A PRS tunecode is the unique identifier assigned to every registered work in the PRS for Music database. It is how PRS matches broadcast and streaming usage reports to your song - and knowing yours lets you verify royalty payments and spot matching errors.
What a PRS tunecode is
A tunecode is PRS for Music's internal identifier for a registered musical work. Every song registered with PRS is assigned a unique tunecode once the registration is processed. The format is a short alphanumeric string (for example, TA0001234567). PRS uses tunecodes internally to route royalties from usage reports submitted by broadcasters, streaming platforms, and live venue operators to the correct registered work in their database.
Tunecode vs ISWC vs ISRC - what is the difference
Three identifiers are commonly associated with a song and they serve different purposes:
- Tunecode: PRS-specific. Only exists within the PRS for Music system. Not used by other PROs or international collection societies.
- ISWC (International Standard Work Code): the internationally recognised identifier for a musical composition. Formatted as T-XXXXXXXXX-X. Assigned by CISAC through PRS when you register a work. Recognised across all affiliated PROs worldwide.
- ISRC (International Standard Recording Code): identifies a specific recording of a song, not the composition itself. Assigned by distributors or the rights holder directly. Used for streaming royalty matching at PPL and SoundExchange.
- In short: the tunecode is for PRS internal use, the ISWC is the international composition identifier, and the ISRC identifies the recording. A single song can have one ISWC (for the composition) and multiple ISRCs (one per recording version).
How to find your PRS tunecode
There are two ways to find the tunecode for a registered work:
- PRS repertoire search (public): go to prsformusic.com and use the repertoire search tool. Search by song title or writer name. Click through to the work record - the tunecode appears in the detail view.
- PRS member portal (logged in): log into your PRS member account and navigate to your registered works. Each work in your catalog shows its tunecode alongside the ISWC and registration status.
Why tunecodes matter for royalty collection
When a broadcaster submits a cue sheet or a streaming platform submits a usage report to PRS, the report contains track identifiers - often ISRC codes, song titles, or ISWC codes. PRS uses these to match the reported usage to a tunecode in its database, and from there routes payment to the registered writers and publishers. If the matching fails - because the title in the report differs from the registered title, or the ISRC is not linked to the correct tunecode - the royalty sits unmatched. Knowing your tunecodes lets you:
- Cross-reference your payment breakdowns against specific usage events.
- Spot if usage has been matched to a different work with a similar title.
- Contact PRS with the exact tunecode when reporting a missing payment, speeding up the investigation.
What to do if a work has no tunecode
A work without a tunecode has not been registered with PRS. If you search the PRS database and your song does not appear, log into your member portal and register it. If you have a publishing administrator, ask them to confirm registration status and supply the tunecode once it is assigned. Works must be registered before the usage occurs to receive royalties for that usage - retroactive registration does not generate payments for usage that predates it.
If your catalog has works without tunecodes, Code Group Music's catalog assessment identifies gaps and handles registration to ensure future usage generates royalties. Start at codegroupmusic.co.uk/#catalog-assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a tunecode the same as an ISWC?
No. An ISWC is an internationally recognised identifier for a musical composition, used by collection societies worldwide. A tunecode is PRS for Music's own internal identifier, only used within the PRS system. When you register a work with PRS, you receive both - the tunecode for PRS internal matching and the ISWC for international recognition.
Can I look up someone else's tunecode?
Yes. The PRS repertoire search is publicly accessible at prsformusic.com. You can search for any registered work and view its tunecode, ISWC, registered writers, and publisher assignments without logging in.
What if my tunecode is not in the public PRS database?
Newly registered works can take several weeks to appear in the public search results while being processed. If your work was registered recently, log into your member portal to confirm it has been accepted and to view the assigned tunecode before it appears in the public search.
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