Audio Format Requirements
When you upload audio to LabelGrid, we automatically convert your files to meet the requirements of each streaming platform. This guide explains what formats we accept, how conversion works, and best practices for uploading.
What to Upload
Recommended Format
For the best results, upload your audio in this format:
| Specification | Recommended |
|---|---|
| File format | WAV (preferred) or AIFF |
| Sample rate | 44.1 kHz or higher |
| Bit depth | 24-bit (preferred) or 16-bit |
| Channels | Stereo (2 channels) |
Accepted Formats
LabelGrid accepts these audio formats:
| Format | Extensions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| WAV | .wav | Preferred, uncompressed |
| AIFF | .aif, .aiff | Uncompressed, Mac-native |
| FLAC | .flac | Lossless compressed |
Note: We do not accept MP3, AAC, or other lossy formats. Always upload lossless source files.
How Automatic Conversion Works
The Problem
Different streaming platforms have different requirements:
- Some accept 24-bit audio, others only 16-bit
- Some support high sample rates, others require 44.1 kHz
- Each platform has specific codec requirements (AAC, Ogg Vorbis, etc.)
The Solution
LabelGrid automatically converts your audio to match each platform’s requirements. You upload once, and we create the necessary versions for every store.
Your Upload (WAV 32-bit/96kHz) ↓ LabelGrid Processing ↓┌────────────────────────────────────────┐│ Spotify → Ogg Vorbis (various rates) ││ Apple Music → AAC / ALAC / Dolby ││ Amazon Music → Various (HD/UHD) ││ Beatport → WAV 16/24-bit ││ YouTube Music → AAC ││ ... and all other platforms │└────────────────────────────────────────┘Bit Depth Conversion
What is Bit Depth?
Bit depth determines the dynamic range and precision of your audio:
| Bit Depth | Dynamic Range | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 16-bit | ~96 dB | CD quality, most streaming |
| 24-bit | ~144 dB | Professional standard, Hi-Fi streaming |
| 32-bit | ~192 dB | Production/mixing, rarely needed for distribution |
Automatic Downconversion
If you upload 32-bit audio, LabelGrid automatically converts it:
32-bit → 24-bit → 16-bit (as needed)
| Your Upload | Platform Needs | We Convert To |
|---|---|---|
| 32-bit WAV | 24-bit | 24-bit (dithered) |
| 32-bit WAV | 16-bit | 16-bit (dithered) |
| 24-bit WAV | 16-bit | 16-bit (dithered) |
| 24-bit WAV | 24-bit | No conversion needed |
| 16-bit WAV | 16-bit | No conversion needed |
Dithering
When reducing bit depth, we apply professional dithering to preserve audio quality. Dithering adds a tiny amount of noise that helps maintain the perceived dynamic range and prevents quantization distortion.
Sample Rate Conversion
Common Sample Rates
| Sample Rate | Use Case |
|---|---|
| 44.1 kHz | CD standard, most streaming platforms |
| 48 kHz | Video standard, some platforms |
| 88.2 kHz | High-resolution (2× 44.1) |
| 96 kHz | High-resolution, mastering |
| 176.4 kHz | Ultra high-resolution |
| 192 kHz | Studio archival |
Automatic Resampling
If a platform requires 44.1 kHz and you upload 96 kHz:
- We downsample using high-quality algorithms
- Anti-aliasing filters prevent artifacts
- The conversion is transparent to listeners
Best Practice
Upload at 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz unless your master was created at a higher rate. Uploading unnecessarily high sample rates doesn’t improve quality and increases processing time.
Platform Requirements
Streaming Platforms
| Platform | Accepts | Delivers to Listeners |
|---|---|---|
| Spotify | Up to 24-bit/48kHz | Ogg Vorbis (various qualities) |
| Apple Music | Up to 24-bit/192kHz | AAC, ALAC (lossless), Dolby Atmos |
| Amazon Music | Up to 24-bit/192kHz | Various (SD, HD, Ultra HD) |
| YouTube Music | Up to 24-bit/48kHz | AAC |
| Deezer | Up to 24-bit/48kHz | MP3, FLAC (HiFi) |
| TIDAL | Up to 24-bit/192kHz | FLAC, MQA, Dolby Atmos |
Download Stores
| Platform | Delivers |
|---|---|
| iTunes Store | AAC 256kbps |
| Beatport | WAV, AIFF (original quality preserved) |
| Bandcamp | Multiple formats (FLAC, WAV, MP3, etc.) |
Quality Considerations
Start with the Best Source
The quality of your upload determines the quality everywhere else:
- ✅ Upload your final mastered WAV/AIFF
- ✅ Use the highest quality version you have
- ❌ Don’t upload transcoded files (e.g., WAV made from MP3)
- ❌ Don’t apply additional processing to “prepare” files
Loudness and Mastering
Different platforms have different loudness targets:
| Platform | Target Loudness |
|---|---|
| Spotify | -14 LUFS |
| Apple Music | -16 LUFS |
| YouTube | -14 LUFS |
| Amazon Music | -14 LUFS |
| Deezer | -15 LUFS |
What is LUFS? Loudness Units Full Scale is a measurement of perceived loudness. Lower numbers mean quieter audio. Platforms normalize audio to these targets, so overly loud masters get turned down.
Tip: Master to -14 LUFS for a good balance across platforms. Louder masters may be turned down by platform normalization, potentially reducing perceived quality.
Avoiding Quality Loss
- Never upload lossy formats - No MP3, AAC, or OGG
- Don’t double-convert - Upload original masters, not converted copies
- Keep headroom - Avoid clipping (peaks above 0 dB)
- Check your files - Listen before uploading
Spatial Audio (Dolby Atmos)
What is Spatial Audio?
Spatial Audio provides an immersive 3D listening experience. Apple Music and TIDAL support Dolby Atmos mixes.
Dolby Atmos Requirements
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Format | ADM BWF (Audio Definition Model Broadcast Wave Format) |
| Bed channels | 7.1.4 |
| Objects | Up to 118 |
| Sample rate | 48 kHz |
| Bit depth | 24-bit |
What is ADM BWF? It’s a special audio file format that contains not just the audio, but also metadata describing how sounds should be positioned in 3D space for spatial audio playback.
Submitting Spatial Audio
Contact support if you have Dolby Atmos mixes to deliver. Spatial audio requires special handling separate from standard stereo delivery.
Troubleshooting
Audio file rejected
Common causes:
- File is corrupted or incomplete
- Format is not supported (e.g., MP3)
- File is too short or silent
- Technical issues with the file header
Solutions:
- Re-export from your DAW
- Verify the file plays correctly locally
- Check format and specifications
Audio sounds different after upload
Possible reasons:
- Platform’s codec compression
- Loudness normalization applied
- Sample rate conversion artifacts
Solutions:
- Compare against other commercial releases
- Check if your master has excessive loudness
- Try uploading at 44.1 kHz native
Clipping or distortion
Causes:
- Master peaks above 0 dBFS
- Inter-sample peaks causing codec distortion
Solutions:
- Leave -1 dB headroom in your master
- Use a true-peak limiter
- Re-master with lower ceiling
Best Practices Summary
- Upload WAV or AIFF - Lossless formats only
- 24-bit preferred - Best balance of quality and compatibility
- 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz - Standard rates work best
- Leave headroom - Peak at -1 dBFS or below
- Master appropriately - Target -14 LUFS for streaming
- Trust the conversion - We handle format requirements automatically
Technical Specifications Quick Reference
Minimum Requirements
| Spec | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Format | WAV, AIFF, or FLAC |
| Sample rate | 44.1 kHz |
| Bit depth | 16-bit |
| Channels | Stereo |
| Duration | At least 1 second |
Maximum Accepted
| Spec | Maximum |
|---|---|
| Sample rate | 192 kHz |
| Bit depth | 32-bit float |
| File size | 2 GB per track |
Need Help?
If you have questions about audio formats or are experiencing quality issues, contact our support team.