Definition
LUFS and LKFS are numerically equivalent units used with the ITU-R BS.1770 loudness measurement method. K-weighting and channel weighting approximate perceived loudness; meters commonly show momentary (400 ms), short-term (3 s), and gated integrated program loudness. Follow the actual delivery specification: EBU R128-based workflows target -23 LUFS integrated, while many ATSC A/85-based workflows use -24 LKFS, subject to their applicable rules and tolerances. Podcast values such as -16 LUFS for stereo or -19 LUFS for mono are common recommendations, not one requirement for every host. YouTube playback is often observed around a -14 LUFS reference, but that is not a universal upload requirement; TikTok and Instagram should not be assigned a universal -14 LUFS target. Playback behavior can vary by service, format, and settings. Normalization may apply gain, but does not guarantee every passage sounds equally loud or every peak is safe. Measure true peaks separately in dBTP and choose headroom for the delivery specification and encoding path.
How Loopdesk Uses This
When preparing audio in Loopdesk, check which dialogue-leveling, music-ducking, loudness metering, and export-normalization controls are currently available. Transcript or speaker detection alone does not establish LUFS normalization or true-peak limiting. Measure the exported mix against the actual delivery specification, or a clearly chosen mastering recommendation when no specification exists, and listen for intelligibility and distortion.
Check your mix before publishing
Explore Loopdesk's current audio controls, then meter and listen to the exported mix against your delivery requirements or chosen mastering reference.
Try LoopdeskFrequently Asked Questions
What LUFS should I use for YouTube?
Around -14 LUFS integrated is a commonly used mastering reference based on observed playback normalization, not a universal YouTube upload requirement. Make speech clear, preserve useful dynamics, and check true peaks separately. A ceiling such as -1 dBTP is a common headroom starting point, not a guarantee against overs after lossy encoding; review the final file and current delivery guidance.
Why does my audio get quieter after uploading?
Playback loudness normalization is one possibility: a service may attenuate a loud upload. App settings, dynamic processing, encoding, and the playback chain can also change what you hear. Compare the exported file with playback under controlled settings rather than assuming every change proves a particular platform target.
Related Keywords
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Related Terms
Silence Removal
Automatically detecting and removing silent pauses, dead air, and awkward gaps from video and audio recordings.
Export Presets
Pre-configured export settings optimized for specific platforms (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, etc.) including resolution, aspect ratio, bitrate, and format.
Auto-Generated Captions (Auto Subtitles)
AI-powered speech-to-text technology that automatically generates synchronized captions and subtitles for video content.
Post-Production
The entire phase of video production that occurs after recording, including editing, color grading, sound design, captioning, visual effects, and final delivery.