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
Section titled “What to Upload”Recommended Format
Section titled “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
Section titled “Accepted Formats”LabelGrid accepts these audio formats:
| Format | Extensions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| WAV | .wav | Preferred, uncompressed |
| AIFF | .aif, .aiff | Uncompressed, Mac-native |
| FLAC | .flac | Lossless compressed |
How Automatic Conversion Works
Section titled “How Automatic Conversion Works”The Problem
Section titled “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
Section titled “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
Section titled “Bit Depth Conversion”What is Bit Depth?
Section titled “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
Section titled “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
Section titled “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
Section titled “Sample Rate Conversion”Common Sample Rates
Section titled “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
Section titled “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
Section titled “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
Section titled “Platform Requirements”Streaming Platforms
Section titled “Streaming Platforms”Each platform has its own audio requirements. LabelGrid automatically handles conversion for each platform’s specifications.
Download Stores
Section titled “Download Stores”Download stores like Beatport typically deliver high-quality formats (WAV, AIFF) that preserve original audio quality. Other download stores may offer a selection of formats.
Quality Considerations
Section titled “Quality Considerations”Start with the Best Source
Section titled “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
Section titled “Loudness and Mastering”Streaming platforms apply loudness normalization, which means overly loud masters may be turned down during playback. Each platform has its own target loudness level, and these targets may change over time.
What is LUFS? Loudness Units Full Scale is a measurement of perceived loudness. Lower numbers mean quieter audio. Platforms normalize audio to their target levels, so overly loud masters get turned down.
Avoiding Quality Loss
Section titled “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)
Section titled “Spatial Audio (Dolby Atmos)”What is Spatial Audio?
Section titled “What is Spatial Audio?”Spatial Audio provides an immersive 3D listening experience. Apple Music and TIDAL support Dolby Atmos mixes.
Dolby Atmos Requirements
Section titled “Dolby Atmos Requirements”| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Format | ADM BWF (Audio Definition Model Broadcast Wave Format) |
| Sample rate | 48 kHz |
| Bit depth | 24-bit |
| Max channels | Up to 128 individual audio tracks |
| Profile | Must conform to Dolby Atmos Master ADM profile |
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
Section titled “Submitting Spatial Audio”Contact support if you have Dolby Atmos mixes to deliver. Spatial audio requires special handling separate from standard stereo delivery.
Troubleshooting
Section titled “Troubleshooting”Audio file rejected
Section titled “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
Section titled “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
Section titled “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
Section titled “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
Section titled “Technical Specifications Quick Reference”Minimum Requirements
Section titled “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
Section titled “Maximum Accepted”| Spec | Maximum |
|---|---|
| Sample rate | 192 kHz |
| Bit depth | 32-bit float |
| File size | 2 GB per track |
Need Help?
Section titled “Need Help?”If you have questions about audio formats or are experiencing quality issues, contact our support team.
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