Loudness targets cheat sheet
Every platform normalizes audio to its own target. Aim for the target and your content plays at the same volume as everything else. Miss it and the platform turns you down (or leaves you quiet). All values are integrated LUFS with a −1 dBTP true-peak ceiling unless noted.
| Platform | Target |
|---|---|
| YouTube | −14 LUFS |
| TikTok | −14 LUFS |
| Instagram / Facebook | −14 LUFS |
| Spotify | −14 LUFS |
| Apple Music | −16 LUFS |
| Podcasts (typical) | −16 LUFS |
| Audiobooks | −20 LUFS |
| Broadcast TV (US/EU) | −24 / −23 LUFS |
Which one should I use?
If you're making video for social platforms, −14 LUFS covers YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and Spotify in one master. Podcasters usually aim for −16. When in doubt, −14 is the safest single target for anything with a picture.
A note on “targets” vs “rules”
These aren't laws — they're what each platform normalizes to. Upload louder and the platform turns you down; upload quieter and (on most platforms) you just stay quiet. Matching the target means what you hear in your editor is what your audience hears.
Skip the homework. Drop your file in and let TubeTune hit the target for you.
FIX MY LOUDNESS →