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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

For the best results, upload your audio in this format:

SpecificationRecommended
File formatWAV (preferred) or AIFF
Sample rate44.1 kHz or higher
Bit depth24-bit (preferred) or 16-bit
ChannelsStereo (2 channels)

Accepted Formats

LabelGrid accepts these audio formats:

FormatExtensionsNotes
WAV.wavPreferred, uncompressed
AIFF.aif, .aiffUncompressed, Mac-native
FLAC.flacLossless 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 DepthDynamic RangeUse Case
16-bit~96 dBCD quality, most streaming
24-bit~144 dBProfessional standard, Hi-Fi streaming
32-bit~192 dBProduction/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 UploadPlatform NeedsWe Convert To
32-bit WAV24-bit24-bit (dithered)
32-bit WAV16-bit16-bit (dithered)
24-bit WAV16-bit16-bit (dithered)
24-bit WAV24-bitNo conversion needed
16-bit WAV16-bitNo 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 RateUse Case
44.1 kHzCD standard, most streaming platforms
48 kHzVideo standard, some platforms
88.2 kHzHigh-resolution (2× 44.1)
96 kHzHigh-resolution, mastering
176.4 kHzUltra high-resolution
192 kHzStudio 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

PlatformAcceptsDelivers to Listeners
SpotifyUp to 24-bit/48kHzOgg Vorbis (various qualities)
Apple MusicUp to 24-bit/192kHzAAC, ALAC (lossless), Dolby Atmos
Amazon MusicUp to 24-bit/192kHzVarious (SD, HD, Ultra HD)
YouTube MusicUp to 24-bit/48kHzAAC
DeezerUp to 24-bit/48kHzMP3, FLAC (HiFi)
TIDALUp to 24-bit/192kHzFLAC, MQA, Dolby Atmos

Download Stores

PlatformDelivers
iTunes StoreAAC 256kbps
BeatportWAV, AIFF (original quality preserved)
BandcampMultiple 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:

PlatformTarget 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

  1. Never upload lossy formats - No MP3, AAC, or OGG
  2. Don’t double-convert - Upload original masters, not converted copies
  3. Keep headroom - Avoid clipping (peaks above 0 dB)
  4. 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

SpecificationRequirement
FormatADM BWF (Audio Definition Model Broadcast Wave Format)
Bed channels7.1.4
ObjectsUp to 118
Sample rate48 kHz
Bit depth24-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

  1. Upload WAV or AIFF - Lossless formats only
  2. 24-bit preferred - Best balance of quality and compatibility
  3. 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz - Standard rates work best
  4. Leave headroom - Peak at -1 dBFS or below
  5. Master appropriately - Target -14 LUFS for streaming
  6. Trust the conversion - We handle format requirements automatically

Technical Specifications Quick Reference

Minimum Requirements

SpecMinimum
FormatWAV, AIFF, or FLAC
Sample rate44.1 kHz
Bit depth16-bit
ChannelsStereo
DurationAt least 1 second

Maximum Accepted

SpecMaximum
Sample rate192 kHz
Bit depth32-bit float
File size2 GB per track

Need Help?

If you have questions about audio formats or are experiencing quality issues, contact our support team.