If you are part of the vast audio production community that provides content for broadcasters or streaming services, you are constantly faced with different requirements to comply with various delivery standards.
In recent years, adhering to specific loudness standards has become increasingly important, and these days, loudness is part of practically any audio spec sheet.
But depending on distributor, geography, content type and more, the loudness LUFS requirements can differ, and it can be hard to find out exactly which standards are relevant for each situation.
This blog article is made to give you an overview of the many standards that are being used all over the world. We provide the most important LUFS numbers and link to relevant documentation for further details.
Please note that the present list may not be complete or 100 % updated at all times. Delivery specifications and standards may be updated occasionally or new ones may emerge, and we will of course update this page accordingly as soon as this should happen and it comes to our attention.
In conclusion, please consider this data general information that we provide to the best of our knowledge and belief.
If you are aware of any recent updates or new standards, please bring it to our attention by using our contact form.
Tools for delivering on-target loudness content
In order to hit the targets as described below, you need to measure your audio carefully.
Our hardware meters can help you achieve those goals with ease.
Global |
|||
Recommendation for Loudness of Audio Streaming and Network File Playback TD-1004 | |||
Loudness Type | AES Streaming | ||
Integrated (I) | –16 to –20 LUFS | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –1 dBTP | ||
Reference: AES Technical Document (is under revision) | |||
Please note: A −20 LUFS lower limit has been chosen as the lowest current practical value for streaming, as some current mobile devices have insufficient gain to allow the common production targets of −23 or −24 LUFS to be heard at a satisfying loudness even if the volume control is turned all the way up. |
|
|||
CTA: Loudness Standard for Over the Top Television and Online Video Distribution for Mobile and Fixed Devices | |||
Loudness Type | ANSI/CTA-2075 | ||
Integrated (I) | Per AES-71, Annex D * | ||
Reference: ANSI/CTA Standard | |||
* The AES71 RP is recognized in ANSI/CTA-2075 so that content produced and distributed using its guidelines will be compatible with the various benefits of ANSI/CTA-2075. AES71 content playing back on a device compliant with ANSI/CTA-2075 will offer an optimized listener experience regardless of the listening transducer device (micro-speaker, headphone, television, home theater) or environment (indoor or outdoor). |
|||
CTA and the CTA logo are trademarks of the Consumer Technology Association, U.S. |
|||
|
|||
Recommended Practice Loudness Guidelines for Over the Top Television (OTT) and Online Video Distribution (OVD) AES71 | |||
Loudness Type | AES Streaming | ||
Reference: AES71 Standards Document | |||
Please note: AES71 recommends the use of regional television loudness values as mentioned below and refers to the regional standards. In addition, the Integrated Loudness value shall not exceed –16 LUFS/LKFS and –1 dBTP (TPmax) (not applicable for Japan). |
|||
|
|||
Standard | ATSC A/85 | ||
Integrated (I) | –24 LKFS (±2.0 LU) | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –2 dBTP | ||
Reference: ATSC A/85 | |||
Please note: Full program Mix Measurement is recommended for Short From Content, Anchor Element (Dialog) Measurement is recommended for Long Form Content (conditionally Full Programm Mix Measurement) |
|||
|
|||
Standard | EBU R128 | ||
Integrated (I) | –23 LUFS (±0.5 LU) | ||
Short Term (Smax) | –18 LUFS/+5 LU | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –1 dBTP | ||
Reference: EBU R128 | |||
Please note: Anchor Element Measurement for Long Form Content is conditionally permitted for wide dynamic range content. Short Term value is valid for Short Form Content only. |
|||
|
|||
Standard | ARIB TR-B32 | ||
Integrated (I) | –24 LKFS | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –1 dBTP | ||
Reference: ARIB TR-B32 | |||
Please note: Anchor Element Measurement is not permitted for any Content Form. |
|||
|
|||
Standard | OP-59 | ||
Integrated (I) | –24 LKFS (±1.0 LU) | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –2 dBTP | ||
Reference: Free TV Operational Practice | |||
|
Sony Computer Entertainment Platforms | |||
Loudness Type | ASWG-R001 Home | ||
Integrated (I) | –24 LKFS (±2,0 LU) | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –1 dBTP | ||
Reference: ASWG-R001 |
Portable Sony Computer Entertainment Platforms | |||
Loudness Type | ASWG-R001 Portable | ||
Integrated (I) | –18 LKFS (±2,0 LU) | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –1 dBTP | ||
Reference: ASWG-R001 |
Amazon Alexa - Online Streaming | |||
Loudness Type | Amazon | ||
Integrated (I) | –14 LUFS | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –2 dBTP | ||
Reference: Alexa Skills Kit | |||
Amazon, Alexa and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. |
Amazon Music - Online Streaming | |||
Loudness Type | Amazon Music | ||
Integrated (I) | –14 LUFS | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –2 dBTP | ||
Reference: Alexa Skills Kit | |||
Amazon, Alexa and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. |
Apple Music® - Online Streaming | |||
Loudness Type | Apple Music | ||
Integrated (I) | –16 LUFS (±1,0 LU) | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –1 dBTP | ||
Reference: Apple Digital Masters | |||
Apple, the Apple logo, Apple Music, iPod, iTunes, Mac, Macintosh, HomePod, AirPods and macOS are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. iTunes Music Store is a service mark of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. |
Apple Music® - Immersive Audio | |||
Loudness Type | Apple Music Dolby Atmos | ||
Integrated (I) | –18 LKFS (±1,0 LU) | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –1 dBTP | ||
Reference: Section Immersive Audio Source Profile listed in Music Audio Content Profile of Apple's iTunes Video and Audio Asset Guide 5.3.7 | |||
Apple, the Apple logo, Apple Music, iPod, iTunes, Mac, Macintosh, HomePod, AirPods and macOS are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. iTunes Music Store is a service mark of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Dolby, Dolby Atmos and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. |
Apple Podcasts® - Online Streaming | |||
Loudness Type | Apple | ||
Integrated (I) | –16 LKFS (±1,0 dB) | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –1 dBFS | ||
Reference: Apple Podcasts Best Practices | |||
Apple, the Apple logo, Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, iPod, iTunes, Mac, Macintosh, HomePod, AirPods and macOS are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. iTunes Music Store is a service mark of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. |
Deezer - Online Streaming | |||
Loudness Type | Deezer | ||
Integrated (I) | –15 LUFS | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –1 dBTP | ||
Deezer and the Deezer logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Deezer S. A., France |
Disney Home Entertainment - Online Streaming | |||
Loudness Type | ATSC A/85 | ||
Integrated (I) | –27 LKFS (±2,0 LU) | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –2 dBTP | ||
Please note: The Integrated (I) loudness is a speech-gated measurement or as it is also called a dialog intelligence based measurement. |
|||
Disney and the Disney logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Disney Enterprises, Inc. for Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment is a division of The Walt Disney Company. |
HBO Home Office Box - Online Streaming | |||
Loudness Type | ATSC A/85 | ||
Integrated (I) | –27 LKFS (±2,0 LU) | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –2 dBTP | ||
Please note: The Integrated (I) loudness is a speech-gated measurement or as it is also called a dialog intelligence based measurement. |
|||
HBO Home Box Office is a company and the HBO logo is a trademark of WarnerMedia Entertainment. |
Netflix - Online Streaming | |||
Loudness Type | Netflix | ||
Integrated (I) | –27 LKFS (±2,0 LU) | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –2 dBTP | ||
Reference: Netflix Sound Mix Specifications | |||
Please note: Netflix Integrated (I) loudness is a speech-gated measurement or as it is also called a dialog intelligence based measurement. Netflix recommends a Program Loudness Range between 4 and 18 LU and a Dialog Loudness Range of 7 LU or less. |
|||
Netflix and the Netlix logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Netflix Inc., U. S. |
Snapchat - Ads | |||
Loudness Type | Snapchat Ads | ||
Integrated (I) | –16 LUFS | ||
Reference: Ad Specifications and Guidelines - Single Image or Video Specifications | |||
Snapchat and the Ghost logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Snap Inc., California US |
Spotify - Online Streaming | |||
Loudness Type | Spotify Loud | ||
Integrated (I) | –11 LUFS | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –2 dBTP | ||
Reference: Spotify for Artists | |||
Spotify and the Spotify logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Spotify AB, Sweden |
Spotify - Online Streaming | |||
Loudness Type | Spotify | ||
Integrated (I) | –14 LUFS | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –1 dBTP | ||
Referenz: Spotify for Artists | |||
Spotify and the Spotify logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Spotify AB, Sweden |
Spotify - Advertising | |||
Loudness Type | Spotify Ads | ||
Integrated (I) | –16 LUFS (±1.5 LUFS) | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –2 dBTP | ||
Reference: Spotify audio ad specs and requirements | |||
Spotify and the Spotify logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Spotify AB, Sweden |
STARZ - Online Streaming | |||
Loudness Type | ATSC A/85 | ||
Integrated (I) | –27 LKFS (±2,0 LU) | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –2 dBTP | ||
Please note: The Integrated (I) loudness is a speech-gated measurement or as it is also called a dialog intelligence based measurement. |
|||
STARZ and the STARZ logo are trademarks of Starz Entertainment, LLC, U. S. |
Tidal - Online Streaming | |||
Loudness Type | Tidal | ||
Integrated (I) | –14 LUFS | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –1 dBTP | ||
Tidal and the Tidal logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Aspiro AB, New York |
YouTube - Online Streaming | |||
Loudness Type | YouTube | ||
Integrated (I) | –14 LUFS | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –1 dBTP | ||
YouTube and the YouTube logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Google Ireland Limited |
|
Sign up to learn about new blog posts! |
|
Europe |
|||
General TV Broadcast | |||
Standard | EBU R128 | ||
Integrated (I) Live | –23 LUFS (±1.0 LU) | ||
Integrated (I) QC | –23 LUFS (±0.2 LU) | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –1 dBTP (±0.3 dB) | ||
Reference: EBU R128 |
Advertisement TV Broadcast | |||
Standard | EBU R128 s1 | ||
Integrated (I) | –23 LUFS (±0,5 LU) | ||
Short Term (Smax) | –18 LUFS | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –1 dBTP | ||
Reference: EBU R128 s1 |
Streaming in Broadcast | |||
Standard | EBU R128 s2 | ||
Integrated (I) | –23 LUFS* | ||
Integrated (I) | –20 to –16 LUFS° | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –1 dBTP | ||
* Reference: EBU R128-2020 and EBU R128 s2 | |||
° Interim Distribution Loudness – Reference: EBU R128 s2 |
Radio Broadcast | |||
Standard | EBU R128 s3 | ||
Integrated (I) | –23 LUFS* | ||
Integrated (I) | –20 to –16 LUFS° | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –1 dBTP | ||
* Production and Program Exchange – Reference: EBU R128-2020 and EBU R128 s2 | |||
° Inconsistent Use – Reference: EBU R128 s3 | |||
Please note: MPX limitation in some countries ITU-R BS.412 and EBU Tech 3344 |
Germany |
|||
TV advertisement spots in Germany | |||
Standard | EBU R128 | ||
Integrated (I) | –23 LUFS/0 LU | ||
Short Term (Smax) | –20 LUFS/+3 LU | ||
Momentary (Mmax) | –15 LUFS/+8 LU | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –1 dBTP | ||
Reference: ZDF-Werbefernsehen |
TV Arte | |||
Standard | EBU R128 | ||
Integrated (I) | –23 LUFS* | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –1 dBTP | ||
Reference: ARTE G.E.I.E. | |||
* For live content, a tolerance of ±1 LU is allowed. |
|||
Please note: For trailers < 2 minutes: The maximum Short Term value (Smax) must not exceed –20 LUFS. |
United States of America |
|||
General TV Broadcast | |||
Standard | ATSC A/85 | ||
Integrated (I) | –24 LKFS (±2,0 LU) | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –2 dBTP | ||
Reference: ATSC A/85 |
Public Radio Satellite System® (PRSS) | |||
Standard | PRSS Audio Loudness | ||
Integrated (I) | –24 LUFS (±2,0 LU) | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –2 dBTP | ||
Reference: PRSS Audio Loudness Standard |
Scandinavia (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden) |
|||
General TV Broadcast | |||
Standard | EBU R128 | ||
Integrated (I) | –23 LUFS* | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –1 dBTP | ||
* For live content, a tolerance of ±1 LU is allowed. |
Advertisement | |||
Standard | EBU R128 | ||
Integrated (I) | –23 LUFS* | ||
Short Term (Smax) | –20 LUFS | ||
Momentary (Mmax) | –15 LUFS | ||
Max. Loudness Range | 20 LU | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –3 dBTP | ||
* For live content, a tolerance of ±1 LU is allowed. |
Denmark |
|||
DR | |||
Standard | EBU R128 | ||
Integrated (I) | –23 LUFS (±1,0 LU) | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –1 dBTP |
TV2 | |||
Standard | EBU R128 | ||
Integrated (I) | –23 LUFS (±1,0 LU) | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –3 dBTP | ||
Reference: Technical Specifications | |||
Please note: Be aware of special requirements for the first and last 2 minutes of a production |
Norway |
|||
NRK | |||
Standard | EBU R128 | ||
Integrated (I) | –23 LUFS* | ||
Max. Loudness Range | 18 LU (1)(2) | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –3 dBTP (3) | ||
Reference: NRK Technical Standards | |||
* For live content, a tolerance of ±1 LU is allowed. |
|||
Please note: (1) LRA: Programmes should aim for an LRA of no more than 18 LU (2) LRA Speech: Speech content in factual programmes should aim for an LRA of no more than 6 LU. A minimum separation of 4 LU between dialogue and background is recommended. (3) TPMax: –3 dBTP Recommended. Programmes are deemed to have failed QC if level exceeds –1 dBTP. |
TV 2 | |||
Standard | EBU R128 | ||
Integrated (I) | –23 LUFS* | ||
Max. Loudness Range | 18 LU | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –3 dBTP | ||
Reference: HD Delivery for TV 2 AS | |||
* For live content, a tolerance of ±1 LU is allowed. |
Great Britain |
|||
BBC, BTSport, Channel 4, Channel 5, ITV, Sky, S4C, TG4 | |||
Standard | EBU R128 | ||
Integrated (I) | –23 LUFS (±1,0 LU)* | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –1 dBTP | ||
Reference: Technical Delivery Standards | |||
* For live content, a tolerance of ±2 LU is allowed. |
BeNeLux Countries |
|||
Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxembourg | |||
Standard | EBU R128 | ||
Integrated (I) | –23 LUFS (±0,5 LU) | ||
Momentary (Mmax) | –15 LUFS | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –1 dBTP |
The Netherlands |
|||
Advertisement | |||
Standard | EBU R128 s1 | ||
Integrated (I) | –23 LUFS (±0,5 LU) | ||
Short Term (Smax) | +5 LU | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –1 dBTP | ||
Reference: Ster Technical Specifications |
Belgium |
|||
rmb Belgium | |||
Standard | EBU R128 | ||
Integrated (I) | –23 LUFS* | ||
Momentary (Mmax) | –15 LUFS | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –1 dBTP | ||
Referenz: Conditions Téchniques | |||
* For live content, a tolerance of ±1 LU is allowed. |
TV RTBF Belgium | |||
Standard | EBU R128 | ||
Integrated (I) | –23 LUFS* | ||
Max. Loudness Range | 20 LU | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –1 dBTP | ||
Referenz: Spécifications PAD à la RTBF | |||
* For live content, a tolerance of ±1 LU is allowed. |
France |
|||
TV Broadcast France | |||
Standard | EBU R128 | ||
Integrated (I) | –23 LUFS* | ||
Max. Loudness Range | 20 LU | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –3 dBTP | ||
Referenz: CST-RT-017-TV-v3.0 | |||
* For programs longer than 2 minutes, a tolerance of ±1 LU is allowed. |
Switzerland |
|||
TV Switzerland SRF | |||
Standard | EBU R128 | ||
Integrated (I) | –23 LUFS (±0,5 LU)* | ||
Max. Loudness Range | 20 LU | ||
Reference: Technical recommendation SRG SSR | |||
* For live content, a tolerance of ±1 LU is allowed. |
Austria |
|||
TV Austria ORF | |||
Standard | EBU R128 | ||
Integrated (I) | –23 LUFS (±0,5 LU)* | ||
Max. Loudness Range | 15 LU | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –1 dBTP | ||
Reference: Technical Requirements ORF | |||
* For live content, a tolerance of ±1 LU is allowed. |
Advertisement TV Austria ORF | |||
Standard | EBU R128 | ||
Integrated (I) | –23 LUFS (±0,5 LU) | ||
Short Term (Smax) | –18 LUFS/+5 LU | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –3 dBTP | ||
Reference: Technical Requirements ORF Enterprise |
Italy |
|||
General TV-Broadcast | |||
Standard | AGCOM 219/09/CSP | ||
Reference: AGCOM 219/09/CSP | |||
Please note: There is no absolute Target Loudness Level (I) in Italy at this time. Advertising and promos are monitored on a channel basis and must not exceed +1 LU from a very long term average channel loudness measurement (120 h sliding window). The Loudness measure is performed with a relative gate of –8 LU. The analysis window can be set in the range from 300 ms to 1000 ms. |
Advertisement | |||
Standard | AGCOM 219/09/CSP | ||
Integrated (I) | –24 LUFS | ||
Short Term (Smax) | –15 LUFS | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –2 dBTP | ||
Reference: Discovery Media, AdStream, IMD, Adtoox Specifications |
Portugal |
|||
Portugal | |||
Standard | EBU R128 | ||
Integrated (I) | –23 LUFS* | ||
Short Term (Smax) | –18 LUFS | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –1 dBTP | ||
* For live content, a tolerance of ±1 LU is allowed. |
Malta |
|||
Malta | |||
Standard | EBU R128 | ||
Integrated (I) | –23 LUFS* | ||
Momentary (Mmax) | –15 LUFS | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –12 dBTP | ||
* For live content, a tolerance of ±1 LU is allowed. |
Slovakia |
|||
Slovakia | |||
Standard | EBU R128 | ||
Integrated (I) | –23 LUFS* | ||
Short Term (Smax) | –20 LUFS | ||
Momentary (Mmax) | –15 LUFS | ||
Max. Loudness Range | 15 LU | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –1 dBTP | ||
* For live content, a tolerance of ±1 LU is allowed. |
Romania |
|||
General TV Broadcast | |||
Standard | EBU R128 | ||
Integrated (I) | –23 LUFS* | ||
Short Term (Smax) | –20 LUFS | ||
Momentary (Mmax) | –15 LUFS | ||
Max. Loudness Range | 20 LU | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –3 dBTP | ||
* For live content, a tolerance of ±1 LU is allowed. |
|||
Please note: AXN (Animax, Black, Crime, Sci Fi, White), Boomerang, History & TCM have a –10 dBTP restriction with EBU R128 in place. |
Czech Republic, Poland, Estonia |
|||
Czech Republic, Poland, Estonia | |||
Standard | EBU R128 | ||
Integrated (I) | –23 LUFS (±0,5 LU) | ||
Momentary (Mmax) | –15 LUFS | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –1 dBTP |
Latvia, Lithuania |
|||
Latvia, Lithuania | |||
Standard | EBU R128 | ||
Integrated (I) | –23 LUFS* | ||
Short Term (Smax) | –20 LUFS | ||
Momentary (Mmax) | –15 LUFS | ||
Max. Loudness Range | 20 LU | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –3 dBTP | ||
* For live content, a tolerance of ±1 LU is allowed. |
Russian Federation |
|||
Russian Federation | |||
Standard | EBU R128 | ||
Integrated (I) | –23 LUFS* | ||
Short Term (Smax) | –20 LUFS | ||
Momentary (Mmax) | –15 LUFS | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –12 dBTP | ||
* For live content, a tolerance of ±1 LU is allowed. |
China TV for Digital Broadcast |
|||
CCTV TV Broadcast | |||
Standard | GY/T 282-2014 | ||
Integrated (I) | –24 LKFS (±2,0 LU) | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –2 dBTP | ||
Reference: ITU-R BS.1770-4 |
Japan |
|||
General TV Broadcast | |||
Standard | ARIB TR-B32 | ||
Integrated (I) | –24 LKFS | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –1 dBTP | ||
Reference: ARIB TR-B32 |
Australia |
|||
General TV Broadcast | |||
Standard | OP-59 | ||
Integrated (I) | –24 LKFS (±1,0 LU) | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –2 dBTP | ||
Reference: Free TV Operational Practice |
ABC TV | |||
Standard | ATSC A/85, CALM Act | ||
Integrated (I) | –24 LKFS (±2 dB) | ||
Maximum Level | –6 dBFS | ||
Reference: Technical Specifications |
New Zealand |
|||
General TV Broadcast | |||
Standard | OP-59 | ||
Integrated (I) | –24 LKFS (±1,0 LU) | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –2 dBTP | ||
Reference: Free TV Operational Practice |
Canada |
|||
General TV Broadcast | |||
Standard | ATSC A/85 | ||
Integrated (I) | –24 LKFS (±2,0 LU) | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –2 dBTP | ||
Reference: ATSC A/85 |
Puerto Rico |
|||
General TV Broadcast | |||
Standard | ATSC A/85 | ||
Integrated (I) | –24 LKFS (±2,0 LU) | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –2 dBTP | ||
Reference: ATSC A/85 |
Brazil |
|||
Brazil | |||
Standard | EBU R.128-2014 | ||
Integrated Loudness Program | between –23 and –24 LUFS | ||
Maximum True Peak (TPmax) | –3 dBTP | ||
Loudness Range | 8 LU | ||
Reference: Brazil Broadcast Specifications and Requirements |
South Africa |
|||
South Africa | |||
Standard | EBU R128 | ||
Integrated (I) | –23 LUFS* | ||
True Peak (TPmax) | –3 dBTP | ||
Reference: SABC Technical Standards | |||
* For live content, a tolerance of ±1 LU is allowed. |