UPCs and Release Barcodes

A UPC (or EAN) is the barcode that identifies a release as a whole — a single, EP, or album — as opposed to the ISRC, which identifies each track. Stores and streaming services use the UPC to catalog and report on the release. Distributors normally issue a UPC for every release you upload; keep it on file alongside the release date and track list. One release = one UPC; a later deluxe edition or re-release is a new product and gets its own.