Barcodes explained

Owned by Pete Callaghan
Last updated: Feb 16, 2022
2 min read

What is a UPC?

A Universal Product Code (UPC), also known as a barcode is a unique identification number consisting of 12 or 13 digits and is used for tracking of your product. It is required by all DSP's.

 

13-digit codes are actually EAN's (the European version of the UPC). UPC's and EAN's are interchangeable in our system, so you can provide either one.

IMPORTANT: If you make certain changes to the contents of your release; i.e. add, remove, or re-order tracks, a new UPC must be assigned. This is a requirement for many DSP's including iTunes, Spotify, and others.

EXCEPTIONS: You can freely edit other details such as artwork, audio files, descriptions, artist names, track titles, genre, publishing and copyright info without having to issue a new UPC.

Updating your UPC/EAN

If you ever need to update your UPC, keep in mind these things before you start.

 

  1. We recommend you first do a full takedown of the existing product.

  2. Do not delete the release from LabelGrid; otherwise, we cannot help you with your UPC swap or other updates going forward.

  3. You will need to issue your takedown by using the "Send to Shops" option on the distribution tools dropdown on LabelGrid.

  4. After the takedown is processed and the release no longer appears in the shops, then update the product in LabelGrid with a new UPC (re-save and leave the UPC field blank to reissue one from us), and then redeliver the product with the new UPC.

  5. Make sure to also keep a record of the old UPC and add it to the "alternate UPC's" list in your advanced album settings.

  6. This will help us associate any sales data related to the old UPC to the proper release in our system.

 

If you need any assistance with your UPC management, takedowns, redeliveries, etc, feel free to get in touch with us on our support page.