What is Loudness (LUFS)?
LUFS (Loudness Units Full Scale) is the industry standard for measuring perceived loudness. The target standard for stereo podcasts is -16 LUFS.
Why Loudness (LUFS) Matters for Podcasters
In the past, audio was measured by 'peaks' (the loudest moment). However, a file with one loud gunshot and 59 minutes of whispering has a high peak but low 'loudness.' LUFS measures loudness over time, mimicking how the human ear actually perceives volume. To ensure a consistent experience for listeners moving from one show to another, podcast platforms have adopted standards. The generally accepted target is **-16 LUFS for stereo** and **-19 LUFS for mono**. If your podcast is -24 LUFS, it will sound tiny and quiet compared to others; if it is -10 LUFS, it will blast the listener's ears. Mastering to -16 LUFS is the final step in production.
Ready to get started?
Check if your episode hits the -16 LUFS standard with our Online LUFS Meter.
Try Online LUFS Meter →Related Terms
ID3 Tags
ID3 tags are metadata embedded directly into MP3 audio files that store information like the episode title, artist name, album name, and cover art. They help podcast players display the correct information about your episodes.
Metadata
Metadata is descriptive information about your podcast episode that helps platforms, players, and search engines understand what your content is about. It includes titles, descriptions, tags, and embedded file information.
Background Noise / Noise Floor
Background noise (also called noise floor) is the unwanted ambient sound present in your recording, such as air conditioning hum, computer fan noise, or room echo. It can distract listeners and make your podcast sound unprofessional.
Transcription
Transcription is the process of converting spoken audio into written text. For podcasters, transcriptions make content accessible, improve SEO, and enable repurposing into blog posts or social media content.