Loudness targets, on one page.
Platform targets, what the numbers mean, a pre-delivery checklist and how to pick the right meter.
Platform Targets
| Platform | Target | True Peak |
|---|---|---|
| Spotify | −14 LUFS | −1 dBTP |
| Apple Music | −16 LUFS | −1 dBTP |
| YouTube | −14 LUFS | −1 dBTP |
| Tidal | −14 LUFS | −1 dBTP |
| Amazon Music | −14 LUFS | −2 dBTP |
| Deezer | −15 LUFS | −1 dBTP |
| SoundCloud | No normalization | −1 dBTP |
| Podcasts (Apple) | −16 LUFS | −1 dBTP |
| TV / Broadcast (EBU R128) | −23 LUFS | −1 dBTP |
| TV / Broadcast (ATSC A/85, US) | −24 LUFS | −2 dBTP |
Platforms turn tracks above their target down. Most don't turn quieter tracks up, so you don't have to hit −14 exactly: a louder master reaches the listener at the same level, just with less dynamics. These are the values platforms publish and they can change.
To see where your master sits against these targets, drop it into the Online Analyzer.
What the Numbers Mean
Integrated LUFS
The average perceived loudness of the whole track, start to finish. This is the number platforms normalize to.
Short-Term & Momentary
Loudness over 3-second and 400 ms windows. Shows your loudest moments, like the chorus.
True Peak
The real peak once the signal is converted to analog. Above 0 dBTP it can distort during conversion.
LRA (Loudness Range)
The spread between the quiet and loud parts of a track. Low means heavily compressed, high means dynamic.
PSR (Peak-to-Short-Term Ratio)
The gap between peaks and loudness. Below 8 is usually a sign of over-compression.
Correlation (Stereo Phase)
+1 means mono-compatible. Below zero, parts of the mix can disappear when played in mono.
Five Checks Before You Deliver
- 01Is True Peak below −1 dBTP?
- 02How does Integrated compare with your target platform?
- 03Is PSR above 8? If not, you may have over-compressed.
- 04Does Correlation stay below zero anywhere for long?
- 05Did you compare against a reference track at the same loudness?
GUIDE · 4 MIN READ
Choosing a Loudness Meter
Plug-in, online tool or app? What each kind of meter does well, where it falls short, and which one fits your work.
Read the Guide →Measure your file now.
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