Updated October 2026 · Vocal recording fixes
Both Spotify and YouTube turn loud audio down to a standard loudness, about −14 LUFS integrated for Spotify. Mixing louder than that does not make your track sound louder on the platform; it only makes it more squashed. Aim near −14 LUFS and keep the true peaks below about −1 dBTP.
Streaming services use loudness normalisation: they measure each track and adjust its playback level to a target. Spotify’s own guidance uses about −14 LUFS. YouTube also normalises, so very loud uploads are turned down.
If you push a track far above the target, the platform lowers it again, and the extra compression you used to get there leaves the mix dull. A track that lands near the target keeps its dynamics.
Platforms change their guidance and the rules differ between music, podcasts and video. Check the current documentation of the platform you publish on before you master for it.
Spot clipping, noise, rumble and level problems. Runs in your browser, nothing is uploaded.
A measure of perceived loudness over a whole track. Platforms use it to set playback levels.
Aim close to it. A few tenths of a dB do not matter.
The platform normalises loud masters down to its target. Compare with a louder master and you will hear that it is squashed.
