Luminate/SoundScan Registration
Without registering your UPC and ISRCs with Luminate, your album sales don't count toward Billboard charts. This step-by-step guide walks you through the entire process.
Why These Codes Matter
- They allow Luminate to count your sales from retail, digital stores, and shows.
- They feed directly into Billboard charts and industry data.
- Without registering your UPC + ISRC with Luminate, your sales do not count.
How SoundScan/Luminate Uses the Codes
Album Scans
Every time your album is scanned at a store → UPC is logged
Track Sales & Streams
Every time a track is purchased/streamed → ISRC is logged
Weekly Compilation
Data compiled from 14,000+ retail outlets and digital platforms
Billboard Delivery
Data delivered to Billboard every Wednesday
UPC vs ISRC: Quick Comparison
| Code | What It Identifies | Required For | Used By |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPC | Entire album/product | CDs, vinyl, digital albums | Luminate, Billboard, retailers |
| ISRC | Individual tracks | Singles, album tracks, videos | DSPs, Luminate, PROs, MLC |
Step-by-Step Registration Checklist
Understand the Difference: UPC vs ISRC
UPC identifies your entire album/product. ISRC identifies individual tracks. Both are required for Luminate/SoundScan to count your sales.
Get Your UPC (Album Code)
Contact your distributor (DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby) or purchase directly from isrc.com or gs1us.org. ISRC.com is the US ISRC Agency authorized by RIAA and issues both ISRC codes and UPC codes (Release Identifiers). Cost varies by package.
Get Your ISRCs (Track Codes)
Your distributor assigns ISRCs automatically, OR purchase directly from isrc.com (the official US ISRC Agency authorized by RIAA). ISRC.com provides both ISRC codes and UPC codes needed for Luminate/Soundscan and Billboard registration. One ISRC per track, one per version (instrumental, remix, etc).
Register with Luminate (the SoundScan System)
Go to luminate.com. Enter UPC, ISRCs, label info (write 'Independent' if solo), and distribution details. Takes 3-5 days to appear in the system.
Set Up Show Sales Reporting (Optional)
If selling CDs/vinyl at shows, use AtVenu SoundScan Reporter. Requires valid UPC and Luminate registration. Validates sales before reporting.
Connect to PROs & Royalty Systems
Register ISRCs with your PRO (ASCAP/BMI/SESAC), The MLC, and SoundExchange. This ensures you're paid for every sale and stream.
Counting Merch/Show Sales
If you sell CDs or vinyl at shows, you can still get credit on Billboard — but you need the right setup:
Use AtVenu SoundScan Reporter
AtVenu is the official tool for reporting physical sales from live shows and merch tables.
Must Have Valid UPC
Your physical product needs a real UPC barcode. AtVenu validates it before accepting your report.
Must Register with Luminate First
Register your UPC and ISRCs with Luminate before using AtVenu. The system needs to recognize your release.
Key Takeaways
- No registration = no chart credit. Every album needs UPC + ISRC registration with Luminate.
- UPC covers the whole album. One code per album version (standard, deluxe, etc).
- ISRC covers individual tracks. One code per track, plus one per remix/version.
- Show sales count too. Use AtVenu to report physical sales from your shows and merch table.
- Take 3–5 days. Allow time for your release to appear in Luminate's system before your first sales report.