Nielsen
SoundScan is an information system that tracks sales of music
and music video products throughout the United States and
Canada. Sales data is collected weekly from over 14,000 retail,
mass merchant and non-traditional (on-line stores, venues,
etc.) outlets. Nielsen SoundScan is the sales source for the
Billboard music charts. SoundScan
can only track sales on CDs that have a UPC bar code. Disc Makers clients can order a UPC bar code when they make CDs with us... a $750 value! Click
here for UPC bar code FAQs.
Once you order your bar code number from Disc Makers you must register it with SoundScan to ensure you are properly credited for all sales. While your project is in production, we will send you an email to complete the registration process. Simply fill out some additional information about your project, such as the release date and Genre, and we will automatically submit your registration directly to soundscan.
If you did not purchase your bar code from us, you will need to fill out a Title Addition Sheet to register your title with soundscan. You'll need a separate form for each release. The Title Addition Sheet must be submitted to SoundScan's Database Department by email at dbase@soundscan.com.
(right click on a version and select "Save Target As...")
Once a title is submitted to SoundScan, it can take up to 10-15 business days for it to be entered into their system. Once entered, the title has the ability to be tracked by SoundScan.
Note: In order to find out if a title is already registered with SoundScan, you may contact Client Services by email at clientservices@soundscan.com (If emailed please include the full UPC code), or call SoundScan at (914) 684-5525.
Nielsen
Broadcast Data Systems is the world's leading provider of airplay
tracking for the entertainment industry. It's free to submit your music to BDS for tracking. You do not need
a bar code to register with BDS. Radio
formats monitored include Adult Alternative, Adult Contemporary,
Album Rock, Classic Rock, Contemporary Christian, Country, Light
AC, Modern Rock, Oldies, R&B (including Rap and Hip Hop),
Spanish (including Latin Contemporary, Regional Mexican and
Tropical Salsa), and Top 40. Additionally, Nielsen BDS monitors
7 U.S. Music Video Channels and 9 Canadian Video Channels. Nielsen
BDS information is utilized exclusively by Billboard, Airplay
Monitor and Canadian Music Network magazines in determining
their radio airplay music charts.
Submitting Your Music to BDS
Send all mixes of your single releases (preferably on CD) to: BDS
8100 N.W. 101st Terrace
Kansas City, MO 64153
Attn: Encoding Department
Fill out and include a Media Information Form.
The form is in the PDF format. If you don't have Adobe®
Acrobat® Reader®, click
here to get it for free, then download the form.
What
is a bar code?
According to the Uniform Code Council's
Web site, a bar code is "a precise arrangement of parallel
lines (bars) and spaces that vary in width to represent data."
Specifically, they represent a unique 12-digit number, sometimes
called a Universal Product Code number. When placed on a product,
these bars can be scanned by lasers so that stores can digitally
record what products they have sold. You've probably seen how
much time they save cashiers at supermarkets. Back
to top
Why
do I need one?
You don't, unless you plan on selling
your CD in a store that requires you to have one. This would
include all retail chains and online stores. If you're just
selling CDs at your gigs and in little mom and pop stores, then
you don't need one. Back to top
How much do they cost?
For most indie musicians it's $750 plus
yearly renewal fees. Back to top
So, how are you able to give them away
for free?
Here's how it works. When you buy a bar
code, what you're actually doing is buying a unique six-digit
number for your company or band, let's say it's 123456. But
what you're really getting is a range of numbers from 12345600000
to 12345699999 (plus one more number known as the check digit,
but let's move on). So you can buy one UPC number and assign
it to your first ten thousand releases. Now, while you might
not produce ten thousand albums, a CD manufacturer like Disc
Makers does. So, we've purchased many six-digit numbers and
have been giving out all the possible 12-digit combinations
to our clients. Back
to top
Is
that illegal?
Not at all. It's common practice. Major
labels do this for their bands. Back to top
What do I do once I get a Disc Makers
bar code? If you want SoundScan to be able
to track sales of your CD, you need to register your bar code
number with them, so they know to attribute any sales to you,
rather than to Disc Makers. You simply download the application
form above, fill out the information. Back
to top
What
do I put down for "parent label?" If you have a Disc Makers bar
code, then you should put Disc Makers as your parent label.
That doesn't mean anything technically or financially (we do
not get any money or anything for any sales you have), it merely
lets SoundScan know you got the number from us. If you are on
a label, put that down as your "sub label." Back to top
How do I get the actual bar code on
my album design?
We'll provide that for you. If you're
supplying your own design, make sure you leave a 1.25"
x .5" space where you want the bar code to appear and we'll
insert it for you. Back
to top
What about bar code stickers?
Stickers are a great way to get the value
of having a bar code, without letting the bar code interfere
with your graphic design. They are attached to the polywrap,
so the store can scan the CD, but once it's purchased, the bar
code gets tossed away with the wrapping. Disc Makers' bar code
stickers cost $50 per thousand, plus a fee to apply them to
your CD. Back to top
Can I use my bar code outside of North
America?
Yes. Back to top
