Guides & Tutorials
IPI, IPN, ISNI: Which Accreditation Applies to You
Work out which of three similar-looking identifiers you need, based on whether you write, perform or both, and add them to Vandall once.
In short
- IPI for songwriters/publishers. IPN for performers. ISNI for cataloging.
- You often need both IPI and IPN if you write and perform.
- Add all three under Settings > Accreditation, and Vandall fills them in on your agreements.
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IPI: songwriters and publishers
The Interested Party Information number identifies you as a songwriter or publisher in the global CISAC database. You get one by registering with a PRO: ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC in the US, PRS in the UK, SACEM in France. Without an IPI, publishing royalties can't be matched to you.
- 2
IPN: performers
The International Performer Number identifies you as a performer (singer, session musician) in the neighboring-rights database. Issued by performer collection societies like SoundExchange (US) or PPL (UK). If you only write and don't perform on recordings, you don't need one.
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ISNI: general identity
The International Standard Name Identifier is a cataloging ID used by libraries, Wikipedia, streaming platforms, and databases. It disambiguates "John Smith the producer" from "John Smith the session drummer." Optional in most workflows but useful for career-wide identity.
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Where they go in Vandall
In the Vandall App, click the gear icon at the top of your track list to open Settings. Under Accreditation, type your IPI number, IPN number and ISNI number. Vandall then adds them to every split sheet and agreement you sign, so you only type them once.
- Copy IPI/IPN from your PRO account. Typing from memory introduces typos that route royalties to nobody.
Tips
- If you're only writing songs, you need an IPI but not an IPN. If you're only performing on someone else's record, you need an IPN but not an IPI.
- An IPI with typos routes royalties to nobody. Always copy from your PRO account.
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