Most listeners hear your music on streaming platforms, not WAV files on studio monitors. Mastering for streaming means a master that sounds intentional after each platform adjusts playback loudness.
What platforms do
Services apply loudness normalization — turning louder or quieter tracks toward a target so playlists do not shock listeners.
- Very crushed masters may be turned down (sound smaller)
- Quiet masters may be turned up (within limits)
You are not “winning” by making the loudest possible file.
→ Mastering loudness explained
Spotify
Deep dive: Mastering for Spotify.
Apple Music
Often discussed around -16 LUFS Sound Check reference — genre and dynamics still matter. Same prep: balanced mix, sensible master, true peak margin.
YouTube / social
Video platforms may reduce loudness or re-encode — avoid clipping; leave true peak headroom.
One master for multiple platforms?
Usually yes — one well-made streaming master works across distributors. Note special cases:
- Club or vinyl versions (separate master)
- Explicit/clean versions
- Atmos / spatial (separate deliverable, not standard stereo master)
What to send your engineer
- Stereo WAV mix with headroom
- List primary platforms
- References on those platforms
→ How to prepare a track for mastering
GigTunes
Mastering service with streaming-oriented delivery and revisions.