Music at different volumes? See how to adjust normalization on Spotify.
You adjust the volume for one song, and the next one seems much louder. When this happens between different recordings, normalization is a setting worth checking before messing with other controls.
This feature aims to balance the perceived volume between tracks. The controls in this tutorial are those that Spotify identifies as available to Premium users on mobile and desktop apps.
How to normalize volume on Spotify
On Android and iPhone
Open your profile picture and enter... Settings and privacy > Playback. On Android, search for Volume Normalization. On iPhone, the option appears as Enable Audio Normalization. Enable the setting and check the selected level.
On the computer
Click on your profile picture, open Settings, and locate Normalize volume in the Audio quality section. See the official instructions, This is because the installed application and the browser player do not necessarily behave the same way.
Start with the Normal difficulty level.
Use Normal for the initial setup and listen to a familiar playlist. Avoid changing volume, equalizer, and normalization simultaneously. Spotify offers Loud, Normal, and Quiet modes. Loud uses limiting to control certain peaks and may reduce dynamics; therefore, it doesn't necessarily mean superior quality. Spotify technical guide It explains the difference.
Why do differences still exist?
Normalizing doesn't make every second the same intensity. Spotify treats an album as a whole to preserve volume relationships between its tracks; in shuffle playback or playlists of different albums, the adjustment is made on a track-by-track basis. A smooth transition can remain smooth. To discover new artists, see apps for discovering music.
Normalization, equalization, and quality are different.
Normalization affects the playback level between recordings. The equalizer alters the balance between frequencies, such as bass and treble; see the... equalizer documentation. Higher fidelity formats, by themselves, do not resolve volume differences either.
What changes in the browser, TV and speakers
According to Spotify, the web player and third-party devices, such as TVs and speakers, do not use its normalization. It's also not possible to change these controls via mobile phone while it's controlling another device via Spotify Connect. Check which device is actually playing the sound and consult the... Spotify Connect help.
Compatibility, subscription, and region
The published requirements include Android 7 or later, iOS 16.1 or later, macOS 13 or later, and 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11. See the current list of compatible devices. Standardization is included in Premium, with no separate subscription; pricing and availability should be checked for your market on [website/platform name]. official deals page.
When is it worthwhile to keep the setting enabled?
If you use Premium and are bothered by volume fluctuations, enable normalization in the app and start with Normal, comparing on the same device and with the same headphones. If you mainly listen through a browser, TV, or speaker, check the controls of that device first.
