Glossary · Publishing
What is an ASIN?
Definition
ASIN: An ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number) is the 10-character ID Amazon assigns to every product it sells, including Kindle eBooks.
An ASIN, or Amazon Standard Identification Number, is Amazon's internal product ID. Every item in Amazon's catalogue has one, and it is 10 characters long. For a print book that has an ISBN, Amazon generally uses the 10-digit form of the ISBN as the ASIN. For a Kindle eBook, which needs no ISBN, Amazon generates an ASIN when you publish — these usually begin with "B0".
As a self-publisher, you will see the ASIN in your KDP Bookshelf once the book is live and in the product page URL. It is useful for several everyday tasks: linking directly to your book from your website or newsletter, setting up Amazon ads, claiming the book on your Author Central profile, and asking Amazon to link your eBook and paperback editions onto one product page.
An ASIN is not a substitute for an ISBN outside Amazon. Other retailers, libraries and distributors do not recognise it, so if you plan to sell the eBook wide or put the print edition into bookstores, you will still need ISBNs for those channels.
You do not apply for an ASIN — it is assigned automatically. Because it identifies a single Amazon listing, a new edition published as a new title will get a new ASIN, which means reviews may not carry over. Check Amazon's current rules before republishing rather than updating an existing book.