ISRC (International Standard Recording Code):
The ISRC is a unique code that is assigned specifically for each sound recording. This code is used to track copyright information and sales data, especially in the digital era. Each version of a piece of music, be it a studio recording, a remix or a live recording, is assigned a unique ISRC. The code consists of a country code, registrant code, year of recording and a serial number for the respective work.The ISRC is issued by national ISRC agencies authorized by the IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry). These agencies are responsible for the registration and administration of the codes in their territory. By using ISRC codes, recordings can be uniquely identified worldwide, which is helpful in tracking royalties, sales statistics and radio playlists.
ISWC (International Standard Musical Work Code):
Unlike the ISRC, the ISWC identifies the musical work itself and not the recording. The ISWC code is assigned to a piece of music and remains unchanged regardless of different recordings or interpretations. It is used to track the rights to a particular piece of music and to ensure the correct allocation of copyrights and royalties.The ISWC code consists of a prefix indicating the year of registration, followed by a separator and a unique number for the work. Like the ISRC, the ISWC is assigned by national agencies authorized by the CISAC (Confédération Internationale des Sociétés d'Auteurs et Compositeurs).The ISWC makes it possible to uniquely identify one and the same piece of music, be it a song, a symphony or an instrumental piece, in different versions and recordings. This is particularly important to ensure that authors are adequately remunerated for the use of their works and that the exploitation of music is properly managed.
Summary ISRC and ISWC:
The ISRC is a code that identifies recordings, while the ISWC is a code for musical works. The ISRC enables the unique identification of recordings of different versions of the same piece of music. The ISWC ensures the allocation of copyrights and royalties for the musical work.