How to Export Your Song for Streaming (Format, Sample Rate, Master First)
Updated July 2026 · by Loopin
Uploading a raw mix to a distributor is one of the most common mistakes independent artists make. The format, loudness and mastering step determine whether your track sounds competitive — or quiet and flat — next to everything else on Spotify.
Master before you export
A mixed but unmastered track will be significantly quieter than released music. Streaming platforms normalize loudness to around -14 LUFS, but if your track is mastered to -10 LUFS it still sounds louder and punchier than one that's only -18 LUFS before normalization. Master first, then export the mastered file. Run your mix through Loopin's free mastering tool to get to a competitive loudness before any of the steps below.
Use WAV, not MP3, for distribution
Submit a WAV (or AIFF) file to your distributor — not an MP3. Distributors encode to the streaming platform's format themselves, and they need the highest-quality source to work from. Encoding MP3 from MP3 degrades audio quality with each generation. Your working file should be WAV at 44.1 kHz / 24-bit (the standard for streaming-ready exports).
Sample rate and bit depth
44.1 kHz / 24-bit is the standard for music distribution. Some DAWs default to 48 kHz (common in video production) — check your export settings and convert to 44.1 kHz before submitting. 16-bit is technically acceptable, but 24-bit retains more dynamic information and is better practice. Your mastering tool or DAW handles the final dither if needed.
Check the loudness target
Spotify, Apple Music and most platforms target -14 LUFS integrated loudness. Mastering to around -10 to -14 LUFS leaves room for the limiter to do its job without crushing the dynamics. Mastering significantly louder than -9 LUFS usually causes audible distortion or pumping — more isn't always louder once normalization kicks in.
Name the file correctly
Name the export file as you want the track to appear — distributors often use the filename as a fallback. Include the track title and avoid special characters that cause issues on upload. Keep a copy of the full unmastered mix and the mastered export in the same project folder so you always have both.
After export: distribution and release
Once you have a mastered WAV, a distributor like DistroKid, TuneCore or CD Baby gets it to Spotify, Apple Music and other platforms. See how to release a song on Spotify and the DIY musician release guide for the full release workflow. Build the song in Loopin — beats, lyrics, takes and versions in one place — so the export step is the last thing left to do.
Frequently asked questions
What file format should I submit to DistroKid or TuneCore?
WAV at 44.1 kHz / 24-bit. Both distributors accept this format and will encode to platform-appropriate formats themselves. Do not submit MP3 — the re-encoding degrades quality.
Do I need to master before uploading to streaming?
Yes, if you want competitive loudness. Platforms normalize volume, but a louder, well-limited master still sounds better than an unmastered mix at the same normalized level — it has more punch and density. Mastering also catches clipping and other issues before they reach listeners.
What LUFS should I master to for Spotify?
Spotify targets -14 LUFS for normalization. Mastering to -10 to -14 LUFS integrated is the typical range — loud enough to sound full and present after normalization, without crushing the dynamics. Check the output of your mastering tool with a loudness meter if you want to confirm.