How to Master Audio for Streaming 2026: LUFS, True Peak, and Platform Targets
The Loudness War is Over
Streaming platforms normalize all tracks to the same LUFS. Spotify/YouTube: −14 LUFS. Apple Music: −16 LUFS. Mastering louder does NOT make your track louder — the platform turns it down. Over-compressed masters sound WORSE after normalization.
Target Levels by Platform
Spotify: −14 LUFS Integrated, −1 dBTP. YouTube: −14 LUFS. Apple Music: −16 LUFS. Use Youlean Loudness Meter (free) to measure. See our Bluetooth codecs guide for wireless audio quality details.
Mastering Chain for Streaming
1) Subtle EQ (±1–2 dB), 2) Light compression (1–2 dB GR), 3) Limiter ceiling at −1 dBTP, input gain to achieve −14 LUFS. Export at 24-bit/48 kHz WAV. For monitoring your master, the Sennheiser HD600 provides the most accurate reference, while the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro offers isolation for checking bass.
For gear recommendations, see our headphone buying guide and studio monitor guide.
