I distribute through Distrokid. I have an ISRC. I seem to not have ISWC. What is it? Is it normal to not have it?
Table of Contents
ISRC: What You Have
- ISRC (International Standard Recording Code):
This is a unique code that identifies a particular recording (the audio file or track) of a song. Every time a song is recorded, be it a studio version, live performance, cover, or remix, it receives a new ISRC. - Music distributors and ISRCs:
Music distributors, like Distrokid, automatically assigns an ISRC to each track you upload. This is essential for tracking streams, sales, and ensuring artists get paid for each specific recording.
ISWC: What You Don’t Have (Yet)
- ISWC (International Standard Musical Work Code):
This is a unique, permanent code that identifies the composition itself, the underlying music and/or lyrics, regardless of who records or performs it. Each song as a composition gets one ISWC, no matter how many different versions or recordings exist. - How ISWC is Different:
- Tracks the writing and publishing of a song (not the recording).
- Used by publishers and collecting societies to ensure songwriters and composers receive royalties for their work, regardless of who performs it.
Why You Don’t Have an ISWC (Through Music Distributors)
- Normal for Distributors:
Distributors like DistroKid assign ISRCs only. They do not assign ISWCs. - How to Get an ISWC:
You only receive an ISWC when you register your composition with a Performing Rights Organization (PRO) like ASCAP, BMI, SESAC (in the US), IMRO, or similar organizations internationally. After registration, your song as a composition is issued an ISWC. - Distribution Without ISWC:
It’s normal to distribute music without an ISWC if you haven’t yet registered the composition with a PRO. The lack of an ISWC does not prevent distribution or streaming of your track, but it can delay proper royalty payouts for songwriting and publishing if your works aren’t registered.
Summary Table
| Code | What It Tracks | How You Get It | Assigned By | Needed For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISRC | An individual recording | Upload through distributor (e.g., DistroKid) | Distributor | Streaming, sales, recording royalties |
| ISWC | The musical composition | Register song with your PRO | Your PRO (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, IMRO, etc.) | Songwriting/publishing royalties |
What To Do Next
- If you want to collect all possible royalties:
- Register as a songwriter/composer with a PRO.
- Register your songs with the PRO so they’re assigned an ISWC.
- If you’re only releasing tracks as an artist (not the songwriter):
- Having just an ISRC is usually sufficient for performer and artist royalties.
Key Takeaway
It is completely normal to have an ISRC but not an ISWC solely through music distributors. To get an ISWC, you need to register your composition with a PRO. The ISWC represents your song as a piece of intellectual property, not as an audio recording.
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