Quick Answer: The Opposite of Nightcore is Daycore
The opposite of nightcore is daycore (also called nightcore reverse or anti-nightcore). While nightcore speeds up songs to 125% (+25%) and raises pitch by +3 semitones for a high-energy, upbeat sound, daycore slows songs to 75% (-25%) and lowers pitch by -3 semitones for a dramatic, deep, emotional, melancholic sound.
| Aspect | Nightcore | Daycore (Nightcore Reverse) |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | +25% (125% speed) | -25% (75% speed) |
| Pitch | +3 semitones (higher) | -3 semitones (lower) |
| Mood | Energetic, happy, upbeat | Dramatic, sad, emotional |
| Best For | AMVs, gaming, action scenes | Sad edits, emotional moments, aesthetic videos |
| Vocal Sound | High-pitched, chipmunk-like | Deep, dramatic, intense |
| Also Known As | NC, Nightcore remix | Daycore, Anti-nightcore, Reverse nightcore |
Think of daycore as the mirror image of nightcore. Everything that nightcore does to make music energetic and fast, daycore undoes to make music emotional and slow. It's the perfect effect for sad anime edits, melancholic TikTok videos, emotional gaming montages, and introspective content.
What is Daycore (Nightcore Reverse)?
Daycore (sometimes called nightcore reverse or anti-nightcore) is an audio effect that transforms songs by slowing them down and lowering the pitch. The standard approach reduces tempo to approximately 75% of the original speed while decreasing pitch by 25% (about -3 to -4 semitones), creating a deep, dramatic, emotionally charged sound that contrasts sharply with nightcore's bright, energetic character.
The effect emerged from the nightcore community as creators experimented with inverting nightcore's characteristics. While nightcore originated from Norwegian DJs in the early 2000s who sped up trance and Eurodance tracks, daycore (nightcore reverse) developed later as content creators sought audio effects that matched darker, more emotional visual content.
The Technical Breakdown
Creating daycore involves two primary audio manipulations:
1. Tempo Reduction (75% Speed / -25%): The song plays 25% slower than the original. A 4-minute song becomes approximately 5 minutes and 20 seconds. This slower pace allows emotional moments to breathe and creates space for the listener to absorb the mood.
2. Pitch Reduction (-3 to -4 semitones / -25%): The pitch is lowered by roughly 25%, or about 3-4 semitones musically. This makes vocals sound deeper, basslines more prominent, and the overall tone darker. Male vocals become significantly deeper while female vocals drop to a lower register that sounds more melancholic.
Some creators add light reverb (20-30% wet signal) to daycore for extra emotional depth, though this is optional. The core defining characteristic remains the combination of slowed tempo and lowered pitch.
Why is it Called "Daycore"?
The name "daycore" creates a conceptual opposite to "nightcore" - where nightcore evokes nighttime energy and intensity, daycore suggests daytime calm and melancholy. The terminology makes intuitive sense:
Day vs Night Opposition: Night represents energy, intensity, and fast-paced activity. Day (in this context) represents calm, introspection, and slower emotional processing. The names capture the emotional opposition perfectly.
Directional Opposition: Nightcore increases speed and pitch; daycore decreases speed and pitch. The effects move in opposite directions across both parameters.
Emotional Opposition: Nightcore creates energetic, happy, upbeat feelings; daycore creates dramatic, sad, melancholic feelings. The emotional impacts are opposite.
Alternative names include "nightcore reverse" (emphasizing the reversed nature), "anti-nightcore" (emphasizing opposition), and occasionally "slowcore" (though this term conflicts with an actual music genre). "Daycore" has become the most popular and widely recognized term, though "nightcore reverse" remains common in the community.
Daycore vs Other Audio Effects
Understanding how daycore differs from similar audio effects helps you choose the right effect for your content. Here's how daycore compares to related audio transformations:
Daycore vs Slowed + Reverb
These effects are frequently confused because both slow down audio, but they serve different purposes and create distinct sounds:
Daycore / Nightcore Reverse (75% speed, -3 semitones pitch):
- Slows tempo and lowers pitch together
- Creates deep, dramatic, intense sound
- Vocals sound much lower and more serious
- Bass becomes more prominent
- Best for emotional, dramatic, sad content
- Example: Dramatic anime fight scenes, emotional breakups, sad edits
Slowed + Reverb (80% speed, pitch preserved, reverb added):
- Slows tempo but keeps original pitch
- Adds reverb for spatial, ethereal effect
- Vocals sound natural but slower with echo
- Creates dreamy, nostalgic, atmospheric sound
- Best for aesthetic, nostalgic, chill content
- Example: TikTok aesthetic videos, vaporwave edits, nostalgic content
The key distinction: daycore changes the fundamental character of vocals by lowering pitch, while slowed + reverb keeps vocals recognizable but adds spatial effects. Choose daycore for dramatic impact, slowed + reverb for dreamy atmosphere.
Daycore vs Vaporwave
Vaporwave and daycore both slow songs and often evoke melancholic feelings, but they differ in intensity and purpose:
Daycore / Nightcore Reverse:
- 75% speed (moderately slow)
- Pitch lowered by -3 semitones
- Minimal or light reverb
- Clean, dramatic sound
- Focus on emotional vocal delivery
- Best for sad edits and emotional content
Vaporwave:
- 65% speed (extremely slow)
- Variable pitch (often -4 to -6 semitones)
- Heavy reverb and chorus effects
- Lo-fi, degraded, nostalgic sound
- Focus on atmospheric mood and nostalgia
- Best for aesthetic videos and retro content
Daycore is cleaner and more focused on emotional vocals, while vaporwave is heavier and more focused on nostalgic atmosphere. Both are powerful effects, but daycore maintains more clarity and punch.
Daycore vs Regular Nightcore
This comparison is important because it defines what makes each effect unique:
| Characteristic | Nightcore | Daycore |
|---|---|---|
| Speed Modification | +25% (125% speed) | -25% (75% speed) |
| Pitch Change | +3 semitones | -3 semitones |
| Energy Level | High energy, hyperactive | Low energy, contemplative |
| Emotional Tone | Happy, excited, euphoric | Sad, dramatic, melancholic |
| Vocal Character | High, chipmunk-like, cute | Deep, dramatic, intense |
| Popular Use Cases | Anime AMVs, gaming, happy edits | Sad edits, emotional scenes, TikTok |
| Typical Song Duration | Shorter (3 min → 2:24) | Longer (3 min → 4:00) |
When to Use Daycore (Nightcore Reverse)
Daycore excels in specific content contexts where emotional depth and melancholic atmosphere are desired. Here are the best use cases:
Sad Anime Edits and AMVs
Anime content with emotional scenes benefits enormously from daycore. Death scenes, character departures, tragic backstories, and emotional revelations gain extra impact when paired with slowed, lowered-pitch music. The deeper vocals and extended tempo give viewers time to absorb the emotional weight.
Popular anime for daycore edits include Attack on Titan (death scenes), Your Lie in April (emotional moments), Naruto (character sacrifices), and any anime with dramatic or tragic storylines.
TikTok Sad Edits and Emotional Content
TikTok's emotional edit community heavily uses daycore for breakup videos, nostalgic content, sad text overlays, character retrospectives, and emotional storytelling. The slowed tempo matches the contemplative pacing of these videos perfectly.
While TikTok's standard "slowed + reverb" effect is more popular for aesthetic content, daycore works better when you need deeper emotional impact rather than dreamy nostalgia.
Gaming Montages with Emotional Tone
Gaming videos focusing on dramatic moments, emotional story beats, character deaths, or bittersweet victories pair well with daycore. The effect transforms upbeat gaming tracks into somber, contemplative background music.
Games with strong narratives like The Last of Us, Red Dead Redemption, or Final Fantasy work particularly well with daycore treatment during emotional cutscenes or pivotal story moments.
Introspective and Melancholic Content
Any content exploring sadness, loss, nostalgia, regret, or introspection benefits from daycore's emotional weight. Depression awareness videos, mental health discussions, personal storytelling, and reflective vlogs all gain emotional resonance with daycore soundtracks.
How to Create Daycore Audio
Creating daycore is straightforward with the right tools. Here's the step-by-step process:
Method 1: Using Our Free Daycore Tool (Easiest)
Our browser-based daycore maker handles all the technical details automatically:
- Visit the daycore tool: Navigate to our nightcore reverse / daycore maker
- Upload your audio: Select any MP3, FLAC, WAV, AAC, or OGG file
- Click the Daycore preset: Automatically applies 75% speed and -25% pitch
- Preview your audio: Listen before downloading to verify it sounds right
- Download: Get your transformed daycore audio instantly as MP3
The entire process takes under 30 seconds. No software installation, no technical knowledge required, works on any device with a web browser.
Method 2: Using Audio Editing Software (Advanced)
For users comfortable with audio software like Audacity, FL Studio, or Ableton, here's the manual process:
- Import your audio: Load your song into your audio editor
- Reduce tempo to 75%: Use the time-stretch or tempo change feature (not simple slow-down which affects pitch automatically)
- Lower pitch by -3 to -4 semitones: Use pitch shift without affecting tempo
- Optional - Add light reverb: Apply 20-30% reverb for extra emotional depth
- Export as MP3 or WAV: Save at high quality (320kbps MP3 or lossless WAV)
Settings Breakdown
| Setting | Standard Daycore | Extreme Daycore | Light Daycore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | 75% (-25%) | 65% (-35%) | 80% (-20%) |
| Pitch | -3 semitones | -4 to -5 semitones | -2 semitones |
| Reverb | 20-30% (optional) | 40-50% | 10-20% |
| Best For | Most content, balanced sound | Maximum drama, very emotional | Subtle effect, cleaner sound |
Best Music Genres for Daycore Treatment
While any music can be transformed into daycore, certain genres and song types produce particularly compelling results:
Pop Music
Upbeat pop songs gain surprising emotional depth when converted to daycore. Happy pop transforms into melancholic reflection, revealing hidden emotional layers in familiar songs. Artists like Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, and Billie Eilish work exceptionally well.
Anime Openings and Endings
Anime theme songs are perfect for daycore because they're already emotionally charged. High-energy openings become contemplative and dramatic, while emotional endings become even more poignant. Popular choices include Tokyo Ghoul's "Unravel," Attack on Titan themes, and Demon Slayer openings.
Rock and Alternative
Rock songs with powerful vocals and strong instrumentals benefit from daycore's deep, intense sound. The lowered pitch makes guitar riffs heavier and vocals more dramatic. Bands like Linkin Park, My Chemical Romance, and Twenty One Pilots are community favorites.
Electronic and EDM
Fast-paced electronic music transforms dramatically with daycore treatment. Energetic drops become heavy and powerful, synths gain depth, and the overall vibe shifts from party energy to introspective atmosphere. Porter Robinson, Madeon, and similar artists work well.
Songs to Avoid (or Approach Carefully)
Some music doesn't translate well to daycore:
- Extremely slow ballads: Already slow songs become tediously sluggish
- Very bass-heavy tracks: Lowering pitch can make bass muddy and unclear
- Classical music: The careful tempo relationships in classical compositions get distorted
- Rap with fast delivery: Slowing rapid-fire rap can make lyrics hard to follow
Tips for Creating Better Daycore
These techniques will help you create higher-quality daycore audio that sounds professional:
Start with High-Quality Audio
Begin with lossless files (FLAC, WAV) or high-bitrate MP3s (320kbps). Lowering pitch and slowing tempo reveals audio artifacts in low-quality files. Better source = better result.
Adjust Pitch Carefully
The standard -3 semitones works for most songs, but experiment with -2 to -4 semitones based on the original pitch. Female vocals might need only -2 semitones, while male vocals can handle -4 semitones without sounding too deep.
Use Light Reverb Sparingly
Too much reverb makes daycore sound like slowed + reverb instead. Keep reverb at 20-30% maximum, and only use it if the song benefits from extra atmosphere. Clean daycore without reverb often sounds more powerful and dramatic.
Pay Attention to Bass
Lowering pitch boosts bass frequencies. If the result sounds muddy or boomy, apply a gentle high-pass filter (cut frequencies below 30-40Hz) or reduce bass slightly with EQ. The goal is deep but clear, not muddy.
Check Volume Levels
Slowing audio can affect perceived loudness. After creating daycore, check that the volume is consistent with other tracks in your project. You may need to normalize or adjust gain slightly.
Listen with Different Speakers
Test your daycore on headphones, phone speakers, and computer speakers. The deep, lowered pitch sounds different on various playback systems. Make sure it sounds good everywhere, not just on one device.
Daycore in Internet Culture and Social Media
Daycore has become a significant subculture within internet music communities, with its own conventions, communities, and cultural meaning:
YouTube and SoundCloud Communities
Large communities on YouTube and SoundCloud create and share daycore versions of popular songs. Channels specializing in daycore (nightcore reverse) music accumulate millions of views, with fans requesting specific songs and discovering new emotional interpretations of familiar music.
Comment sections on daycore videos often discuss emotional connections to the slowed, deeper versions, with users sharing how the music helps them process sadness, anxiety, or melancholy.
TikTok Sad Edit Culture
TikTok's sad edit community extensively uses daycore for emotional video content. The #daycoremusic and #nightcorereverse hashtags contain thousands of videos featuring slowed, lowered-pitch audio paired with sad anime clips, breakup stories, and nostalgic content.
While TikTok's built-in slowed + reverb effect is more mainstream, daycore maintains a dedicated following for creators seeking deeper emotional impact.
Anime Music Video (AMV) Culture
Anime editors frequently use daycore in AMVs focused on character deaths, tragic moments, and emotional storylines. The deeper, slower audio matches the dramatic pacing of emotional anime scenes perfectly.
Major anime conventions and AMV competitions feature daycore-backed videos in their emotional and drama categories.
Mental Health and Emotional Expression
Daycore has become associated with mental health discussions and emotional expression online. The melancholic, introspective sound resonates with people processing depression, anxiety, heartbreak, or grief.
Some users report that daycore helps them acknowledge and process difficult emotions rather than suppressing them, making the genre unexpectedly therapeutic for some listeners.
Legal Considerations for Daycore Content
Creating and sharing daycore involves copyright considerations you should understand:
Copyright Basics
Transforming a song into daycore doesn't remove copyright protection. The original composition and recording remain protected by copyright law. When you create daycore from a copyrighted song, you're creating a derivative work, which requires permission from the copyright holder.
Fair Use and Transformative Works
Some daycore content may qualify as fair use, particularly for commentary, criticism, or educational purposes. However, simply slowing down and lowering pitch generally doesn't qualify as sufficiently transformative for fair use protection. Courts typically require more substantial transformation or new meaning.
Platforms and Content ID
YouTube's Content ID system and TikTok's copyright detection will identify the underlying song even when transformed to daycore. You may receive copyright claims (which allow the original artist to monetize or block your video) or copyright strikes (which can terminate your account).
Many record labels allow daycore content to remain online but claim ad revenue. Check each platform's specific policies and the original artist's approach to fan content.
Safe Approaches to Daycore Creation
To create daycore content safely:
- Use royalty-free music: Websites like Epidemic Sound, Artlist, and YouTube Audio Library provide music you can legally transform
- Use Creative Commons music: Many artists release music under Creative Commons licenses allowing derivatives
- Create original music: Make your own music, then transform it to daycore
- Get permission: Contact artists directly for permission (some indie artists grant permission for fan content)
- Credit properly: Always credit the original artist even when creating transformative content
For personal listening, creating daycore is completely legal. Sharing online enters complex legal territory that varies by jurisdiction and platform.
The Psychology Behind Daycore's Appeal
Why does slowing music down and lowering pitch create such powerful emotional responses? The psychology is fascinating:
Tempo and Emotional Processing
Slower tempos allow listeners more time to process emotional content in lyrics and melodies. The extended duration of notes and phrases creates space for emotional resonance that faster music doesn't permit.
Research suggests slower music (60-80 BPM) triggers more introspective and melancholic emotional responses, while faster music (120+ BPM) triggers energetic and happy responses. Daycore typically brings songs down to 60-90 BPM range, squarely in the melancholic zone.
Pitch and Emotional Association
Lower pitches are associated with sadness, seriousness, and gravitas across cultures. When happy songs are lowered in pitch, our brains reinterpret the emotional content as more serious and melancholic, even when lyrics remain positive.
The deepened vocals in daycore trigger associations with sadness, introspection, and emotional weight that higher pitches don't evoke.
Nostalgia and Memory
Transforming familiar songs into daycore creates a sense of "distant memory" or "remembered emotion." The familiar becomes unfamiliar, triggering nostalgia for the original while creating new emotional associations.
This dual recognition—knowing the song while hearing it differently—activates both memory and novelty responses in the brain, creating powerful emotional experiences.
Cathartic Emotional Release
For many listeners, daycore provides a safe space to experience and process difficult emotions. The melancholic sound validates sadness and gives permission to feel emotions that society often encourages suppressing.
The popularity of daycore in mental health communities suggests its role in emotional processing and catharsis for people dealing with depression, anxiety, or grief.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the opposite of nightcore?
The opposite of nightcore is daycore (also called nightcore reverse or anti-nightcore). While nightcore speeds up songs to 125% (+25%) and raises pitch by +3 semitones for a high-energy sound, daycore slows songs to 75% (-25%) and lowers pitch by -3 semitones for a dramatic, emotional, melancholic sound.
What is daycore?
Daycore (also called nightcore reverse) is an audio effect that slows songs to 75% speed and lowers the pitch by -3 semitones, creating deep, dramatic, emotional audio. It's the exact opposite of nightcore's fast, high-pitched sound. Popular for sad anime edits, emotional TikTok videos, and melancholic content.
What's the difference between daycore and nightcore reverse?
Daycore and nightcore reverse are two names for the same effect. Both refer to slowed tempo (75%) + lowered pitch (-3 semitones). "Daycore" is more popular and easier to remember, while "nightcore reverse" explicitly shows the relationship to nightcore. They're completely interchangeable.
Is daycore the same as slowed + reverb?
No. Daycore (75% speed + lowered pitch by -3 semitones) changes both tempo and pitch for a deep, dramatic sound. Slowed + reverb (80% speed + reverb, pitch preserved) keeps the original pitch and adds spatial effects for a dreamy, nostalgic sound. They're different effects for different moods.
Why is it called daycore?
It's called daycore as a conceptual opposite to "nightcore." Night represents intensity and energy, while day (in this context) represents calm and melancholy. The name creates an intuitive opposition: nightcore is fast and energetic, daycore is slow and emotional.
What is anti-nightcore?
Anti-nightcore is another name for daycore / nightcore reverse. The term "anti" emphasizes that it's the opposite of nightcore's characteristics. Both terms refer to the same effect: slowed tempo with lowered pitch for dramatic, emotional audio.
When should I use daycore instead of nightcore?
Use daycore for sad edits, emotional scenes, dramatic moments, melancholic content, or introspective videos. Use nightcore for high-energy content, happy moments, action scenes, or upbeat videos. They create opposite emotional impacts—choose based on the mood you want to convey.
How do I make daycore audio?
To create daycore: 1) Slow the song to 75% speed, 2) Lower the pitch by -3 semitones, 3) Optionally add light reverb for extra depth. Use audio editing software or online tools like SoundTools' daycore / nightcore reverse maker for instant results.
What percentage speed is daycore?
Daycore is typically 75% of the original speed (-25% slower). This is slower than slowed + reverb (80%) but not as slow as vaporwave (65%). The 75% speed combined with lowered pitch (-3 semitones) creates the signature dramatic, emotional sound.
Can I use daycore in my YouTube or TikTok videos?
Yes, you can use daycore audio in your content. However, if you're modifying copyrighted music, the original song may still be subject to copyright. YouTube and TikTok's content ID systems may claim videos with modified copyrighted music. For best legal protection, use royalty-free music or music you have rights to.
Does daycore work on all types of music?
Daycore works on any audio, but some songs benefit more than others. Emotional songs with powerful vocals, dramatic instrumentals, or meaningful lyrics tend to work best. Upbeat pop songs can gain surprising emotional depth when transformed into daycore. Avoid extremely slow ballads or very bass-heavy tracks.
Is daycore better than nightcore?
Neither is "better"—they serve different purposes. Nightcore creates energetic, upbeat vibes perfect for action and happy content. Daycore creates dramatic, emotional vibes perfect for sad and introspective content. Choose based on the mood you want to convey.
Create Your Own Daycore Audio
Ready to experience the dramatic opposite of nightcore? Our free daycore maker makes it instant and easy.
Transform any song into deep, emotional, dramatic audio in seconds:
- Upload your audio file
- Click the Daycore / Nightcore Reverse preset
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No software installation required. Works right in your browser on any device.
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