Worldwide Loudness Delivery Standards

Providing content to broadcasters, mixing a TV show for Netflix or simply interested in optimizing your audio for various platfoms? This is the place to go to keep updated on the latest delivery standards with regard to LUFS audio loudness.

Mike Kahsnitz

November 28, 2022

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 and software solutions can help you achieve those goals with ease.

Browse RTW meters >

 

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 
 

 


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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)
  Maximaler Pegel –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 R128
  Integrated (I) –23 LUFS*
  Maximaler Pegel –12 dBFS
 
* For live content, a tolerance of ±1 LU is allowed.

 

 

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.