What bitrate should I use for Spotify?

Upload WAV or 320 kbps MP3 to Spotify. Spotify transcodes your upload to their own format (Ogg Vorbis at various bitrates). Starting with higher quality gives better results.

Does Spotify normalize audio?

Yes. Spotify normalizes all tracks to -14 LUFS. If your track is louder than -14 LUFS, it will be turned down. If it is quieter, it will be turned up. Use our Audio Normalizer to target -14 LUFS before uploading.

What format should I upload to SoundCloud?

WAV or FLAC for best quality. SoundCloud transcodes to MP3 128 kbps for free accounts and 256 kbps for Pro accounts. Starting with WAV ensures the best possible transcoded quality.

Can I upload MP3 to streaming platforms?

Yes, but upload the highest bitrate MP3 you have (320 kbps). Never re-encode a low-bitrate MP3 to a higher bitrate — it does not improve quality and may introduce additional artifacts.

Is this converter free for streaming uploads?

Yes, completely free. No account, no file size limits. Convert as many tracks as you need.

WAV to MP3 for Streaming — Spotify, SoundCloud & YouTube

Convert WAV files to MP3 optimized for streaming platforms. Get the right bitrate for Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube, and Apple Music — no upload, instant conversion, free.

Streaming OptimizedSpotify ReadySoundCloud ReadyNo UploadFree

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WAV only — processed locally, never uploaded

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About This Tool

This converter is focused on streaming platform requirements — covering the exact bitrate, loudness normalization, and format recommendations for Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube, Apple Music, Tidal, and Bandcamp. Unlike generic WAV to MP3 pages, this page answers the specific question artists ask: "What format should I upload to get the best quality on streaming platforms?"

Recommended Bitrates for Streaming Platforms

Each streaming platform has different audio quality requirements and normalization settings. Here is what you need to know:

Spotify320 kbps MP3 or WAV

-14 LUFS normalization · Upload WAV or 320 kbps MP3

Apple Music256 kbps AAC

-16 LUFS normalization · Upload WAV — Apple converts to AAC

SoundCloud128 kbps MP3 (free) / 256 kbps (Pro)

-14 LUFS normalization · 320 kbps MP3 recommended for upload

YouTube128–320 kbps MP3

-14 LUFS normalization · Upload WAV or 320 kbps MP3

TidalFLAC lossless

No normalization · Upload WAV or FLAC for best quality

BandcampWAV or FLAC

No normalization · Always upload WAV for best quality

Should You Upload WAV or MP3 to Streaming Platforms?

Always upload the highest quality file you have. Streaming platforms transcode your upload to their own formats — starting with a higher quality source means better final quality for listeners.

Spotify: Accepts WAV, FLAC, and MP3. Upload WAV if you have it — Spotify transcodes to their own format anyway.
SoundCloud: Accepts WAV, FLAC, AIFF, and MP3. Upload WAV for best quality. Free accounts get 128 kbps streaming; Pro accounts get 256 kbps.
YouTube: Accepts any audio format. Upload WAV for best quality — YouTube transcodes to AAC 128 kbps for most users.
If you only have MP3: Use 320 kbps. Never re-encode a low-bitrate MP3 to a higher bitrate — it does not improve quality.