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In the world of streaming and digital platforms, audio quality is just as important as video quality. To ensure that users have a uniform and professional listening experience, certain loudness standards must be followed, with the most relevant being LUFS (Loudness Units Full Scale).
The concept of loudness normalization has evolved significantly since the introduction of the EBU R128 recommendation by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in 2010. This standard emerged as a response to the issue of the "loudness war," a trend in the audio industry where productions tried to be as loud as possible, often at the expense of the listening experience quality.
The EBU R128 proposed a more balanced approach, promoting a wider dynamic range in audio production. This standard does not prohibit dynamic range compression but leaves its use to the artistic and aesthetic discretion of the creators, rather than making it a necessity to increase perceived volume. This helped reduce the incentive to excessively compress audio just to achieve a louder mix.
With the adoption of EBU R128 by European broadcasters and its integration into audiovisual legislation since 2012, many television and radio stations began normalizing audio, reducing the need to decrease dynamic range just to increase volume in broadcasting. This, combined with the adoption of the ITU-R BS.1770 standard and the prevalence of streaming in the 2010s, significantly contributed to mitigating the loudness war, at least in digitally distributed media.
Today, streaming services like Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, and Tidal have implemented loudness-based normalization, each with its own methods and target levels.
LUFS is a metric that measures perceived loudness level relative to the maximum possible, considering how the human ear perceives different frequencies. Unlike simply measuring volume peaks, LUFS offers a more accurate representation of the actual listening experience. This is crucial to avoid annoying volume variations between different contents.
Yes, essentially. LUFS and LKFS (Loudness, K-weighted, relative to Full Scale) are interchangeable terms that refer to the same loudness metric. LKFS is more common in American regulations, such as the ATSC A/85 standard, while LUFS has been more widely adopted internationally and in the streaming industry.
Each platform has its own specifications for loudness levels, ensuring a consistent user experience:
- 14 LKFS: For podcasts and social networks like YouTube, Instagram, or Spotify.
- 16 LKFS: For music on streaming platforms.
- 18 LKFS: For online radio or advertisements.
- 27 LKFS: Suitable for on-demand streaming platforms (Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+).
A crucial part of the user experience is how audio levels are managed between the main content and ads, especially in situations where there are mid-roll ads, either by the player or server-side SSAI (ads inserted mid-content). It's common for users to experience annoyance when the volume of the ads is significantly different from the content they are watching. This can cause users to constantly adjust the volume, leading to a negative experience.
To avoid this, it is essential that ads and content maintain the same loudness level. Adhering to the LUFS level across all programming, including mid-roll ads, ensures a smooth and non-disruptive transition for users, thereby enhancing the perception of the streaming service.
When working with multichannel mixes, such as in 5.1 or 7.1 configurations, it is crucial to respect the integrity of the original sound engineer's mix. Careless LUFS adjustment can affect the dynamics and balance between the different channels. Therefore, linear processing should be used to apply loudness adjustments uniformly across all channels, preserving the artistic and technical intent of the original mix.
Adjusting LUFS levels is a critical step in audio post-production. Tools like FFmpeg allow for automating the normalization process. Here is an example of how you could adjust an audio file to -27 LUFS:
ffmpeg -i input_audio_file.mp3 -af "loudnorm=I=-27:LRA=7:TP=-2" -ar 44100 -b:a 320k output_audio_file.mp3
Why is it important to maintain the same LUFS level between content and ads?
Maintaining the same LUFS level between content and ads is crucial to avoid volume variations that could be annoying to users. This ensures a smooth and uninterrupted viewing experience.
What happens if LUFS standards are not met on streaming platforms?
Failing to meet LUFS standards can lead to content being rejected by platforms, or worse, users becoming frustrated with the audio quality, which can negatively impact the service's perception.
How can I verify that my content meets LUFS standards?
There are tools like Youlean Loudness Meter that allow you to measure and adjust LUFS levels in real time, ensuring your content meets streaming platforms' requirements.
Audio is an invisible but crucial component of the user experience. Inconsistent audio can be a significant distraction. Following LUFS standards not only improves content quality but also ensures compliance with the technical requirements of major streaming platforms.
For those interested in measuring and adjusting LUFS levels in real time, tools like Youlean Loudness Meter are valuable resources to ensure your content meets the highest standards.
Set the appropriate LUFS level for your platform and ensure you consistently apply it to every audio file you upload. Remember, an optimal user experience starts with quality audio. Consistency in sound not only meets technical standards but also ensures that your users enjoy content without distractions. Don't underestimate the impact of good loudness management on audience satisfaction and loyalty.
