512250 — Record Production and Distribution
Description
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in record production and/or releasing, promoting, and distributing sound recordings to wholesalers, retailers, or directly to the public. These establishments contract with artists, arrange and finance the production of original master recordings, and/or produce master recordings themselves, such as digital music and compact discs. Establishments in this industry hold the copyright to the master recording, or obtain reproduction and distribution rights to master recordings produced by others, and derive most of their revenues from the sales, leasing, licensing, or distribution of master recordings.
Exclusions & Cross-References
- Promoting and authorizing the use of musical works in various media--are classified in Industry 512230,
- Music Publishers;
- Providing facilities and technical expertise for recording musical performances--are classified in Industry
- 512240, Sound Recording Studios;
- Operating radio broadcasting stations, that may acquire the right to distribute content and subsequently
- broadcast or distribute that content--are classified in Industry 516110, Radio Broadcasting Stations;
- Operating radio broadcasting networks, including satellite radio networks, that may acquire the right to
- distribute content and subsequently broadcast or distribute that content--are classified in Industry 516210,
- Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content
- Providers;
- Mass duplication of recorded products--are classified in Industry 334610, Manufacturing and Reproducing
- Magnetic and Optical Media;
Overview Facts
| NAICS Code | 512250 |
|---|---|
| Industry Title | Record Production and Distribution |
| SBA Size Standard | 900 employees |
| IRS PBA Code | 512200 (rolled-up match) |
| Sectors Hierarchy | Sector 51 → 512 → 5122 |
| Source / Verified | US Census 2022 NAICS Manual / 2026-06-28 |
Legacy SIC Concordance
Trace the historical mapping chain from the 1987 Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) to the modern 2022 NAICS code format.
- SIC 3652 - Phonograph Records and Prerecorded Audio Tapes and Disks (via SIC1987:3652→NAICS1997:51222→2002:512220→2007:512220→2012:512220→2017:512250→2022:512250)
- SIC 8999 - Services, NEC (via SIC1987:8999→NAICS1997:51221→2002:512210→2007:512210→2012:512210→2017:512250→2022:512250)
Related Resources & Compliance Guides
Further regulatory reference links for NAICS code 512250:
- Sector 51 Directory Hub — List of related industries in the Information sector.
- SIC ↔ NAICS Crosswalk Tool — Look up mappings between legacy SIC codes and modern classifications.
- SBA Size Standards Guide — Complete rules and averaging periods for small business classifications.
- Calculating Annual Receipts Guide — Detailed worked example of revenue calculation rules.
- IRS Principal Business Activity Guide — How NAICS codes map to corporate and entity tax filings.
Related Industries in 5122
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 512250 a valid 2022 NAICS code?
NAICS 512250 is 'Record Production and Distribution', a 2022 U.S. national industry under Sector 51 (Information); the SBA small-business size standard is 900 employees.
What is the SBA size standard for NAICS 512250?
The SBA small business size standard for NAICS 512250 is 900 employees (based on employees).
What is the legacy SIC code mapping for 512250?
NAICS code 512250 maps to the legacy 1987 SIC codes: 3652 - Phonograph Records and Prerecorded Audio Tapes and Disks, 8999 - Services, NEC.