You just uploaded your latest episode. You hit play on Spotify, excited to hear it. But immediately, you reach for the volume knob. It sounds weak, distant, and significantly quieter than the ‘Joe Rogan Experience’—a clear sign that your podcast loudness Spotify settings are off.
You panic. Did you record it wrong? Is your microphone broken?
The answer is likely No. The problem isn’t your recording gear; it’s your Loudness Normalization (LUFS).
In 2025, you cannot simply “make it loud.” You must hit specific targets set by Spotify and Apple. If you miss them, these platforms will punish your audio.
Here is why it happens and how to fix it using free tools.
The “Goldilocks” Zone
The “Hidden” Penalty: Normalization
Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music all use a process called Loudness Normalization. Their goal is to ensure listeners don’t have to adjust the volume when switching between different shows.
They measure your audio using a unit called LUFS (Loudness Units Full Scale). Think of LUFS as the “average perceived loudness” of your episode.
The Spotify Standard: -14 LUFS
Spotify targets -14 LUFS.
- If you are too loud (e.g., -10 LUFS): Spotify will forcefully turn you down. This limits your dynamic range and can make your audio sound “squashed.”
- If you are too quiet (e.g., -20 LUFS): Spotify will try to turn you up. The problem? This also turns up your background noise (hissing, room echo).
The Bottom Line: To sound professional, you need to upload a file that is already mastered to the correct LUFS level.
(Want a deep dive on the tech specs? Read our guide on What is -16 LUFS?)
Step 1: Diagnose Your Audio (Don’t Guess)
You can’t fix what you can’t measure. You don’t need expensive plugins like Izotope Insight to check this.
We built a free, privacy-first tool that runs right in your browser.
👉 Tool: Free Podcast Audio Analyzer (LUFS Checker)
How to use it:
- Drag your final MP3/WAV file into the tool.
- Wait a few seconds for the analysis.
- Look at the “Integrated LUFS” number.
- Target for Stereo: -16 LUFS (Apple Standard) or -14 LUFS (Spotify Standard).
- Target for Mono: -19 LUFS.
Pro Tip: Most podcasters aim for -16 LUFS. Why? Because it’s safer. Spotify will turn a -16 track up slightly (non-destructive), but Apple won’t touch it. It is the “Goldilocks” zone.
Step 2: How to Fix the Volume
If our Audio Analyzer says your track is -22 LUFS (too quiet), simply turning up the volume knob isn’t enough. You need to use a Limiter.
If you use Audacity (Free):
- Select your entire track (Ctrl + A).
- Go to Effect -> Volume and Compression -> Loudness Normalization.
- Set “Perceived Loudness” to -16 LUFS.
- Click Apply.
- Re-check: Export the file and run it through our Audio Analyzer again to confirm.
If you use Descript:
- Click on your script/audio.
- In the properties panel, turn on “Studio Sound” (it often auto-levels).
- Or, apply the “Compressor” effect and check the output settings.
Summary: The Pre-Upload Checklist
Don’t let algorithms ruin your hard work. Before you hit “Publish” on your podcast host (Buzzsprout, Libsyn, etc.), follow this 30-second routine:
- Export your final mix.
- Drag & Drop it into the PodTools Audio Analyzer.
- Verify it is between -14 and -16 LUFS.
- Tag it using our ID3 Editor to ensure cover art works.
- Upload.
By hitting the standard, you ensure your voice sounds crisp, clear, and loud enough—whether your listener is on the subway with AirPods or driving on the highway.
