What Is a UPC?

A UPC (Universal Product Code) is a 12-digit barcode number assigned to your release as a whole product. While an ISRC identifies an individual recording, the UPC identifies the release package — the album, EP, or single bundle.

You've seen UPC barcodes on physical CDs and vinyl. In digital distribution, the UPC serves the same identifying purpose: it tells platforms, retailers, and royalty systems that this collection of tracks is a specific product offered by a specific label or rights holder.

UPCs are essential for tracking sales and streams at the release level. Digital storefronts, charts (like Billboard), and royalty accounting systems all use the UPC to log and report sales data for your project.

SoSouth assigns a UPC to your release at the time of distribution. If you're re-distributing a release that already has a UPC — from a previous distributor — you should provide that existing code to maintain continuity in reporting and chart history. Generating a new UPC for an existing release can reset chart and sales data.

A single typically requires both an ISRC (for the track) and a UPC (for the release product). An album requires one UPC for the project and individual ISRCs for each track.