My Podcast Sounds Different on Spotify: Why It Happens

The short version

Spotify and other platforms normalise loudness, so the level is turned up or down.
The file is re-encoded for streaming, which can raise the peaks.
Check the true peak of the uploaded file, not only the project.
Compare the platform result with your own export on the same device.

Normalisation

Many streaming services adjust the playback level so tracks and episodes sound about equally loud. A file much louder than the target is turned down, and a quiet one may be turned up. This can make a loud episode sound quieter, and the other way round.

Re-encoding

The platform converts your file to its own streaming format. The conversion can add peaks above the level in your master. A file that sounded clean in the editor can sound harsher after conversion.

What to check

The loudness of the exported file, not the project.
The true peak, kept at or below -1 dBTP.
The same episode on a phone and on a computer, after it is published.

What to do

Re-export the file at a loudness target with the true peak checked, and upload that. The export guide covers the steps, and the true peak explanation covers the reason.

Export the file the platform expects

Tunedzy exports at a loudness target with the true peak checked, and keeps the master for re-exports.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Spotify changing my audio quality?

The platform re-encodes the file for streaming. Keeping a clean master and a safe peak helps the result.

Why is my episode quieter than others?

Usually the episode was set to a lower loudness. Measure it and set it to your target.

Do I need to match another podcast?

Not exactly. Aim for a steady, comfortable level and a safe peak.

Keep going

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