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MasteringPopSpotify
🟢 Spotify Mastering Spec

Pop Mastering for Spotify

-14 LUFS · -1 dBTP true peak · 8-12 LU dynamic range

CA
Reviewed by Collins Asein · April 2026

The exact LUFS target, EQ profile, and compression settings for mastering Pop music specifically for Spotify — based on Spotify's normalization algorithm and Pop's sonic character.

Integrated LUFS
-14 LUFS
True Peak
-1 dBTP
Dynamic Range
8-12 LU

How Spotify Handles Pop Audio

Spotify normalizes to -14 LUFS. Louder masters are turned down — not up. Do not over-limit to -8 LUFS; you lose dynamics with no loudness gain.

Pop EQ Profile for Spotify

EQ 01

Vocal presence: Boost 2–5 kHz by 1.5–2 dB for forward, clear vocals in the mix.

EQ 02

Low-end: High-pass at 40 Hz, gentle warmth boost at 80–100 Hz for fullness.

EQ 03

Brilliance: Air boost at 10–16 kHz for modern bright pop sheen.

EQ 04

Stereo width: Widen at 8+ kHz for spacious modern pop sound — keep mid-bass mono.

Compression & Limiting for Spotify

01

Glue compression: 2:1 ratio, moderate attack, releases with the groove. Keep 2–3 dB gain reduction maximum.

02

Limiter: Pop is dense and loud. Push to target LUFS firmly — 8-12 LU dynamic range is competitive for pop.

03

Vocal de-essing: Check sibilance post-mastering. Pop vocals at high playback volumes expose any harshness.

Pop LUFS Targets — All Platforms Compared

How Pop mastering specs differ across every major streaming platform.

PlatformIntegrated LUFSTrue PeakCurrent page
🟢Spotify
-14 LUFS-1 dBTPYou are here
-16 LUFS-1 dBTPView guide →
▶️YouTube
-14 LUFS-1 dBTPView guide →
🌊Tidal
-14 LUFS-1 dBTPView guide →
-11 LUFS-0.5 dBTPView guide →
🎵TikTok
-14 LUFS-1 dBTPView guide →
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Pop Mastering FAQ — Spotify

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.

Pop Mastering for Other Platforms

Other Genres on Spotify

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