Per-platform LUFS targets
- Spotify — -14 LUFS integrated, true peak -1 dBTP
- Apple Music — -16 LUFS, true peak -1 dBTP
- YouTube — -14 LUFS, true peak -1 dBTP
- Tidal — -14 LUFS, true peak -1 dBTP
- Broadcast — -23 LUFS (EBU R128) or -24 LKFS (ATSC A/85)
Normalization is not your enemy
The reflex to master at -8 LUFS to "compete" backfires — the DSP turns your master down to match the platform target, leaving the squashed dynamics intact and the perceived loudness identical. Master to the target and keep the dynamics.
Deliver alternate masters
- Streaming master at -14 LUFS
- Broadcast master at -23 LUFS for sync placements
- TV mix (vocals up, instrumental separate)
- Vinyl master with appropriate low-end and width adjustments
Verify before shipping
OneKindMedia measures integrated LUFS, true peak, dynamic range, and mono compatibility on upload — flagging any master that won't pass DSP intake clean. Cheap insurance against a delivery rejection after the press release has gone out.
Field note
The most common rejection: true peak above 0 dBTP after lossy encoding. Master to -1 dBTP true peak and you'll never see a rejection email.