How to Master a Song for Streaming (LUFS, Done Right)
Share
Mastering · Meshplugins.com
Streaming platforms turn loud masters down. Here's how to master for Spotify the right way - loud enough, clean, and translating everywhere.
Related: free mastering plugins, how to make your song louder and the 10 best free plugins.
1. Mix first, master second — order matters
Mastering can't rescue a weak mix. Get the balance right, then polish.
2. Target around -14 LUFS — the loudness
Spotify and YouTube normalize to roughly -14 LUFS integrated. Master louder and it just gets turned down.
3. Leave -1 dBTP headroom — avoid codec clipping
Set a true-peak ceiling of -1 dBTP so lossy streaming codecs don't distort your master.
4. Light glue chain — don't crush it
Gentle EQ, 1-2 dB of bus compression, then a limiter. Subtle beats slammed.
5. Reference and check on phone — translate
A/B against pro tracks in your genre, and check on phone speakers - that's where most people listen.
6. Export 24-bit WAV — deliver right
Distributors want 24-bit WAV, not MP3. Let them handle the conversions.
FAQ
What LUFS should I master to for Spotify?
Around -14 LUFS integrated with a -1 dBTP true-peak ceiling works across Spotify, YouTube and TikTok.
Should I master louder than -14 LUFS?
Not for loudness' sake - it gets normalized down and you lose dynamics.
Want the pro sound instantly?
These guides get you most of the way. My presets, templates and vocal chains get you the exact pro tone in one drag — the settings I pulled from 100+ Grammy sessions.
Get My Presets and Templates → Meshplugins.comMore real talk → Meshplugins.com · free mastering plugins
— IvanFromRnD
Free forever · No sign-up · Runs in your browser
33 Free Music Production Tools
Calculators, converters and generators that run entirely in your browser. Your files never leave your computer.
Calculators & reference
Theory & timing
Audio file tools
Generators
See all 33 free tools →