UPC Codes: 5 Reasons Why Owning Yours is a Music Game-Changer in 2025

Owning and managing your own UPC codes is essential for indie reggae artists and labels aiming for financial security and control over their music catalogs. Here’s why UPC ownership matters and how it can empower you to protect your earnings, attract licensing deals, and boost visibility.

1. Accurate Data, Accurate Royalties

Switching distributors often results in inconsistent UPCs, which can disrupt royalty calculations. Streaming platforms and PROs rely on precise UPCs for accurate payout tracking. As Lloyd “Reggaeology” Laing explains, “Fragmented data can result in incorrect payouts.” Owning your UPCs ensures that all streams, downloads, and sales are accurately counted, so no earnings slip through the cracks.