LUFS (Loudness Units relative to Full Scale)
Definition
A standardized unit of integrated loudness measurement that accounts for human hearing perception across frequencies and time. The primary metric used by streaming platforms for loudness normalization targets.
In Simple Terms
The way streaming platforms measure how loud your track is. Spotify and Apple Music target around -14 LUFS. Master near that number and your song plays back at the volume you intended, without the platform turning it down.
In Practice
Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal use loudness normalization targeting approximately -14 LUFS, which means a master delivered at or near this level will play back without being turned down.