SoundScan was developed as a tracking system that tracks sales of music and music video products throughout the United States and Canada. The system is presently operated by MRC Data and has been rebranded under the name Luminate. Any music product that carries a UPC or EAN barcode and ISRC code is eligible to be tracked by Luminate (formerly SoundScan). According to their website, “Sales data from point-of-sale cash registers is collected weekly from over 14,000 retail, mass merchant and non-traditional (on-line stores, venues, etc.) outlets. Weekly data is compiled and made available every Wednesday. Luminate (formerly SoundScan) is the sales source for the Billboard music charts.”
In order to have a chance at making the Billboard music charts, any release must be registered with Luminate (formerly SoundScan) using UPC number (for the whole album) and ISRC codes (for the individual tracks). Without registration, the sales figures will not be counted, and will remain invisible to the system.
Please note, that BEFORE completing your Luminate (formerly SoundScan) registration(s), you must obtain your ISRC Codes and UPC Codes. Only AFTER you have your codes purchased, can you start the Luminate (formerly SoundScan) registration of your album, audio tracks, and videos. (Note that COMBO offers a free bar code with a paid membership!)
Do you offer help with Luminate (formerly SoundScan) Registration of my works?
Absolutely! If you prefer to have us register your recordings and releases for you to be sure it’s done correctly, we are available to assist. Please call us at 404-869-0701 and ask about the Luminate SoundScan Registration service. (Also note that COMBO can NOT help you with this – call Luminate).
Is it possible to have my sales at shows counted?
Absolutely! The folks over at AtVenu have a handy tool called SoundScan Reporter that permits you to report your sales from your shows. You must have valid UPC Codes for the album versions (CD, Vinyl, etc.) that you sell at your shows AND you must have FIRST successfully completed your Luminate SoundScan registration using those UPC Codes, as their system validates your registration before reporting your sales.
https://www.isrc.com/FAQ-Soundscan.php
August 17, 2023| Music-Related Business| Barb Dye