How to Normalise Podcast Audio to -16 LUFS (and Why Peak Normalisation Is Not Enough)

Use two-pass EBU R128 loudness normalisation, not peak normalisation. Drop the file into the loudness normaliser, choose -16 LUFS for podcasts or -14 LUFS for Spotify and YouTube, and it measures the integrated loudness of your file first, then applies the exact gain needed to hit that target with a -1.5 dBTP ceiling. Peak normalisation only scales the loudest sample and leaves quiet recordings sounding quiet.

Available free in the United Kingdom, United States, Ireland, Canada, Australia and across the EU. Because files are processed in your own browser and never uploaded, no personal data crosses a border, which keeps use consistent with UK GDPR, EU GDPR and CCPA/CPRA expectations.

Frequently asked questions

What LUFS should a podcast be?

-16 LUFS integrated is the AES recommendation for podcasts, with a true peak ceiling of -1 to -2 dBTP. If your main distribution is Spotify or YouTube, -14 LUFS matches their normalisation target.

What is the difference between LUFS and dB?

dB here usually refers to sample peak, which measures the single loudest instant. LUFS measures perceived loudness averaged across the programme using a hearing-weighted filter, which is far closer to how loud something actually sounds.

Will normalisation fix background noise?

No — raising the level raises the noise with it. The tool offers a separate FFT denoise option for hiss, but neither replaces recording in a quieter room with a closer microphone.