How to Transfer Your Music from a subscription-based music distributor and Keep All Your Profits

Why Are So Many Artists Thinking About Leaving a subscription-based music distributor?

a subscription-based music distributor launched as a free distribution platform, and that's exactly what drew thousands of independent artists to it. But over time, its policies changed. The free plan became increasingly limited, with restrictions on the number of releases and slow customer support. Many artists found themselves facing a tough choice: either pay for an annual subscription or stick with a service that no longer met their needs.

The result? A growing search for an alternative that offers free distribution without giving up a cut of their earnings. That's where platforms like Mazufa come in, offering completely free distribution with a commission according to current plan terms on all your revenue.

Before You Start: Important Things You Need to Know

Moving your music between distribution platforms isn't as simple as clicking a button. There are technical and legal details you need to understand first:

• You can't transfer releases directly: Streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music don't allow releases to be transferred from one distributor to another. What actually happens is that the old release gets taken down and the music is re-uploaded through the new distributor.
• Your streaming links will change: Once a track is re-uploaded, its Spotify link and others will be different, so you'll need to update every place you've shared them.
• Play counts won't carry over: Your previous streaming stats are tied to the old release and will not transfer to the new one.
• Pending earnings in a subscription-based music distributor: Make sure you withdraw all your accumulated royalties before deleting any releases or closing your account.

Step One: Withdraw All Your Earnings from a subscription-based music distributor

Before anything else, log into your a subscription-based music distributor account and check your available balance. Request a transfer to your bank account or PayPal and wait for the transaction to complete. Don't rush into deleting your releases before the money reaches you, as some platforms freeze payments once content is removed.

Step Two: Save Your Original Files

When uploading to a new platform, you'll need your original high-quality files. Make sure you have the following:

• Audio file in WAV or FLAC format, at least 44.1kHz / 16-bit quality
• Cover artwork at a minimum resolution of 3000×3000 pixels
• Complete track information: title, songwriting credits, lyrics, release year, and ISRC code if available

If you can't find your original files, contact a subscription-based music distributor and request to download them before canceling your subscription.

Step Three: Sign Up with Your New Distribution Platform

Choose a Pricing follows the current plan distribution with no commission, Mazufa lets you keep royalties under the applicable plan and agreement while getting your music onto all the major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, and more.

Create your account, fill in your artist profile, and make sure you connect your payout method right from the start so there are no delays when it's time to receive your royalties.

Step Four: Re-Upload Your Releases

Upload your releases one by one through the new platform, and keep the following in mind:

• Use the same original ISRC code if you have it, as this helps tracking systems recognize the song
• Enter all track details accurately, since errors can lead to rejections on certain stores
• Use the original release date of the song rather than a future date

Step Five: Delete Your Releases from a subscription-based music distributor

Once you've confirmed that your new releases are live on streaming platforms, go back to a subscription-based music distributor and remove the old ones. Avoid having both versions live at the same time, as this can create duplicate content issues and complications with performance rights.

Step Six: Update Your Links and Let Your Audience Know

After making the switch, take care of the following:

• Update your listening links in your Instagram bio, X profile, and all other social accounts
• Update the links in any posts or videos you've previously shared
• Let your audience know with a simple post that the track is now available at a new link
• If you use Linktree or any landing page, update the links there as well

Is Making the Switch Worth It?

If you're paying an annual subscription to a subscription-based music distributor or feel like the service isn't living up to your expectations, switching is a logical move. Working with a commission according to current plan terms platform means every dollar your music earns stays with you. The process might seem like a lot of steps, but it rarely takes more than a day or two of focused work. The payoff is greater stability and full earnings over the long run.