To master audio for TikTok, target -14 LUFS integrated loudness with emphasis on vocal clarity and impactful low end. TikTok compresses audio to AAC at approximately 128kbps, so avoid excessive high-frequency detail that will be lost in transcoding. Keep your most engaging section in the first 3-5 seconds. Master at -14 LUFS with a true peak of -1 dBTP, and export at 44.1kHz 16-bit WAV before uploading.
This guide is part of our mastering and delivery series. For loudness targets across all streaming platforms, see our LUFS targets guide.
How TikTok Processes Your Audio
TikTok re-encodes all uploaded audio to AAC at approximately 128kbps. This is a relatively aggressive compression compared to Spotify's Ogg Vorbis at up to 320kbps or Apple Music's AAC at 256kbps. The lower bitrate means that delicate high-frequency details, subtle reverb tails, and airy textures will be softened or lost during transcoding.
TikTok also applies its own normalization, which can vary depending on whether the audio is in a video, a sound page, or a live stream. The normalization target is not officially published, but testing consistently shows behavior similar to -14 LUFS. Mastering to -14 LUFS with a -1 dBTP ceiling provides the best balance between loudness and dynamic quality on the platform.
Most listeners hear TikTok audio through phone speakers or basic earbuds. These playback systems emphasize midrange frequencies and reproduce bass poorly below 100Hz. A master that sounds great on studio monitors may lose its low-end impact entirely on a phone speaker. Optimizing for TikTok means prioritizing the frequency ranges that phone speakers actually reproduce.
Mastering Priorities for TikTok
Vocal Clarity Above Everything
TikTok is a vocal-forward platform. Whether it is a song, a voiceover, or a spoken word piece, the vocal needs to cut through on a 2-inch phone speaker in a noisy environment. During mastering, ensure the vocal sits prominently in the 2-5kHz presence range. If the vocal sounds buried on phone speakers, consider a subtle broad boost in this range during mastering, or better yet, fix the vocal level in the mix before mastering.
Low End That Translates
Sub-bass below 80Hz is nearly inaudible on phone speakers. For TikTok, the perceived low-end weight comes from the 80-200Hz range. Make sure this region is full and present in your master. Avoid boosting sub-bass frequencies that will not translate. If your genre relies on heavy 808s, ensure the 808 has harmonic content above 100Hz so the fundamental pitch is perceivable on small speakers.
First 3-5 Seconds Are Critical
TikTok users scroll quickly. If your audio does not grab attention in the first few seconds, they scroll past. This is not a mastering decision per se, but it influences how you prepare your audio. Start with the hook or the most energetic section of your track. If necessary, create a TikTok-specific edit that front-loads the most engaging moment. Master this edit separately.
Recommended TikTok Audio Specifications
| Parameter | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Integrated Loudness | -14 LUFS |
| True Peak | -1.0 dBTP maximum |
| Export Format | WAV 16-bit 44.1kHz |
| TikTok Codec | AAC ~128kbps (applied by TikTok) |
| Frequency Focus | Vocals 2-5kHz, bass 80-200Hz |
| Stereo Width | Moderate (phone speakers are mono) |
Common TikTok Mastering Mistakes
The most common mistake is mastering with too much sub-bass energy that disappears on phone speakers. The track sounds powerful on studio monitors but thin and weak on the devices where 90% of TikTok listening happens. The second mistake is excessive stereo width. Phone speakers are mono, and wide stereo processing creates phase cancellation when summed to mono, causing elements to disappear or lose volume.
The third mistake is ignoring the codec. TikTok's 128kbps AAC encoding smooths out high-frequency transients and reduces the clarity of subtle details. If your master depends on airy high-end texture or delicate spatial effects, those qualities will be diminished on TikTok. Focus on the elements that survive compression: strong vocals, punchy drums, and clear harmonic content in the midrange.
AI Mastering for TikTok Content
Producers releasing content for TikTok often need fast turnaround. AI mastering platforms deliver a finished master in minutes with accurate loudness targeting, which is ideal for the high-volume, fast-paced nature of TikTok content creation. Upload your track, set the target platform, and receive a master optimized for phone speaker playback. See our pricing plans for details on AI mastering options.
About Genesis Mix Lab
Genesis Mix Lab is a browser-based AI mixing and mastering platform for music producers. It offers AI-powered multitrack mixing and mastering in a single platform, with features including reference track matching, genre-aware processing, and real-time Mix Notes. Pricing starts at $0/month (free tier) with Pro at $19.99/month.
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