Perfect YouTube Audio Levels: Creator's Technical Guide

Introduction

Achieving professional, consistent audio levels is crucial for every YouTube content creator. Whether you’re uploading vlogs, tutorials, or music videos, setting the right audio loudness (usually measured in LUFS—Loudness Units relative to Full Scale) ensures your sound is engaging and clear on any device.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting your YouTube audio levels right, share what I’ve learned as a creator, and provide expert-backed recommendations for achieving broadcast-quality sound on YouTube.

Why Audio Levels Matter on YouTube

YouTube is one of the largest video platforms in the world, catering to everyone from hobbyists to seasoned professionals. Yet, a common pitfall for new and experienced creators alike is inconsistent or poor audio quality, which can drive viewers away faster than shaky visuals.

In fact, studies show that viewers tolerate less-than-perfect visuals more readily than muddy or imbalanced sound.

To stand out on YouTube and retain your audience, you need to get your audio right—this includes correct loudness, clarity, and dynamic range. The right audio level helps ensure your content is professional, trustworthy, and engaging.

What Are LUFS and Why Are They Important for YouTube Audio?

LUFS stands for Loudness Units relative to Full Scale. It’s the industry standard measurement for perceived loudness, used not just on YouTube but across broadcast TV and streaming giants like Spotify and Apple Music. LUFS reflects how humans actually experience loudness, not just the raw decibel output.

Integrated LUFS gives you an average loudness across your entire track.
Short-term LUFS and momentary LUFS measure loudness in shorter time frames.

For YouTube, integrated LUFS is the primary metric to watch.

In short: Set your YouTube audio levels correctly in LUFS, and your videos will sound balanced, professional, and consistent across devices.

YouTube’s Audio Normalisation: What You Need to Know

YouTube normalises all audio to around -14 LUFS. If your audio is louder than -14 LUFS, YouTube’s algorithm will reduce its loudness to match this target. If your audio is quieter, YouTube won’t boost it up; it will simply stay quiet.

Key takeaway: To maximise clarity and engagement, set your video’s audio between -11 LUFS and -13 LUFS. This puts your track just above YouTube’s normalisation threshold, ensuring optimal playback volume without risking distortion.

This Image Shows The Correct Audio Levels For YouTube

Common Questions About YouTube Audio Levels

What is the loudness standard for YouTube?
YouTube uses -14 LUFS as its reference point for audio loudness.
What happens if my audio is too loud?
YouTube will automatically turn your audio down.
What happens if my audio is too quiet?
YouTube will NOT turn it up—quiet audio stays quiet.

Step-by-Step: How to Set Your YouTube Audio Levels to -13 LUFS

Mix your audio with care: Avoid harsh peaks, clipping, and distortion.
Check your peak levels: Keep true peaks below -1 dBTP (decibels true peak) to prevent digital clipping after YouTube’s processing.
Use loudness meters: You’ll need metering tools (many are free or low-cost plugins for your DAW or video editing suite) that specifically show integrated LUFS.
Aim for -13 LUFS: Mix and master your audio to hover between -11 and -13 LUFS integrated average.
Test exports: Export a short sample and run it through your loudness meter.
Upload a private/test video: The best way to double-check is to upload as unlisted and listen on multiple devices—TV, phone, laptop, headphones.
Compare with references: Find a well-produced YouTube video in your genre and benchmark your sound.

Deeper Dive: Why Slightly Above -14 LUFS Is Better

When you set your loudness right above -14 LUFS, YouTube’s system will only apply minor adjustments (turning it down slightly if necessary). Your audio remains consistently clear, dynamic, and loud enough to cut through household or commuter noise, but it won’t sound compressed or fatiguing.

Overly loud mixes can sound distorted after YouTube’s algorithm reduces their gain. Overly quiet mixes stay quiet. Staying just above -14 LUFS keeps your content in the “sweet spot.”

Top tip: Never squash your mix with too much compression just to make it “louder.” YouTube’s normalisation makes the loudness war obsolete—dynamic, balanced mixes always win in listener experience.

Practical Tips for Creators: Achieving the Best YouTube Audio Levels

Reference Your Genre:
If you’re producing dialogue-heavy videos, compare your output to successful vloggers or interview channels. If you’re making music content, reference high-quality music channels.
Listen On Multiple Devices:
Test your audio on your phone, laptop, tablet, and TV. Audio that sounds great on one device may be muddy or weak on another.
Don’t Forget Room Tone:
Unwanted noise or mismatched background can make your audio sound inconsistent. Use noise reduction plugins and ensure consistent background ambience.
Master with Multiple Outputs:
Try exporting your audio at different target LUFS (-15, -13, -11) and upload short test videos to YouTube for real-world comparison.

Tools and Plugins for Checking LUFS

Here are just a few tools and plugins available which check LUFS on your content.

Youlean Loudness Meter (free and paid versions):
Compatible with most DAWs and video editors.
Waves WLM Meter:
Professional plug-in for measuring broadcast and streaming loudness.
iZotope Insight:
Comprehensive metering suite for in-depth audio analysis.
Built-in Video Editor Tools:
Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve both offer loudness metering plugins.

What If You Produce on Your Phone or Basic Equipment?

You can still achieve solid results if you record directly on your smartphone:

Use best recording practices—Record in a quiet room and keep your mic close to your voice.
Manually adjust audio in video editors—Most apps (even mobile ones like iMovie or CapCut) have simple level meters. Aim for peaks below -1 dB and average levels that allow for clear, comfortable listening.
Export and upload tests—Listen on all your devices before going public.

If you need to raise your levels for YouTube, consider moving your file to a desktop for proper adjustment using free editors like Audacity or shotcut.

Overcoming Common Pitfalls

1. Audio Is Too Quiet After Upload

Double-check your export and master to ensure integrated LUFS is at least -13.
Some compression in your audio chain may be dropping average levels too far.

2. Audio Is Distorted or Compressed

Lay off excessive limiting and brick-wall compression.
Keep true peaks below -1 dBTP for highest quality after YouTube’s processing.

3. Different Tracks Sound Uneven

Use reference tracks and consistent metering during mixing and mastering.
Consider using a mastering plugin chain with built-in LUFS and true-peak limits.

Why Can’t the Experts Agree on the “Perfect” Level?

Audio is subjective, and while -14 LUFS is the YouTube standard, there’s no universal “perfect” sound. Experts debate because:

Music and dialogue require different approaches.
Algorithms, platforms, and user preferences evolve.
Industry standards shift over time.

For best results, know the standard, reference the best in your niche, and use your ears—never rely solely on numbers.

Learn More: Recommended Resources

Below are some essential links to dive deeper into the world of Youtube audio and audio level production in content. If you want to become a pro in this field, these links are really recommended.

Final Thoughts

For YouTube content, set your YouTube video loudness to between -11 LUFS and -13 LUFS with true peaks below -1 dBTP for broadcast-quality sound that stands out. Test before publishing for the best results on all devices.

Exceptional, consistent audio will help your videos engage viewers, build trust, and keep your content sounding professional—no matter what you create.

Happy producing!

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FAQs: YouTube Audio Levels

What are the official YouTube audio level recommendations?

As of 2024, YouTube normalises streams to -14 LUFS integrated loudness.

Should I master all my content the same way as a music track?

No. Spoken word, talk shows, or educational videos can retain more dynamics and need less compression than music.

What about background music in my video?

Mix music so the dialogue or main content remains clear. Never let music drown out speech; sidechain compression can help keep vocals on top.

Can I use AI Mastering Tools?

AI mastering tools (like LANDR or online mastering sites) are improving rapidly. Still, always check final LUFS and true peak levels yourself, as some services may not target streaming standards.

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