Social Media (TikTok/Reels) Loudness Target

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About this Target

Social platforms normalize around -16 LUFS, though many creators push louder.

TikTok and Instagram Reels normalize audio to ensure consistent levels between swipes. While the internal target generally sits around -16 LUFS, the 'Loudness War' is very active on these platforms. Many creators push levels significantly higher (-10 LUFS to -12 LUFS) to ensure their content grabs attention immediately on mobile speakers, accepting the normalization penalty in exchange for perceived density.

Metering for Social Media (TikTok/Reels)

For social media, metering is often about density rather than just the average. While the platform targets -16 LUFS, you may want to monitor Short Term LUFS to ensure high-energy sections push significantly above that target to grab attention on mobile devices.

Monitoring both Momentary and Integrated LUFS helps ensure your audio consistently meets the Social Media (TikTok/Reels) loudness target. The APU Loudness Meter provides real-time feedback on your audio's loudness levels, allowing you to make informed adjustments during the mastering process.

In the screenshots below, we can see the Momentary LUFS meter hovering around the target of -16 LUFS, indicating compliance with the Social Media (TikTok/Reels) target. The statistics panel gives quick access to Integrated LUFS, LRA and other metrics.

Guide: Loudness Compressor

The APU Loudness Compressor is a complete loudness solution that combines dynamic range control with a built-in True Peak limiter. This allows you to achieve the Social Media (TikTok/Reels) target by increasing density and "glue" rather than just chopping off peaks.

Workflow:
1. Use the Source Range "Learn" function to automatically detect the dynamic range of your input audio. This function utilizes the LRA algorithm to determine the optimal source range for compression/expansion.
2. Select the Social Media (TikTok/Reels) preset in the Target Range. This sets the compressor's target to -16 LUFS and the limiter ceiling to -1 dBTP.

Note: Hold Ctrl (Cmd on Mac) and click + drag the middle of the target range slider up or down to expand or contract the target range around the center point. Great for maintaining a consistent loudness target while adjusting dynamic range.

Guide: Loudness Limiter

For the most direct path to compliance, the APU Loudness Limiter can be used as a standalone maximizing solution. It simultaneously targets the specific LUFS loudness and True Peak limit required by Social Media (TikTok/Reels).

Simply select the Social Media (TikTok/Reels) target range preset. This configures the limiter ceilings to -16 LUFS and -1 dBTP. Drive the input gain until the momentary LUFS meter stabilizes around the target. The limiter's transparent lookahead algorithm ensures the audio never exceeds the allowable True Peak level while also enforcing a soft ceiling on the momentary loudness.

Soften up the limiter some more by switching to Short term loudness mode for a slower, more musical response. Short term is based on a 3 second average and is less sensitive to transient spikes, making it ideal for transparent music mastering.

Guide: Dynamics Optimizer

If you prefer an automated, offline approach, the APU Dynamics Optimizer analyzes your entire audio file and applies optimal normalization and limiting to meet the Social Media (TikTok/Reels) target in one pass.

This tool provides the highest accuracy as it can "see" the entire file before processing. Select the Social Media (TikTok/Reels) target range preset to quickly set the target loudness to exactly -16 LUFS and -1 dBTP, and the Optimizer will calculate the precise gain adjustments needed to achieve compliance while maintaining dynamic integrity.