Free LUFS Meter & Loudness Analyzer

Professional loudness analysis tool that measures LUFS levels and ensures platform compliance. Upload your audio files to get instant loudness readings for YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and broadcast standards. Perfect for podcasters, YouTubers, and audio professionals.

LUFS Meter & Loudness Analyzer

Upload an audio file to analyze loudness levels and compare against platform standards.

Upload Audio File

Supports WAV, MP3, FLAC, and other audio formats

What is LUFS and Why Does It Matter?

LUFS (Loudness Units relative to Full Scale) is the international standard for measuring perceived loudness in audio. Unlike traditional peak meters that only show signal amplitude, LUFS meters measure how loud audio actually sounds to human ears.

LUFS is crucial because different platforms have specific loudness requirements. Getting your audio to the right LUFS level ensures consistent playback across all devices and platforms, preventing your content from being too quiet or too loud compared to other content.

Platform Loudness Standards

YouTube

-14 LUFS

Recommended for video content

Spotify

-16 LUFS

Music and podcast standard

Apple Podcasts

-16 LUFS

Podcast industry standard

Broadcast TV

-24 LKFS

ATSC A/85 standard

How to Use the LUFS Meter

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. 1

    Upload Your Audio File

    Supports WAV, MP3, FLAC, and other common audio formats

  2. 2

    Click Analyze

    Our tool will process your audio and measure loudness levels

  3. 3

    Review Results

    Check platform compliance and get recommendations

  4. 4

    Adjust Your Audio

    Use the recommendations to optimize your loudness levels

Understanding the Results

Integrated LUFS

Average loudness across the entire audio file

Short Term LUFS

Loudness over 3-second windows

True Peak

Highest peak level to prevent clipping

LRA (Loudness Range)

Dynamic range of your audio content

Common LUFS Issues and Solutions

Audio Too Quiet (Low LUFS)

If your audio measures below the target LUFS level, it will sound quiet compared to other content.

  • • Increase overall gain in your DAW
  • • Use a limiter to raise levels without clipping
  • • Apply gentle compression to even out dynamics
  • • Check that your monitoring levels are correct

Audio Too Loud (High LUFS)

Audio that's too loud will be turned down by platforms, potentially affecting quality.

  • • Reduce overall gain before limiting
  • • Use a compressor to control dynamics
  • • Check for excessive limiting or compression
  • • Ensure your mix isn't already over-compressed

True Peak Too High

True peak levels above -1 dBTP can cause clipping during platform encoding.

  • • Set limiter ceiling to -1 dBTP or lower
  • • Use true peak limiting, not just peak limiting
  • • Leave headroom for platform processing
  • • Check for inter-sample peaks

LUFS Best Practices for Different Content

Podcasts

  • • Target -16 LUFS for Apple Podcasts and Spotify
  • • Keep true peak below -1 dBTP
  • • Use consistent levels across episodes
  • • Test on phone speakers at low volume

YouTube Videos

  • • Target -14 LUFS for competitive loudness
  • • Match music and voice levels carefully
  • • Test on various devices and platforms
  • • Consider your audience's listening environment

Music

  • • Target -16 LUFS for streaming platforms
  • • Preserve some dynamic range (8-12 LU LRA)
  • • Avoid over-compression for loudness
  • • Test on different playback systems

Broadcast

  • • Follow ATSC A/85 standards (-24 LKFS)
  • • Use broadcast-compliant meters
  • • Test on broadcast monitoring equipment
  • • Document loudness measurements

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between LUFS and dB?

dB measures signal amplitude, while LUFS measures perceived loudness. LUFS takes into account how human ears perceive different frequencies, making it more accurate for setting consistent loudness levels.

Why do different platforms have different LUFS targets?

Each platform optimizes for their specific use case. YouTube targets -14 LUFS for competitive video content, while Spotify uses -16 LUFS to preserve more dynamic range for music listening.

Can I use the same LUFS level for all platforms?

While you can use one level for multiple platforms, it's better to optimize for your primary distribution channel. Most content works well at -16 LUFS for music/podcasts or -14 LUFS for video.

How accurate is this online LUFS meter?

Our LUFS meter uses industry-standard algorithms to provide accurate loudness measurements. For critical work, we recommend also using professional software, but this tool is perfect for quick checks and learning.

Need Professional Audio Services?

Our LUFS meter helps you check loudness levels. For professional mixing, mastering, and loudness optimization services, let our experts handle the complex work.

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