Are you an aspiring musician looking to distribute your music digitally? If so, you’ll need a UPC (Universal Product Code) for your music. A UPC is a unique 12-digit barcode that identifies your release and helps retailers and distributors track and sell your music.
Getting a UPC for your music is easier than you might think. There are several ways to get a UPC, including purchasing one from GS1, a global organization that manages UPCs, or using a digital distributor like DistroKid, which automatically generates a UPC for each release you upload. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to get a UPC for your music, so you can start distributing your music to the world.
Understanding UPCs for Music
If you’re planning to release your music, you’ll need a UPC (Universal Product Code) to identify your album or single. A UPC is a unique code used to identify a product, similar to a barcode. It’s essential for tracking sales and ensuring that royalties are distributed correctly. Here’s what you need to know about UPCs for music:
How to Get a UPC
To get a UPC for your music, you’ll need to work with a distributor. Many digital distributors, such as DistroKid, TuneCore, and RouteNote, provide UPCs for free when you upload your music to their platform. If you’re working with a physical distributor, they may provide you with a UPC or ask you to purchase one from a third-party provider.
What’s Included in a UPC
A UPC consists of 12 digits and can be broken down into three parts:
- The first six digits identify the record label or distributor
- The next five digits identify the album or single
- The final digit is a check digit used to ensure the code is valid
Why UPCs Are Important
UPCs are essential for tracking sales and ensuring that royalties are distributed correctly. When your music is sold, the UPC is scanned, and the sale is recorded. This information is used to calculate royalties and distribute them to the appropriate parties. Without a UPC, it can be challenging to track sales and ensure that everyone involved in the creation of the music is compensated fairly.
Tips for Using UPCs
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when using UPCs for your music:
- Be sure to include the UPC on all of your promotional materials, including album covers, posters, and flyers.
- Keep track of your UPC and make sure it’s included in all of your distribution agreements.
- If you’re working with a distributor, make sure they’re providing you with a unique UPC for each release.
- If you’re releasing multiple versions of the same album (e.g., a standard version and a deluxe version), make sure each version has a unique UPC.
Why You Need a UPC for Your Music
If you want to sell your music online or in physical stores, you will need a Universal Product Code (UPC). This barcode is used to identify your music product and track its sales. Here are some reasons why you need a UPC for your music:
Tracking Sales
A UPC code allows you to track your music sales through various channels such as online retailers, physical stores, and streaming platforms. By using a UPC, you can monitor your sales and royalties accurately and receive payments on time. It also helps you to know which of your songs or albums are selling better than others and adjust your marketing strategies accordingly.
Streaming Platforms Requirements
Most streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music require a UPC to distribute your music. Without a UPC, you won’t be able to upload your songs and albums to these platforms, which can limit your reach and potential revenue. Additionally, some platforms may require a UPC for each track or album, so it’s essential to have one for your entire music catalog.
Physical Distribution
If you plan to distribute your music physically, such as selling CDs or vinyl records, a UPC is necessary. This barcode helps retailers to track their inventory and sales, which is crucial for restocking and accounting purposes. It also ensures that your music is correctly identified and credited to you as the artist.
having a UPC for your music is essential if you want to sell it online or in physical stores. It allows you to track your sales, distribute your music on streaming platforms, and sell your music physically. Make sure to get a UPC for your music before releasing it to maximize your potential revenue and reach.
How to Get a UPC for Your Music
If you’re an artist or music creator, you’ll need a Universal Product Code (UPC) for your music. A UPC is a unique code used to identify a product, such as an album or single. Here are two ways to obtain a UPC for your music.
Through a Distributor
One way to get a UPC for your music is to go through a distributor. Many digital distributors, such as DistroKid and TuneCore, will provide you with a UPC code when you upload your music to their platform. This is a convenient option because you won’t have to purchase a UPC code separately.
However, it’s important to note that the UPC provided by the distributor is often tied to their label or account. This means that if you switch distributors, you may need to get a new UPC code. Additionally, some distributors may charge a fee to provide you with a UPC code.
Purchasing Directly
Another way to obtain a UPC for your music is to purchase one directly from a GS1 US, the organization responsible for issuing UPCs. To purchase a UPC, you’ll need to become a member of GS1 US and pay an annual fee. Once you’re a member, you can purchase UPCs in blocks of 100 or more.
While this option may be more expensive upfront, it provides you with more control over your UPC codes. You can use the same UPC code for all of your releases, regardless of which distributor you use. This can be especially useful if you plan to release music independently or switch distributors frequently.
there are two main ways to obtain a UPC for your music: through a distributor or by purchasing one directly from GS1 US. Consider your options carefully and choose the one that works best for your needs.
Things to Consider Before Getting a UPC
If you’re planning on selling your music, you’ll need a UPC (Universal Product Code) to identify your product. Before you get a UPC, there are a few things you should consider.
Budget Constraints
The cost of getting a UPC can vary depending on where you get it from. The most common place to get a UPC is through GS1, which is the official source for UPCs. However, GS1 charges a fee for membership and for each UPC you purchase. If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to consider purchasing a UPC from a reseller. Resellers typically charge a lower fee than GS1, but it’s important to make sure the reseller is reputable and that the UPC is legitimate.
Future Distribution Plans
When getting a UPC, it’s important to consider your future distribution plans. If you plan on selling your music through multiple retailers, you’ll need a separate UPC for each retailer. This means you’ll need to purchase multiple UPCs, which can add up in cost. However, if you plan on selling your music through just one retailer, you may only need one UPC.
It’s also important to consider if you plan on releasing physical copies of your music in addition to digital copies. If you plan on releasing physical copies, you’ll need to purchase a UPC for each physical product. This can include CDs, vinyl records, and cassettes.
By considering your budget constraints and future distribution plans, you can make an informed decision on how many UPCs to purchase and where to purchase them from.
Conclusion
Getting a UPC for your music is an important step in ensuring that your product is properly identified and tracked through supply chains. Without a UPC, it can be difficult for your music to be sold and reordered.
Fortunately, obtaining a UPC is a relatively simple process. You can either purchase a UPC from a legitimate reseller or obtain a free UPC through a distributor like DistroKid.
When purchasing a UPC, it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re buying from a reputable source. Be wary of companies offering extremely low prices for UPCs, as they may not be legitimate.
If you choose to use a distributor like DistroKid to obtain a UPC, the process is even easier. Simply upload your music to their platform and they will generate a UPC for you.
getting a UPC for your music is an important step in ensuring that your product is properly identified and tracked through supply chains. With a UPC, you can rest assured that your music is easily accessible to your fans and properly tracked for royalties.
