Prepare the master
Export the final mix as an uncompressed WAV file — the standard is 24-bit / 48kHz. Listen to the file all the way through, from beginning to end, on headphones and on a phone speaker. Check the start and the end for clicks, and don't leave extra silence at either end.
Cover art that passes review
Your cover art travels with the release to every store. The spec is 3000×3000 pixels, RGB. Keep text minimal and readable at thumbnail size, and avoid platform logos, account handles, prices and links — stores reject cover art that carries them.
Metadata and codes
Metadata is how the world finds you: an artist name spelled the same way on every release, the real title with no decoration, and the correct language and genre tags. The codes — ISRC for the recording and UPC for the release — are assigned during preparation; you don't need to buy them anywhere.
Choose the release date
Give yourself room. A date several weeks out leaves space for review, delivery and pitching before day one. Line the date up with anything you control — a video, a show, a run of posts — so the release lands with support behind it rather than alone.
Request your invite
Mazufa works by invitation only. Completed applications enter a human review queue as capacity allows. Submitting does not create an account; those accepted may receive a dedicated preparation invite.
After acceptance
After preparation, your release is packaged to spec and delivered to every platform, and its data is pitched to the appropriate editorial and algorithmic surfaces. From there, watch your dashboard: streams, saves and playlist adds, per platform and per country.
The fingerprint code every recording carries — it tracks streams and earnings worldwide.
Your release barcode — one per single, EP or album.
Digital service provider — Spotify, Apple Music, Anghami and every store on earth.
Why does a distributor close your account?
Most digital distribution companies impose specific obligations in their user agreement relating to intellectual property rights, the originality of the content and a ban on stream fraud. When a violation of any of these terms is discovered, the distributor has the right to suspend the account or close it permanently as set out in the terms of service.
Common reasons for closure include: uploading tracks containing samples without a licence, claiming ownership of music you do not own, using tools that artificially inflate streams, or breaching the content policy of services such as Spotify and Apple Music.
What happens to accumulated earnings?
The answer differs from one distributor to another, but the most common scenarios are:
- Earnings frozen temporarily: The distributor puts the earnings on hold until the review is complete. If you are cleared or the problem is resolved, the earnings are transferred to you later.
- Earnings tied to the infringing content forfeited: In cases of documented infringement of a third party's rights, the distributor may withhold the earnings generated specifically by the infringing songs in order to settle them with the original rights holder.
- Earnings cancelled entirely: In cases of proven fraud such as stream inflation, streaming services cancel that period's revenue before it reaches the distributor, which means there is nothing to recover.
- Legitimate earnings paid out along with the account closure: Some distributors distinguish between infringing songs and the rest, and pay out the clean earnings when the contract ends.
The key thing here is to read the "Termination" clause in the distributor's agreement before signing, because it defines exactly what happens to your money.
Practical steps if your account is closed
- Ask for written clarification immediately: Contact the distributor's support and ask them to state the reason for closure in writing, and the status of your earnings specifically.
- Document everything: Keep copies of emails, screenshots and any correspondence relating to the account.
- File a formal appeal: Most distributors offer an appeal mechanism. Submit evidence of your ownership of the content or of the issue having been resolved, if possible.
- Consult a legal specialist if the amounts are large: Consulting a lawyer who specialises in music rights may be worthwhile if the withheld earnings are significant.
- Check the services' policies directly: Sometimes the problem is with the service, not the distributor. You can file a dispute through the Spotify for Artists portal or its equivalent.
How do you protect yourself before the problem happens?
- Get clear licences: Any sample or borrowed melody must be licensed in writing before distribution.
- Don't use stream inflation services: This practice is detected by modern detection tools and leads to earnings being cancelled and the account being closed.
- Withdraw your earnings regularly: Don't let them pile up for long periods; withdraw them as soon as they reach the minimum payout threshold.
- Choose a distributor with a transparent policy: Check that the distributor states explicitly what happens to your money when the contract ends or the account is closed.
- Don't put your whole catalogue with one distributor: Some artists distribute their work through more than one company under separate contracts for each album or group of songs.
What does Mazufa offer in this context?
At Mazufa, the distribution policy is built on transparency: the fees and deductions set out in the offer and the contract applied to your earnings, and clear terms relating to termination of service published in readable language. We believe that fully understanding your financial rights before signing is the basis of any sound professional relationship. If you are thinking about changing your distributor or want to compare terms, our team is available to answer your questions with no prior commitment.