# LUFS

Canonical URL: https://getvidiyo.app/glossary/lufs
Last updated: 2026-10-08

> Definition: LUFS (Loudness Units relative to Full Scale) is a measure of perceived audio loudness defined by the ITU-R BS.1770 standard. Integrated LUFS is the average loudness of a whole programme, which platforms use to normalise playback volume.

LUFS is how the audio world agreed to measure "how loud does this sound?". Peak meters tell you whether a signal will clip, but two files with the same peak can sound very different in loudness. LUFS fixes that by weighting frequencies the way ears do and averaging over time, which is why streaming and social platforms use it to even out playback volume.

## Where does LUFS come from?

LUFS comes from the ITU-R BS.1770 recommendation, which defines how to measure programme loudness and true-peak level ([source](https://www.itu.int/rec/R-REC-BS.1770)). Broadcasters adopted it to stop adverts and channels jumping in volume. Europe's EBU R 128 recommends normalising TV and radio programmes to -23 LUFS ([source](https://tech.ebu.ch/publications/r128)).

## What loudness targets do platforms use?

Loudness targets differ between broadcast, music streaming and online video.

| Where | Target | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| European broadcast (EBU R 128) | -23 LUFS | Official recommendation ([source](https://tech.ebu.ch/publications/r128)) |
| Spotify (default) | -14 LUFS | Measured with ITU 1770; Loud -11, Quiet -19 ([source](https://support.spotify.com/us/artists/article/loudness-normalization/)) |
| YouTube | About -14 LUFS | Not officially published; measured by engineers ([source](https://productionadvice.co.uk/youtube-loudness/)) |

YouTube turns down videos louder than its reference but doesn't turn quieter ones up ([source](https://productionadvice.co.uk/stats-for-nerds/)). So a mix much quieter than -14 LUFS just plays quieter than everything around it.

## What LUFS should you aim for in short-form and YouTube videos?

For short-form and YouTube videos, a common target is around -14 LUFS integrated with true peaks at or below -1 dBTP. That's loud enough to match other videos without heavy limiting, and leaves headroom for the platform's re-encode. Mixing far louder doesn't help: normalisation turns it down and you're left with squashed dynamics. Dialogue clarity matters more than the number, so check the voice-to-music balance too (see [audio ducking](https://getvidiyo.app/glossary/audio-ducking)).

## Integrated vs short-term vs momentary LUFS

Integrated LUFS is the average over the whole programme and is what platforms normalise to. Short-term LUFS uses a 3-second window and momentary LUFS a 400 ms window; both are for watching loudness change while you mix. Loudness range (LRA) describes how much the loudness varies.

## How does Vidiyo measure loudness?

Vidiyo measures the mix as exported using the BS.1770 method, with the standard absolute and relative gates. Its loudness check reports integrated loudness against a -14 LUFS social target, sample peak, loudness range, separate voice, music and effects levels, each speaker's level, and issues like clipping, quiet dialogue or music masking speech. The assistant can then balance speakers and music from those measurements, and a master stage adds gain and a limiter with a ceiling you choose.

## Frequently asked questions

### What LUFS should I use for YouTube?

YouTube doesn't publish an official target, but independent measurements put its reference at about -14 LUFS integrated. It turns louder videos down and doesn't turn quieter ones up, so mixing near -14 LUFS with peaks at or below -1 dBTP is a common choice.

### What is the difference between LUFS and dB?

dB on a meter usually measures signal level, such as peak or RMS, which doesn't match how loud things sound. LUFS weights frequencies the way human hearing does and gates out silence, so it tracks perceived loudness.

### Is LUFS the same as LKFS?

Yes. LKFS and LUFS refer to the same BS.1770 measurement; the names come from different standards bodies. One LU equals one dB of change.

## Related terms

- [Audio ducking](https://getvidiyo.app/glossary/audio-ducking)
- [Room tone](https://getvidiyo.app/glossary/room-tone)
- [Dead air](https://getvidiyo.app/glossary/dead-air)

## Where Vidiyo does this

- [Music and sound effects that sit under your voice](https://getvidiyo.app/features/music-and-sound-effects)
- [How to add background music without drowning out your voice](https://getvidiyo.app/blog/add-background-music-without-drowning-voice)

## Sources

- [ITU-R BS.1770: Algorithms to measure audio programme loudness and true-peak audio level](https://www.itu.int/rec/R-REC-BS.1770) (accessed 2026-10-08)
- [EBU R 128: Loudness normalisation and permitted maximum level of audio signals](https://tech.ebu.ch/publications/r128) (accessed 2026-10-08)
- [Loudness normalization (Spotify for Artists)](https://support.spotify.com/us/artists/article/loudness-normalization/) (accessed 2026-10-08)
- [YouTube loudness normalisation (Production Advice)](https://productionadvice.co.uk/youtube-loudness/) (accessed 2026-10-08)
- [YouTube stats for nerds and loudness (Production Advice)](https://productionadvice.co.uk/stats-for-nerds/) (accessed 2026-10-08)