The UPC Code for Music
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- Опубліковано 14 жов 2024
- The UPC Code for Music
The UPC Code (barcode) for music, is more important metadata that every Artist and music creator should understand. In today's video, you will learn what the UPC Code (barcode) means. You will also learn what the GTIN numbers stand for as well as how to generate and get your own UPC barcodes. This video will teach you who needs the barcodes, where the universal product codes are required and more! Click now to watch!
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I am a Music Business Professional with 31 years as a Music Publishing Administrator! I specialize in Copyright Administration and Music Business Consulting.
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Music metadata is very important for all music creators
Thank you so much Ms Watkins for your weekly videos. They are greatly appreciated.
You are so welcome! I feel my time coming to a close soon though. We'll see...
Thank I've always wanted someone explain this thoroughly thank you
You’re welcome! So happy it helped!
You are awesome, Mariea! Thank you for all of the knowledge you share. I reference your videos whenever I have music biz / distribution questions. : ) You have an amazing voice and elite communication skills. Hope you are well. Best to you and thanks, again.
Thank you so very much! How very thoughtful of you. I sincerely appreciate it… You’re welcome.
Hello Maria, I love your videos and have subscribed! Regarding UPC codes: I know that when I upload an album to Distrokid that they automatically generate a UPC code, If I am also making physical copies of that same album(Vinyl) do I have the record manufacturer generate a 2nd UPC code for that purpose? If you could clarify I would really appreciate it. Thanks!
Thanks so much for your support! Once you get a UPC code, use the same number for the physical version. You'll need to generate the barcode artwork for the vinyl copy though.
Thank you for this. You touched on something that I'm still not completely clear on.
Do I need to/or is it recommended to get a completely separate bar code (UPC) for different formats of the same music album? Such a distinct barcode for the digital release, another for the Physical C.D, and another for the Vinyl release?
Also, does the vinyl record release differ in any way from the others in terms of the individual ISRC codes (for individual songs) since it is basically all one track on a vinyl record?
Thanks in advance, this is all so confusing..haha
No... go back and listen to 00:13 - :23 again. As far as ISRC goes, if you have different versions of the same song such as a remix, an extended version etc. you should give them a different ISRC code that way the difference in the versions can be tracked
very helpful! i subscribed! CD baby makes us pay $5 per upc code so this cuts down each release price. I subscribed
So glad it helped! Thanks for watching!
Thank you as always. Should we "own" our UPC codes? Is that something you advise? If so why? As in go to buy our own from GS1, and writing who owns it so that literature can be tracked to the artist or the artist's LLC? Or is it okay to just use the UPC/ISRC codes given by the digital distributor?
Yes it’s ok to use a distributor to assign a code. If you want to assign your numbers and manage that then get your own. Either way, they work the same.
@@TheMusicBusinessMadeEasy
Thank you very much for this information. Bless you. So the key is to save our UPC and IRSC codes even if a distributor provided it to us. Tunecore is my distributor and they offer to provide the codes but then it is not bad to receive the codes from them only we have to write the codes down if we decide to change distributor in time?
@@plinioherrera13 yes you should create a spreadsheet with all of your metadata for your songs.
@@TheMusicBusinessMadeEasy Thank you very much and bless you. Already subscribed.
@@plinioherrera13 you’re welcome! 🤗
Hello , As far as I understand it, when I upload my single to a Digital Distributor a UPC code will be automatically generated . I am wondering
if later when I upload my full album which contains the previously released single if a 2nd UPC will be generated,
resulting in 2 UPC codes for one song? If so does it matter which UPC code I use when filling out song registration
forms for Sound Exchange and other collection agencies? And when I go to make Physical CD's do you recommend that I use the one created by my Digital Distributor OR create a new one via GS1 - I also tried to get your 22 things to do and was told to verify and did not receive any email from you (i did this a few week ago) I would still really appreciate it ! - Thanks!
Backwards: Email-you needed to verify that you wanted to receive the mail (requirement) Check your spam if you verified the email. If you still didn't get it let me know.
UPC - uploading a single, yes you'll get a upc for the single
Uploading an album, you'll get a upc for the album (which includes all of the songs)
Registering with SoundExchange - if you registered the single, you won't need to re-register with the album, just register the other songs from the album.
CD - use the number assigned to the digital product.
Hi. I had few questions about ISWC codes. From what I know, they can only be issued by ascap, but I wanted to know 1st if my publisher have to apply for it, or if ascap will automatically issue it if they see that I am registering more than 1 version of a song.
2nd I wanted to know if it is something I would need even if I am not sharing any ownership with other artists on all my works. Thank you
Hi, no one has to apply for it. Once your songs are registered they are automatically assigned after the PRO receives the information. It's assigned to the song. Another version of a song once registered will receive it's own ISWC number as well. I did a video on the ISWC. Here's the link: ua-cam.com/video/oxnxvAfRX-8/v-deo.html
@@TheMusicBusinessMadeEasy thank you so much
@@ussoccerrisingstars317 you're welcome!
Thank you, Mariea!
If my digital distributor assigns a UPC Code, will it be properly tracked for sales, meaning will it effect royalties at all? and how does that affect ownership over my product?
If it's a digital album there will be a UPC for the album and the individual tracks if you release them separately as well.. A physical CD will be one UPC code. Your distributor assigning UPC codes, does not affect the tracking of your royalties nor your ownership. You need to register your project in the proper places in order to receive the royalties you are owed. Download my free checklist on my website to know what those are. musicbusinessmadeeasy.com
@@TheMusicBusinessMadeEasy oh God bless, thank you! i actually am going through your Checklist now it is very helpful and I appreciate you giving this information!
@@1kbeauty233 You're welcome! I'm glad you got it. God bless you on your journey!
Charles Fields you’re welcome!
Hello Ms. Watkins! Question for clarity... If I release a single and decide to purchase my own ISRC codes instead of allowing the distributor to assign me one, would I need to purchase and assign the UPC code per single also? Are both needed?
Yes to both questions.
@@TheMusicBusinessMadeEasy thank you! You do this with such grace and integrity! Just amazing and extremely professional! I just followed you and I value all your information. I hope you continue to be protected because you are definitely an MVP in this business of music!
@@danithepen your words have blessed me today! Thank you so much. Keep watching. There are a lot of videos here to help you! God bless! 🤗
@@TheMusicBusinessMadeEasyit's my pleasure! Yes ma'am I will. Thx again! 💙
Good video. Question: Where is the "Easy Barcode Creator" you used?
Thank you! Here's the website: www.easybarcodetech.com/ebc.html
@@TheMusicBusinessMadeEasy Thanks. I viewed you website and noticed the Course you offer. Do you have a demo of the course available?
@@lifenpoetry5107 I have the landing page with all of the information about the course here: rb.gy/hvyky5
very informative
Thank you!
Hi Thanks , for getting back to me . I checked my spam folder and all other in boxes and haven't received a verification email. Do you suggest I try again? (to get your 22 things to do...) Thanks,
This is the first time I've heard of this. What's your email address. I'll check to see if your email came through. If not, I'll send it to you.
Thank you so much! I just entered my email for your list of 22 things to do but I keep getting an error when putting my email. Then it worked and said to verify but now I dont see an email from you :(
nevermind, it was in my spam folder...I will whitelist now. Thanks so much!
You're welcome!
I see that everything was sorted out.
Hi and thank you. Any idea on how to find the UPC of a song ?
If you released a song, go to your distributor's website, look inside of your dashboard for the information for the song.
Very Informative. Thank you ma'am
You’re welcome!🤗
Hi,
I have uploaded 3 tracks on Routenote (digital music distributor).
They have asked me to give origin of speech sample and UPC for release.
I don't really understand what they actually need when they say speech sample?
All tracks are of high quality and are original compositions of mine.
Also, can I create upc like you have created in this video and send it to them? Will that work.
I will really appreciate your help. Love from India 🇮🇳
They are asking for the origin of the speech sample. Just let them know that it is not a sample, but that you recorded it yourself, and that it's your original composition. Most distributors assign UPC codes to the release. If they don't, then you will need to have one. You can ask them if they do, however. I'm not abreast of the rules in India, but most of the metadata requirements are the same. You should check with Routenote for specifics.
Thank you so much for your reply.I have replied them and informed the same, Let's see what happens next. Much appreciated. 🇮🇳🙏
@@nimishdangre9110 You're welcome!
Good lessons 🎉🎉
@@Chefwan_dts thank you so much! 🤗
I registered US copyright on two albums today and they asked for EAN...no UPC as I only had the UPC I entered that..annoying that a government site hasn't got the right field labels for USA
How did you register your album? I've never been asked for a UPC or an EAN to register copyrights. Where do you live? If you're ever asked for an EAN and you have a UPC, just add a zero as the first number.
Thank you for this video, question if I'm not releasing through an online distributor and i'm purchasing my own upc code is the process the same or do i have to have a license a company code as well?
It doesn’t matter who issues the upc code… as long as you have one for your release. If you’re able to have your own great! Yes, the process is the same, if I’m understanding your question correctly.
@@TheMusicBusinessMadeEasy thank you so much for the swift reply. I do believe you understand my question, my apologies if I wasn't clear. I would like to purchase my own upc to sale my singles directly from my website. I became confused when i seen a gentleman below say ....
"You gotta tell people they need to license a company code. We talking $2,500 for most". I thought maybe there was another step that i missed
@@QasLadie you’re welcome! No, you’re fine.
@@TheMusicBusinessMadeEasy simple question, but when you buy the upc code what should you put under Brand Name (artist name? publishing company?) & Product Description? (Simply music?)
@@QasLadie do you have a label name? If so, use that. If not you can use your Artist name.
How do I find my UPC code for my song without y distribution company
If your music was properly registered, you should be able to search at: isrc.soundexchange.com
Hi , I just noticed that my distributor "Routenote" assigned my song 13 digit long UPC , Now I can't register it ( or any other song by same distributor )as soundscan requires the UPC to 12 digits only,
What should I do in this case ?
Might be an EIN. What’s the number?
@@TheMusicBusinessMadeEasy
It's named UPC I'm sure , It's
UPC: 5059654849317
@@TheMusicBusinessMadeEasy any idea or solution ?
@@Farooc I asked you what was the number they assigned so I could look at it. If the number they assigned has a zero as the first number just use all of the numbers except the zero.
@@TheMusicBusinessMadeEasy Do I remove the zero from UPC ? : 5059654849317
Hi! I am trying to register a song I created for an introductory promo video I plan to upload to social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok and UA-cam. This song will later be released on my EP but I am not distributing it via DistroKid as a single since it is just for this promo video. I am confused on how to obtain a UPC code for this song when trying to submit the recording in SoundExchange...any advice on how to do this? Thanks!
If you’re planning to register before setting up a release then you’ll need to assign your own UPC code for the song. In the description above it gives all the links on where to apply for a company prefix and how to get barcodes. Or, you will need to wait until you set up your release through your distributor and wait for them to assign you a number before you do your registrations.
@@TheMusicBusinessMadeEasy thank you so much!
@@stephaniesanchez4622 you’re welcome🤗
What if I produced a song that was not distributed by me? How do I gain access to the UPC code to register to SoundExchange if I can't get in contact with the artist that DID distribute it? Thanks for the help!!
Do you own the master? If not, the featured Artist and the rights owners are the one to register with SoundExchange.
@@TheMusicBusinessMadeEasy Yes I still own them but I did not distribute the song so I never got the UPC code, and I have no idea if the artist distributed it. Any suggestions?
Do a search and claim as a rights owner in SoundExchange. If the song comes up all you have to do is claim it as the rights owner then you won't have to register it. Or, just search for it on any digital platform to know whether or not it was distributed. Can you contact the Artist? Are they online anywhere? FB, instagram etc. ?
@@TheMusicBusinessMadeEasy thx so much for responding btw! I know it’s distributed for sure but the artist and I don’t have a great relationship anymore so he’s tough to contact. That’s why I’m wondering if it’s best to go through a lawyer in case I can’t find it in the search?
@@IamProfessorO if the song is distributed, and you know the name of the Artist, do a search and claim in SoundExchange as a rights owner and put in your 100% claim. You don’t need a lawyer for that.
this is a good information on what the barcode is for and what it is . but You all Need to get your own barcode from GS1. also have it coded stop taking barcodes from distributors.
that is a one way ticket to the royalty blackbox .
Thank you. I teach people options so that they can make their own choices. There is nothing wrong with using a barcode assigned by a distributor. It is NOT the reason songs end up in the blackbox…
@@TheMusicBusinessMadeEasy actually it is .
If you take a barcode from the distribution they will not code it so your metadata will not be found with the ISRC code .
So telling your subscribers it is ok to receive the codes and not. Say you need to get your cods. Also " NOT" having them coded AND ACTIVATED is a push in the wrong direction.
@@MadHedCityUA-camwhen you properly register and administer your works, the songs will be matched to its owner. Also, I teach how to embed the metadata to the files so that the information is there. Usually, the problem is when the songs are not registered properly, nor properly searched and claimed is where the problem arises. For the record, I do teach having your own. I believe in that more than anything. However, I get asked a lot for other alternatives when some don’t want to do that. Hence, the approach I take.
Thank you for watching and for the dialogue. I don’t mind it at all.
@@TheMusicBusinessMadeEasy
Do you know the information you register needs to be the same when scanning your barcode.
I agree you add metadata after mastering also at the distribution.
But all this information needs to be embedded into the UPC or EAN .
you going to have a problem collecting all of your residuals
@@MadHedCityUA-cam Oh yes, definitely! I am a music publishing administrator and have been registering and administering intellectual property for 30 years now…🤗 I also teach the process step-by-step to any who are interested in learning how all of it works and how all of the pieces fit together. I love it that you’re on the ball. Education is key!
How do you learn all this?
I've been in the music industry since 1990, I also went to school for it in the later 90's...smile!
@@TheMusicBusinessMadeEasy
How can you be in your 30's and went to school in the 90's. 😉
@@ericgattis2279 #blush... if the Lord blesses me in a few weeks try 30x2!
I LOVE YOU. THANK YOU!
You’re welcome!
I do have a question,I made more than one IPI number with BMI because of my artist name and legal name. Which one do I add to my cd baby account?
@@Bombbudgetbeauty your songwriting name.
This is great
Thanks for watching!
u the best thank u
Awww you’re welcome!
What happens if someone has the same number as you?
No one should have the same number unless the assignor makes a mistake. That would need to be corrected and changed with all databases.
@@TheMusicBusinessMadeEasy But you made it sound as though we could just pick a number at random!
tom kent you assign depending on your company’s code either 5 digits or 2 digits. The software will then generate the final check digit. If you assign digits, it’s your responsibility then to keep a typed or written log if the codes you’ve assigned to a specific song. When assigning digits for a new song, you would be careful not to choose the same digits again.Your company’s code will always be first, then your assigned numbers, plus the check digit, so only you would be the one causing the mistake or repeating a number assigned.
Hello! Do I need a UPC code for music videos uploaded to UA-cam?
No, you don’t.
@@TheMusicBusinessMadeEasy Thanks for the quick reply! Appreciate it! 😁
@@RudyGOfficial you caught me at a good time! You’re welcome! 🤗
Another great to the point video from the boss!
Thank you!
please please please show me the direct link to get free barcodes...thank you so much in advance
If you look in the description above, I’ve provided the links for you to apply for a company prefix or to purchase barcodes. I have no other links.
Come on now sis. You gotta tell people they need to license a company code. We talking $2,500 for most people
I believe in that 100% and told them how to apply for a code in the video…🤗