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 this question matter to you?
Many musicians start with a paid subscription at a digital distributor, then later decide to downgrade their plan or cancel the subscription to save money. What not everyone knows is that this step can have direct consequences for their released songs and their accumulated earnings. This article explains what can happen and helps you make an informed decision.
Common scenarios when switching to a plan offered on its current terms
Pricing models vary between distributors, but there are recurring patterns documented in the public terms of service of these platforms:
- Removing or freezing songs: Some distributors keep your music on the digital platforms as long as your subscription is active. As soon as you downgrade or cancel, your songs may be pulled automatically from Spotify, Apple Music and others.
- Freezing earnings payouts: Some distributors require an active paid subscription for earnings to keep being paid out. If you move to the plan offered on its current terms, payments may stop until you upgrade again.
- Raising the minimum payout threshold: Some platforms raise the minimum payout threshold on plans, which means small earnings may stay held for longer.
- Deducting extra fees: Fees may be applied to each released song separately on free plans, which reduces your net earnings.
Where do you find this information officially?
Before you take any decision, open the "Terms and Conditions" or "FAQ" page at your current distributor and look for words such as: downgrade, or cancellation policy, or royalty payout on plan. These details should be published clearly, and if you do not find them, contact the support team in writing and keep the reply.
Practical steps before you click "Downgrade plan"
- Withdraw your earnings first: Make sure you withdraw every available balance before any change to your plan, especially if the minimum payout threshold is low on your current plan.
- Keep screenshots: Record your play counts, your earnings and the distribution links for your songs before switching. This data is yours and you may need it later.
- Check the status of your songs on the platforms: Two weeks after switching, search for your songs on Spotify and Apple Music to make sure they are still available.
- Read the refund policy: Some distributors do not refund a prepaid subscription fee even if you downgrade your plan in the middle of the billing cycle.
- Do not delete your account before moving your songs: If you intend to move to another distributor, release your songs at the new distributor first before cancelling your old account, to avoid a break in distribution.
How is Mazufa's model different?
At Mazufa there are no paid plans that affect the continuity of your distribution or the payout of your earnings. There are no annual subscription fees forcing you to choose between keeping your songs up and saving money. Your songs stay distributed and your earnings are paid out regardless of any "plan", because the model is built from the ground up without these constraints.
Summary
Moving from a paid plan to another plan is not a simple decision at many distributors, and it can in practice mean your songs stop being distributed or your earnings are paid late. Before any step, read the terms carefully, withdraw the earnings available to you, and document everything. And if you are looking for an alternative that spares you these calculations, models built on the absence of subscriptions are an option worth considering.