Pop Mastering Guide
Bright, balanced, upfront vocals, high RMS density
Exact LUFS targets, EQ profiles, and compression settings for mastering Pop music on every major streaming platform. From Spotify and Apple Music to Beatport and Audiomack.
Pop LUFS Targets. All Platforms
| Platform | LUFS Target | True Peak | Dynamic Range | Full Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
🟢Spotify | -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP | 8-12 LU | Full spec → |
🍎Apple Music | -16 LUFS | -1 dBTP | 8-12 LU | Full spec → |
▶️YouTube | -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP | 8-12 LU | Full spec → |
🌊Tidal | -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP | 8-12 LU | Full spec → |
☁️SoundCloud | -11 LUFS | -0.5 dBTP | 8-12 LU | Full spec → |
🎵TikTok | -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP | 8-12 LU | Full spec → |
🎧Audiomack | -13 LUFS | -0.5 dBTP | 8-12 LU | Full spec → |
🎛️Beatport | -9 LUFS | -0.3 dBTP | 8-12 LU | Full spec → |
🎨Bandcamp | -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP | 8-12 LU | Full spec → |
📸Instagram / Reels | -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP | 8-12 LU | Full spec → |
📦Amazon Music | -14 LUFS | -1 dBTP | 8-12 LU | Full spec → |
🎶Deezer | -15 LUFS | -1 dBTP | 8-12 LU | Full spec → |
Pop EQ Profile Overview
Core EQ principles for Pop mastering. Platform-specific adjustments are in each guide below.
Vocal presence: Boost 2–5 kHz by 1.5–2 dB for forward, clear vocals in the mix.
Low-end: High-pass at 40 Hz, gentle warmth boost at 80–100 Hz for fullness.
Brilliance: Air boost at 10–16 kHz for modern bright pop sheen.
Stereo width: Widen at 8+ kHz for spacious modern pop sound. Keep mid-bass mono.
Pop AI Track Fixers
Generated your Pop track with Suno, Udio, or another AI? Fix the specific artifacts.
Pop Mastering. Platform Guides
Pop Mastering FAQ
What LUFS for pop on Spotify?
-14 LUFS integrated. Pop is typically mastered competitively dense. A 8–12 LU dynamic range at -14 LUFS hits the sweet spot for energy without sounding squashed.
How do I make pop vocals sit forward in the master?
Boost 2–5 kHz on the master bus by 1–2 dB. Also check your vocal's low-cut. Removing 150 Hz and below on vocals keeps them clear of bass frequencies. Apply gentle multiband compression in the vocal frequency range.
Will my pop master sound competitive on Spotify?
At -14 LUFS, your track is at the same perceived volume as every other track. Spotify's normalization creates a level playing field. Focus on clarity and dynamics over raw loudness.
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