[4] The original version of Muxtape allowed music fans themselves to upload playlists of MP3s, based on the idea of a mixtape.

[2] Muxtape was one in a long line of websites which permit users to create online playlists, either from user-uploaded tracks or selected from a library curated by the site.

However, Ouellette stated that Muxtape is different from the likes of Napster: "Its intended purpose is to introduce you to new music that you would then hopefully go and buy.

"[8] On September 25, 2008, the Muxtape homepage began displaying a long message from the creator stating that the site's format was changing to a platform for independent artists to distribute their music.

The site reappeared in preview mode on January 27, 2009; a blurb on the front page stated that "We’ve invited 12 of our favorite artists to help test, and in the coming weeks we'll begin allowing bands to sign up themselves for free."