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 the distributor close your account in the first place?
Before we talk about earnings, it is important to understand the common reasons that lead distributors to close accounts. Most distribution contracts contain clear clauses relating to:
- Uploading music that infringes copyright or contains unlicensed samples.
- Manipulating stream counts through bots or fake streaming services.
- Providing misleading metadata or claiming ownership of works you do not own.
- Violating the distributor's own user agreement.
When a violation of any of these clauses is established, the distributor has the right to terminate the account immediately under the terms of service you agreed to when you registered.
What actually happens to the accumulated earnings?
This is the most pressing question, and the answer differs from one distributor to another, but the common scenarios are:
- Earnings frozen temporarily: The distributor withholds the amounts while it investigates the reason for the closure. If you are cleared or the dispute is settled in your favour, you may recover part of the money or all of it.
- Earnings forfeited permanently: In cases of documented fraud such as manipulating stream counts, most distribution contracts state explicitly that the distributor has the right to keep the earnings generated during the period of the violation, because the services may claw these payments back from the distributor.
- The outstanding balance paid before closure: Some distributors pay the balance accumulated up to the closure date as long as there is no legal dispute or recovery claim from the services.
The fundamental problem is that Spotify does not pay artists directly; it pays the distributor, which passes the amounts on to you. So if the distributor freezes your account, you are effectively cut off from the payment cycle entirely.
Practical steps if your account is closed
- Read the closure notice carefully: It must state the reason specifically. Keep a copy of every piece of correspondence.
- Contact support in writing: Send a formal email asking for a detailed statement of the earnings owed to you up to the closure date.
- Ask about the appeal mechanism: Most distributors offer an appeal window. Submit documents proving your ownership of the content or that you did not commit the alleged violation.
- Review the terms of service: Look for the “account termination” and “payment on termination” clauses so you know exactly what your rights are.
- Consult a legal specialist if necessary: If the frozen earnings are large, legal advice may be essential.
How do you protect yourself before you reach this point?
Prevention is always better than cure. Here is what you should be doing regularly:
- Keep a clear distribution record: Document every track you upload, the source of every sample, and the contract of every performer who took part in the recording.
- Don't use paid streaming services: Any service that promises you thousands of streams in a matter of days puts your account at risk of closure.
- Withdraw your earnings regularly: Don't let them pile up for months without withdrawing; regular withdrawals reduce the value of what you could lose if any dispute arises.
- Choose a distributor with a transparent policy: Before signing with any distributor, read the “account termination” and “dispute resolution” clauses carefully.
What does this mean if you are with Mazufa?
At Mazufa, our policies are built on transparency. The terms of service are available to read before you register, and we make sure the artist knows exactly what they are agreeing to and what their rights are in every possible scenario, including closure scenarios. If you have any question about our policies before uploading a track, the support team is available to answer.
Summary
Having an account closed does not necessarily mean losing all your earnings, but it does mean entering a grey area that can stretch for weeks or months. The best thing you can do is read the contract in advance, withdraw your earnings regularly, and stay well away from any practice that puts your account at risk.