Why Suno tracks sound quiet on YouTube

Suno often exports below the loudness of videos already on YouTube. When your upload sits next to a -14 LUFS video, the Suno track feels small on a phone speaker even if the mix is fine.

YouTube does not simply “make everything the same volume.” It has a loudness target around -14 LUFS, but quieter files still play quieter until you raise integrated loudness with limiting and a True Peak ceiling.

What “quiet” actually is

Measure integrated LUFS, not peak. A file can hit 0 dBFS on transients and still sit at -20 LUFS overall. That is the usual Suno export shape: punchy moments, low average.

A practical YouTube target

Start near -14 LUFS with a True Peak ceiling of -1.0 dBTP. That is a working target for long videos and Shorts, not a law. If the piano loses attack, drop to -15 or -16 LUFS instead of pushing the limiter.

Do not only turn up the export

Raising the Suno MP3 in a video editor boosts noise and mud. Master first, then place the 24-bit WAV under the video. Compare A/B at the same phone volume.

Use the free Suno mastering tool with the YouTube / Shorts preset, then listen on a phone before you publish.

FAQ

Will YouTube reject a louder master?

No. YouTube may turn a very loud file down. It will not make a quiet Suno export as present as a -14 LUFS neighbour.

Is -12 LUFS better for Shorts?

It can feel louder for one second, then fatiguing. For piano and lullaby Shorts, stay at -14 to -16 LUFS.