Mastering for Spotify vs Apple Music: What Artists Need to Know
So your mix is done, the stems are bounced, and you’re ready to release your new track. But before you hit upload, there’s one more step that can dramatically impact how your music sounds to the world: mastering for streaming.
Each platform — Spotify, Apple Music, TIDAL — applies its own loudness processing. If your master doesn’t take that into account, it might sound dull, distorted, or weak once uploaded. Here's what you need to know to make your music shine, no matter where it's played.
What is Streaming Mastering?
Most streaming platforms use loudness normalisation to adjust all tracks to a target level — measured in LUFS (Loudness Units relative to Full Scale). This levels the playing field so no track is dramatically louder or quieter than the next.
If your song is:
Too loud: The platform turns it down — and if it's overly compressed, it will sound flat.
Too quiet: It may sound lifeless compared to other tracks in a playlist.
Proper mastering for streaming means targeting the ideal LUFS level, retaining punch and clarity while preventing distortion or digital artifacts.
Spotify vs Apple Music: What’s the Difference?
| Platform | Loudness Target | File Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spotify | -14 LUFS | Ogg Vorbis | Allows some user-controlled variation (Normal/Loud/Quiet) |
| Apple Music | -16 LUFS | AAC | Applies “Sound Check” for consistent playback |
While the differences are subtle, they matter. A master that slams on one platform may feel squashed on another. Our job is to find the sweet spot that translates across all of them.
Our Approach at Kore Sounds
At Kore, we use Pro Tools Ultimate to master every project — combining precise digital tools with a hybrid analog chain for warmth, depth, and loudness control.
From our Mount Street Studios, we deliver:
Masters optimised for Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, YouTube, and TIDAL
Additional versions (instrumentals, radio edits, vinyl/CD masters)
LUFS-balanced audio with preserved transients and full dynamic range
We meter loudness, EQ balance, and stereo imaging across each output format, ensuring your track sounds amazing everywhere — from earbuds to club sound systems.
Explore our full Mixing & Mastering Services.
One Master to Rule Them All?
Most of the time, a single master — handled correctly — will work across all platforms. But for labels or artists who want absolute control, we offer:
Platform-specific mastering
Loudness- and codec-optimised versions
Testing across devices and systems
Final Thoughts
Releasing music today means competing with chart-topping tracks on every platform. Great mastering doesn’t just make your song louder — it makes it stand out.
With Pro Tools, trusted gear, and years of mastering experience behind us, we make sure your track hits exactly how you want it to.
Want to hear the difference for yourself? Contact us and we’ll send you a before-and-after mastering comparison.