glossary
Platform targets are useful delivery references, not a reason to master every track to the same number.
Streaming loudness targets describe the playback level a platform aims for when loudness normalization is enabled. The common reference is integrated LUFS.
If a master is louder than the platform target, it is usually turned down. If it is quieter, playback behavior depends on the service, settings, and available headroom.
A dense club master and an acoustic ballad can both be valid at different LUFS values. The right level depends on genre, arrangement, distortion tolerance, and emotional intent.
Chasing one number can make a track less punchy if the limiter has to work too hard to get there.
Check integrated LUFS, true peak, and loudness range against reference tracks in the same style. Then decide whether normalization will help, hurt, or simply turn the track down.
For streaming, leaving true peak margin is often more important than forcing the integrated loudness to an exact public target.