How to check and fix podcast loudness in WordPress

The short answer

To check and fix podcast loudness in WordPress: measure the episode’s integrated loudness (LUFS), compare it to the −16 LUFS / −1 dBTP target, normalise it if it is out of range, and re-check. AudioLinter does all four steps inside the post editor; you can also do it manually in an audio editor and re-import the file.

Step by step (inside the editor)

Open the post that contains your episode and find the AudioLinter panel in the editor sidebar.
Add the audio — upload a file or pick one from the Media Library — and run an analysis.
Read the result: integrated loudness (LUFS), true peak (dBTP) and any dead air, flagged against the podcast target range.
Fix loudness if it is out of range: on a paid plan, one click normalises the file toward −16 LUFS / −1 dBTP and re-analyses it.
Download or insert the corrected file back into the post, and you are done — no separate tool, no re-upload dance.

Doing it manually instead

You can also normalise loudness in a desktop editor such as Audacity and re-import the result. That gives you fine-grained control over gain staging and limiting, at the cost of leaving WordPress and re-checking by hand. Our Audacity loudness guide walks through it.

Why do it in WordPress at all

Keeping the check where you publish turns loudness into a repeatable editorial gate: every episode is verified against the same target before it goes live, instead of relying on someone remembering to run a separate tool. That consistency is what makes a back catalogue sound even from episode to episode.

See plans Getting started

Frequently asked questions

How do I check podcast loudness in WordPress?

Use a tool that measures integrated loudness (LUFS) and true peak inside the editor. AudioLinter adds this to the post editor: upload or pick your audio, run an analysis, and it reports LUFS and dBTP against the −16 LUFS / −1 dBTP podcast target.

Can I fix loudness without leaving WordPress?

Yes. On a paid AudioLinter plan, a one-click repair normalises the file toward −16 LUFS / −1 dBTP, re-analyses it, and lets you download or insert the corrected audio into the post — all inside the editor.

Do I need audio editing software?

Not for loudness. Normalisation can be done in the editor. You only need an audio editor like Audacity for edits AudioLinter does not perform automatically, such as trimming dead air.