Mastering for TikTok, Reels & YouTube Shorts

Short-form video plays on phone speakers with heavy compression. Your master needs a different strategy than streaming.

Short-form video plays on phone speakers with heavy compression. Your master needs a different strategy than streaming.

Most TikTok and Reels viewers listen on phone speakers - tiny drivers with almost no bass response and limited dynamic range. The platform also applies its own compression and normalization. Your master needs to account for both realities.

What Changes for Social Media

Key differences from streaming Phone speakers can't reproduce below ~200 Hz - sub-bass is literally inaudible Presence (1-4 kHz) is where phone speakers shine - vocals and hooks cut through here You have 1-3 seconds to grab attention - your intro must hit immediately, no slow fades Each platform normalizes differently - a single master works for most if you target -8 to -10 LUFS

Platform | Sweet Spot | Notes TikTok | -8 to -10 LUFS | Aggressive normalization - density wins Instagram Reels | -9 to -11 LUFS | Similar to TikTok, slightly less compression YouTube Shorts | -13 to -14 LUFS | YouTube normalizes more conservatively All platforms | True Peak -1.0 dBTP (-2.0 above -14 LUFS) | Non-negotiable - prevents distortion after codec conversion; loud masters need the extra dB

Tip: The golden rule for social media: if it sounds good on your phone speaker at medium volume, it'll work everywhere. Before posting, play your mastered track on your phone. If the vocals are clear and the hook is catchy without headphones - you're ready.

Key takeaway: For social media: target -8 to -10 LUFS, prioritize presence (1-4 kHz) over sub-bass, and always test on a phone speaker before posting.