# Normalize Podcast Audio to −16 LUFS

Listeners should not have to reach for the volume between your episode and the next show. Measure the loudness and bring it to the podcast standard in one step.

_Source: https://sharelargefilesfree.com/tools/normalize-podcast-audio · Updated 2026-09-29_

**Quick answer:** To normalize a podcast, open the episode, keep −16 LUFS and press Normalize. The tool measures the integrated loudness (ITU-R BS.1770 with EBU R128 gating), applies one gain change to reach −16 LUFS, and keeps peaks under −1 dBFS with a limiter. The result reports the loudness reached. Nothing is uploaded.

## How to use it

1. Choose the finished episode: MP3, WAV, M4A or FLAC.
2. Keep −16 LUFS, or choose −19 LUFS for a quieter, more dynamic show or a mono feed.
3. Pick the output format; MP3 at 128 or 192 kbps is usual for podcasts.
4. Press Normalize and check the measured loudness in the result.

## Why −16 LUFS?

LUFS measures loudness the way ears hear it, over the whole programme. Apple's podcast guidelines recommend about −16 LUFS with peaks no higher than −1 dB, and most podcast producers use the same target so shows sound equally loud one after the other. Quieter audiobook-style productions often use −19 LUFS; see the table:

| Target | Typical use |
| --- | --- |
| −14 LUFS | Music streaming, YouTube |
| −16 LUFS | Podcasts (stereo) |
| −19 LUFS | Mono podcasts, audiobooks, quieter shows |
| −23 LUFS | European broadcast (EBU R128) |

Platforms change their guidance from time to time; check your host's current recommendation if it matters.

## Normalize last

Loudness normalization applies one gain to the whole file: it does not even out a quiet guest and a loud host. Balance the voices and edit first, then normalize the finished mix as the very last step, so every episode leaves at the same level. Trim silence at the start and end with [Trim audio](https://sharelargefilesfree.com/tools/trim-audio) before measuring, and add intro music with [Mix audio](https://sharelargefilesfree.com/tools/mix-audio).

## Measured, not guessed

The file is analysed in a first pass to measure its integrated loudness, then written with the gain that reaches the target. The output is measured again while it is written, so the result shows the loudness and peak actually reached. It all runs in your browser: unreleased episodes stay on your device.

## Frequently asked questions

### What LUFS should a podcast be?

About −16 LUFS for stereo shows, with true peaks under −1 dB, is the common target. Mono shows often use −19 LUFS.

### Is normalizing the same as compressing?

No. Normalizing changes the overall level only. A compressor evens out loud and quiet moments; do that in your editor before normalizing.

### My episode got quieter. Why?

It was louder than −16 LUFS, so the tool turned it down to match the target.

### Which format should I export?

MP3 at 128 kbps for speech or 192 kbps with music is what most podcast hosts expect. Keep a WAV if you will edit it again.

### Is my episode uploaded?

No. It is measured and processed in your browser.