Gain change on the chosen platform
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What is LUFS?
LUFS (Loudness Units relative to Full Scale) measures perceived loudness over time, weighted for how human hearing responds to different frequencies. Streaming services and broadcasters measure the integrated loudness of every track and adjust playback volume so everything sounds similarly loud – this is loudness normalization.
Gain applied = platform target (LUFS) − your integrated loudness (LUFS)
Typical loudness targets
| Platform / standard | Target | Peak guidance |
|---|
| Spotify | −14 LUFS | −1 dBTP |
| Apple Music (Sound Check) | −16 LUFS | −1 dBTP |
| YouTube | −14 LUFS | −1 dBTP |
| Amazon Music | −14 LUFS | −2 dBTP |
| Tidal | −14 LUFS | −1 dBTP |
| Deezer | −15 LUFS | −1 dBTP |
| Podcasts (Apple guidance) | −16 LUFS | −1 dBTP |
| EBU R128 (Europe broadcast) | −23 LUFS | −1 dBTP |
| ATSC A/85 (US TV) | −24 LKFS | −2 dBTP |
Does mastering louder help?
Not on normalized platforms. A track mastered to −8 LUFS is simply turned down 6 dB on Spotify, so it plays at the same loudness as a −14 LUFS track – but with less punch, because its peaks were limited. Quieter, more dynamic masters often sound bigger after normalization. Some genres still favor loud masters for their sound, which is fine as long as it's a creative choice.
True peak and lossy encoding
Converting to AAC, Ogg Vorbis or MP3 can create inter-sample peaks above your original peak level. Leaving true peaks at −1 dBTP (or −2 for very loud masters) avoids clipping in the encoded file.
Measuring loudness
- Use a loudness meter plugin that reports integrated LUFS, short-term LUFS, loudness range (LRA) and true peak.
- Measure the whole song or episode, not a loud section.
- Compare against reference tracks in your genre, normalized to the same loudness.
Frequently asked questions
What LUFS should I master to for Spotify?
Spotify normalizes to −14 LUFS. Many masters are louder; Spotify turns them down.
What is the loudness target for Apple Music?
Apple Music Sound Check targets about −16 LUFS.
What LUFS level is used for podcasts?
Around −16 LUFS for stereo podcasts is common guidance.
What is EBU R128?
The European broadcast loudness standard: −23 LUFS integrated with a −1 dBTP true-peak limit.
Why should true peak be below −1 dBTP?
Lossy encoding can create peaks above your original level; headroom prevents clipping.
About LUFSmeter
LUFSmeter is an independent, free calculator for musicians, podcasters and mastering engineers. Platform targets are published or widely reported reference levels and may change; check current specifications before delivery. We are not affiliated with any streaming service.
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The methodology combines widely published engineering rules of thumb, manufacturer data sheets and the electrical code practices that installers use every day. We review the assumptions regularly and update the calculator when typical product specifications change.
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Last updated: October 28, 2026
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