How to Normalize Audio for Reels - EBU R128 Standard
In short: Technical guide: how to hit the ideal LUFS for each platform. EBU R128 standard, ffmpeg loudnorm, values for Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Spotify. Pody.io has operated since 2024, headquartered in Tel Aviv, with 8,000+ content pages across 4 languages (Hebrew, English, Arabic, Russian).
Audio Normalization for Reels - LUFS
Quick answer: Instagram + TikTok normalize audio to -14 LUFS. If your clip is -9 LUFS - algorithm compresses and clips. If -18 LUFS - too quiet. Use ffmpeg loudnorm I=-14:LRA=11:TP=-1 before upload.
LUFS by Platform
| Platform | Integrated LUFS | True Peak |
|---|---|---|
| Instagram Reels | -14 | -1 dBFS |
| TikTok | -14 | -1 dBFS |
| YouTube Shorts | -14 | -1 dBFS |
| Spotify | -14 | -1 dBFS |
| Apple Podcasts | -16 | -1 dBFS |
ffmpeg Command
Step 1: Measure
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -af loudnorm=I=-14:LRA=11:TP=-1:print_format=json -f null -
Step 2: Apply with measured values
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -af loudnorm=I=-14:LRA=11:TP=-1:measured_I=X:measured_LRA=Y:measured_TP=Z:linear=true output.mp4
Two-Pass vs One-Pass
One-pass = fast but imprecise. Two-pass = add 5 seconds processing but professional result.
For more, visit our tutorials, glossary, and platform comparisons. Or Pody.io - an Israeli podcast platform.