Industry terms

UPC

A UPC is the barcode number that identifies a whole release (a single, EP or album), while each track on it has its own ISRC.

Also called: Universal Product Code, release barcode, EAN

By Aulto · Last reviewed 23 Oct 2026

What's the difference between a UPC and an ISRC?

The UPC names the product, the release as a whole. ISRCs name the recordings inside it. A five-track EP has one UPC and five ISRCs.

Your distributor usually assigns one when you upload a release.

A three-song EP carries one UPC on the release and three ISRCs, one per song.

ISRC
An ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) is a 12-character code that identifies one specific recording, so its plays and sales can be tracked and paid.
DSP
DSP (digital service provider) is the industry's name for streaming services and digital stores, like Spotify, JioSaavn, Apple Music and YouTube Music.
Cover art
Cover art is the square image that represents a release on every streaming service, store and smart link page.
Drop
A drop is a release that goes out at a set moment, like a new song, a merch line or a product, announced ahead so people show up at once.
Hook
A hook is the part of a song, or the first seconds of a video, built to grab attention and make people stay.
Master recording
The master recording is the final, released version of a recorded song, and whoever owns it owns the rights to that specific recording.