How to export audio for YouTube or Spotify: optimal settings
Discover the ideal audio export settings for YouTube and Spotify. Format, bitrate, loudness: all settings for optimal quality.
Try our tool
No registration required, 100% local processing.
YouTube and Spotify are the two giants of audio and video streaming, but they have very different technical requirements. A file perfect for one may be unsuitable for the other.
YouTube prioritizes video compatibility and accepts a wide range of formats, while Spotify imposes strict audio quality standards to guarantee a premium experience for its users.
This article details the optimal export settings for each platform, allowing you to deliver professional sound that makes the most of each streaming service.
Table of contents
Fundamental differences YouTube vs Spotify
YouTube is primarily a video platform. Audio always accompanies a visual component, which influences technical choices. YouTube re-encodes everything to AAC for streaming, so your source file will be transformed. Spotify is a pure audio platform that streams at multiple qualities depending on subscription: 96 kbps (mobile economy), 160 kbps.
Optimal settings for YouTube
RECOMMENDED FORMAT: For audio in a YouTube video, use WAV or FLAC as source before video encoding. If uploading audio alone (with static image), AAC or MP3 320 kbps work well. SAMPLE RATE: 48 kHz is the video standard and therefore optimal for YouTube. 44.1 kHz works but YouTube will convert to 48 kHz.
Optimal settings for Spotify
MANDATORY FORMAT: WAV or FLAC only. Spotify refuses MP3 files because they are already compressed. The distributor may have its own additional requirements. SAMPLE RATE: 44.1 kHz mandatory. This is the CD audio standard. Files at 48 kHz or higher will be refused or converted with potential loss. BIT DEPTH: 16 bits or 24 bits.
Loudness management: the key factor
Loudness (perceived volume) is measured in LUFS (Loudness Units relative to Full Scale). It's the industry standard metric replacing simple peak measurements. YouTube and Spotify both target around -14 LUFS, but their processing differs. YouTube attenuates content that's too loud but doesn't amplify quiet content.
Parameter comparison table
YOUTUBE: Source format WAV/FLAC | Frequency 48 kHz | Bits 24 | Loudness -14 LUFS | True Peak -1 dB | Goes through video encoding SPOTIFY: Format WAV/FLAC mandatory | Frequency 44.1 kHz | Bits 16/24 | Loudness -14 LUFS | True Peak -1 dB | Goes through distributor APPLE MUSIC: Format WAV/FLAC/AIFF | Frequency 44.1/48/96 kHz | Bits 16/24 | Loudness -16
Ready to try?
Try the toolHow to do it in 3 steps
Import your audio master to Convertly Audio and check its current characteristics.
Select the target format according to platform: WAV 44.1 kHz for Spotify, WAV 48 kHz for YouTube.
Download the optimized file and send it to your distributor or integrate it into your YouTube video.
Pro tips
- Always create your master at -14 LUFS rather than letting platforms normalize it themselves.
- Keep -1 dB True Peak headroom to avoid distortion after encoding.
- Test your sound on both platforms before official release using preview tools.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✗Sending MP3 to a Spotify distributor (refused). Solution: always export as WAV or FLAC for distribution.
- ✗Mastering too loud (-6 LUFS) thinking "louder = better". Solution: aim for -14 LUFS to avoid attenuation.
- ✗Using 48 kHz for Spotify (can cause artifacts). Solution: stay at 44.1 kHz for music distribution.
- ✗Forgetting True Peak and having distortion after encoding. Solution: use a True Peak limiter at -1 dB.
- ✗Creating different masters for each platform with inconsistent levels. Solution: one source master, then conversions.
- ✗Ignoring metadata that will be visible on Spotify. Solution: fill in title, artist, album correctly.
Complementary tools
Frequently asked questions
Ready to try?
Our tool is free, no registration required and respects your privacy.
Convert Audio Files