EAN
EAN (European Article Number) is a standard barcode system used globally to identify specific retail products, including physical and digital music releases.
Similar to the UPC (Universal Product Code) used primarily in North America, the EAN is a unique 13-digit number assigned to a specific product. In the music industry, an EAN (or UPC) is required for every release—whether it's a single, EP, or album—before it can be distributed to digital stores or sold physically. It acts as the product's unique identifier in the global retail supply chain.
The EAN is essential for tracking sales, streams, and chart positions. When a song is purchased or streamed, the DSP reports the activity using the EAN, ensuring that the revenue and data are accurately attributed to the correct release and, ultimately, the correct rights holders. Without an EAN, it is impossible to commercially distribute or track the performance of a music release.
When you buy a CD in a store, the cashier scans the barcode on the back. That barcode represents the EAN (or UPC). In the digital world, the EAN serves the exact same purpose, allowing platforms like Spotify or Apple Music to "scan" and track your release every time it's played.
When you prepare a Release in melabel, the platform helps manage essential metadata, including your EAN or UPC codes, ensuring your music is properly identified for Distribution and accurate tracking in Music Analytics.