Barcodes: A Brief Introduction

An introduction to barcodes and how these apply to your releases

In this blog we're going to provide a brief introduction to barcodes and how these apply to your release. We'll do this by running through some of the questions we get asked commonly, whilst providing some background information along the way.

In this blog we'll look to cover the below:

1. Are there different types of barcode?
2. Does my release need a barcode before I can distribute it to iTunes?
3. How can I get a barcode for my release?

1. Are there different types of barcode?

There are three main types of barcode used when distributing music, namely:

UPC (Universal Product Code)

The first barcode symbology widely adopted having originated in North America. Most commonly used in the UPC-A form, this consists of 12 digits uniquely assigned to any release/product.

EAN (International Article Number) * previously European Article Number

Following the adoption of the UPC across North America, the EAN was developed as a version of the UPC for international use. The most commonly used format is the EAN-13, which consists of 13 digits, adding one additional digit to the UPC-A. It is possible to add an additional '0' to the start of an UPC-A to change this to an EAN-13.

JAN (Japanese Article Number)

Identical to the EAN symbology, JAN is the name given to EAN codes within Japan.

2. Does my release need a barcode before I can distribute it to iTunes?

Yes. In the same way that ISRCs are used as unique identifiers of recordings to ensure accurate reporting of sales, barcodes are used by retailers as unique identifiers for releases/products, ensuring that all bundle and individual track royalties are correctly reported. If you want to sell your music online through digital retailers, you will need a barcode.

3. How can I get a barcode for my release?

At EmuBands we can assign barcodes completely free of charge for your releases. If you would like us to do this for you, simply leave this field blank when adding your release. All barcodes assigned by EmuBands will be in EAN-13 symbology.

Should you wish to assign your own UPC/EAN/JAN, you can also join your regional barcode standards agency, in the UK this is GS1 UK (http://www.gs1uk.org). Please note, however, that membership fees do apply.

If you have any questions about any of the above, please leave a comment below or get in touch with us on Facebook or Twitter.

About EmuBands:
EmuBands is a digital music distribution service allowing artists and record labels to sell music online.