The recommended loudness for streaming music is -14 LUFS (integrated). Many use -16 LUFS for narrative programs. YouTube will bring down the level in the re-encode process if it is over -14 LU but will not raise it if it's anemic. LU with dB are NOT to be confused,

btw, if you have Sound Forge, the "Statistics" tool can measure all the pertinent audio level factors in a matter of seconds (depending on the length or coarse). The read-out can be copied for a text file in broadcast submissions. (broadcast is typically -23 or -24 LUFS).

Once you have measured your RMS numbers as rraud recommends. You need to normalize the audio. Sound Forge does precisely that. I understand the free Audacity does it as well.

For that audio process you need to export the audio in VEGAS, process it outside and then import it back once normalized to the levels your publication platform recommends.

Be aware that not all platforms work their margins at the same LUFS. A google/youtube search will best inform you depending on your specific audio needs.

Alternatively you may work inside VEGAS by installing a normalizing plugin. This way, with your project opened you just open an specific VST and with it, adjust your audio track contents to your selected LUFS levels.

I recommend Hornet's The Normalizer. Simple, unexpensive, with unobstrusive license validation system and what matters most; it is functional, including that the developer does care, which in the long run makes a difference.

RMS numbers as rraud recommends

LU (Loudness). Peak dB and RMS dB are all different, LUFS (integrated) is the key factor here for streaming services and broadcast..

Broadcast is significantly lower depending on the location. Generally -23 LUFS for Europe and -24 LUFS for USA.

The recommended loudness for streaming music is -14 LUFS (integrated). Many use -16 LUFS for narrative programs. YouTube will bring down the level in the re-encode process if it is over -14 LU but will not raise it if it's anemic. LU with dB are NOT to be confused,

btw, if you have Sound Forge, the "Statistics" tool can measure all the pertinent audio level factors in a matter of seconds (depending on the length or coarse). The read-out can be copied for a text file in broadcast submissions. (broadcast is typically -23 or -24 LUFS).

Yes rraud agree with your LUFS numbers mentioned.

The relevant question remaining is why Sound Forge 18 Process > Normalize, at its tab in the Loudness section, why does it only go as low as -20 LUFS, when is openly declared by the main platforms use and promote numbers around -14 to -18 LUFS?

There is no possibility with Sound Forge 18 that I could find so far, to set audio files with reasonably useful LUFS numbers. This specific process is one of the most useful tools nowadays required from a Sound Editor. Am I missing something?

Lets bear in mind that at 2024, producing several masters to be set with various LUFS targets is a must for ALL music content producers, from the smallest youtuber to the biggest corporations...