Guide
How to Get a UPC Code
How to get UPC barcodes for your music releases — via distributor or GS1, and how to use them across digital and physical formats.
UPC barcodes identify your releases as products. Distributors assign UPCs for digital releases; for physical products, you may purchase codes through GS1 or the distributor's system.
Steps
1 Decide where you need a UPC
Every unique product needs a UPC — a digital album, a vinyl pressing, a CD. Each format is a separate product with its own code.
- Digital releases get UPCs via distributors
- Physical formats need barcodes printed on packaging
2 Get a UPC from your distributor
Zaventra Music Group assigns UPCs to releases, so your digital catalog is correctly identified on every store.
- The UPC is registered to the release and travels with it
- Retailers scan the barcode for sales tracking
3 Or purchase from GS1
Labels and self-managed artists can buy UPCs from GS1, which owns the barcode standard. Prices vary by company prefix size.
- GS1-issued codes are owned by you
- Avoid cheap reused codes from unofficial resellers
4 Apply UPCs consistently
Keep the same UPC for the same product across all retailers. Use a validator to confirm codes are well-formed before release.
- A 12-digit UPC includes a check digit
- Match your UPC to your ISRCs correctly in metadata
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a UPC for streaming?
Most DSPs don't require a visible barcode, but a consistent UPC keeps your release data clean across retail.
Who owns my UPC?
The entity that issued it — a distributor-issued UPC is allocated to your release; a GS1-purchased code is yours.
Can one UPC cover an album?
Yes — one UPC per product (album), with each track carrying its own ISRC.