Analysis
NAICS 512290 is the 2022 national industry for other sound recording industries, part of 51229 (Other Sound Recording Industries). Census lists 7 example activities under it in the official index.
Between 2018 and 2023 the number of establishments grew 77% and employment fell 5%. The 2018 count used NAICS 2017, so part of a large move can come from codes being redefined rather than from businesses opening or closing.
County Business Patterns counts 733 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 2,605 people at an average annual payroll of $79,044 per employee (67th percentile of national industries). 86% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which marks it as a small-business industry.
Census lists 5 related activities that belong elsewhere, most often in 512230, 512240, 512250 and 334610. Businesses that do several things are classified by their primary activity, the one that generates the most value, so check those boundaries before settling on this code.
Its index entries, the activities Census uses to assign businesses to this code, include audio recording of meetings or conferences, producers, recorded radio shows (except independent…, radio program recording production (except independent… and recording books on tape or disc (except publishers), among 7 in all.
For example, promoting and authorizing the use of musical works in various media are classified in 512230 (Music Publishers) instead.
Official definition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing sound recording services (except record production, distribution, music publishing, and sound recording in a studio). Establishments in this industry provide services, such as the audio recording of meetings and conferences.
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Not this code if…
| The business mainly does | Use instead |
|---|---|
| Promoting and authorizing the use of musical works in various media | 512230 Music Publishers |
| Providing facilities and technical expertise for recording musical performances | 512240 Sound Recording Studios |
| Record production and/or releasing, promoting, and distributing sound recordings | 512250 Record Production and Distribution |
| Providing mass duplication of recorded products | 334610 Manufacturing and Reproducing Magnetic and Optical Media |
| Organizing and promoting the presentation of performing arts productions | 7113 Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events |
Index entries (7)
- Audio recording of meetings or conferences
- Producers, recorded radio shows (except independent producers)
- Radio program recording production (except independent producers)
- Recording books on tape or disc (except publishers)
- Recording seminars and conferences, audio
- Stock music and other audio services
- Stock sound library (e.g., general background sounds, stock music)