What Are IPI, ISWC and Work IDs? The US Version of the Tunecode
By Written by Peter McVeigh
The numbers that connect you and your songs to your money, and how they differ from an ISRC.
The US doesn't use the PRS tunecode. Instead you'll meet an IPI for the person, an ISWC and a PRO reference for the song, and an ISRC for the recording. Getting them straight saves real money and hassle.
Code: Identifies: Where it comes from
IPI: A writer or publisher name: Your PRO when you join
ISWC: The song: Generated after your PRO registration
PRO work reference: The song inside that PRO: Your PRO account, when it provides one
ISRC: One recording: Distributor, ISRC Manager or your own prefix
I checked the details in this guide on 4 November 2026. Fees and rules change, so check each organization's own page before you rely on them.
IPI: who you are
The MLC explains that an IP Name Number, the public IPI, is linked to each name you write under. So a person can have several. If you've got a publishing company, it needs its own too.
Look yours up in your PRO account or its public repertoire search. You'll need it for co-writes, publishers and The MLC.
ISWC: what the song is
The ISWC stays with the composition. One song normally has one ISWC, even if it's recorded a hundred times. A registration generally has to be processed first, so a new song may not show one straight away.
ISRC: which recording
The ISRC identifies a single recording. An album version and a live version are different recordings, so they get different ISRCs while sharing a song and an ISWC. SoundExchange is clear these codes do different jobs.
One song, several versions
Version: Song code: Recording code
Album version: Same ISWC: ISRC A
Live version: Same ISWC: ISRC B
Remix: Check with your PRO, as a new arrangement may need its own registration: ISRC C
This is the fastest way to see the difference. The song can stay the same while the recordings change.
When you'll be asked for them
Co-writing: your co-writers need your writer name, PRO and IPI to register properly.
The MLC: it recommends a publisher IPI for your Member profile and writer IPI on songs.
Publishing and sync: companies use these details to check who controls a song.
Chasing money: a code gets you to the right record quickly when you contact a PRO.
Coming from the UK?
A PRS tunecode doesn't transfer as a US filing number. Keep your existing PRS details and speak to PRS if you're chasing US income, because it works through other societies.
What information to keep
Song title and alternate titles.
Every writer with their PRO and IPI.
Every publisher with their PRO and IPI.
The agreed split, adding up to 100%.
ISWC and PRO reference.
ISRC and UPC for each release.
Common mistakes
Registering under a different spelling of your name.
Mixing up a writer IPI and publisher IPI.
Giving an ISRC where an ISWC is requested.
Assuming a co-writer registered the song correctly.
Leaving splits unwritten.
What to do next
Open your PRO account and find one song. Copy its details into a master spreadsheet. Then check it against The MLC and your distributor. Our Songwriting Split Agreement and ISRC Code Tracker help keep this tidy.
Sources
The MLC, All about the IPI: https://pages.themlc.com/ipi-numbers
Hypebot, Rights acronyms: https://www.hypebot.com/these-acronyms-protect-your-music-rights/
SoundExchange, All about ISRCs: https://www.soundexchange.com/2024/01/09/all-about-isrcs/
Disclaimer
General information, not legal or financial advice.