistro.com.
Related: Move your catalog from another distributor · Single, EP or album? · Audio requirements · Check and submit your release
Updated on: 23/10/2026
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