What Is Nightcore? Speed, Pitch Shift, Daycore & Free Maker

What is Nightcore?

Nightcore is a style of music that speeds up songs by 25% (to 125% speed or 1.25x) and raises the pitch by approximately +3 semitones, creating an energetic, high-pitched, fast-paced sound. Originating in Norway in the early 2000s, nightcore has become hugely popular on YouTube and social media for anime AMVs (Anime Music Videos), gaming montages, workout playlists, and any content that needs high energy and excitement.

Technical Specs: Classic nightcore uses a 25% speed increase (125% or 1.25x) with a +3 semitone pitch shift. This means a 120 BPM song becomes 150 BPM, and a 4-minute song becomes 3:12 minutes. The +3 semitone pitch shift gives nightcore its signature high-pitched sound - making vocals sound higher and the entire track feel more intense and upbeat.

Daycore: The Opposite of Nightcore

Daycore (also called "nightcore reverse") is the exact opposite of nightcore. While nightcore speeds up songs and raises the pitch to create high energy and excitement, daycore does the reverse — it slows songs down to 75% speed (0.75×) and lowers the pitch by -3 semitones, producing a slow, dreamy, melancholic, and emotional sound.

Daycore settings at a glance: 75% speed (0.75×) with -3 semitones pitch shift. A 120 BPM song becomes 90 BPM. A 4-minute song stretches to 5 minutes 20 seconds. The lower pitch and reduced tempo create a completely different emotional atmosphere compared to nightcore's intensity.

Nightcore vs Daycore comparison: Nightcore = 125% speed, +3 semitones — fast, exciting, high-energy (perfect for anime action and gaming). Daycore = 75% speed, -3 semitones — slow, emotional, dreamy (popular for sad edits, lofi aesthetics, and reflective content). Both techniques work the same way — changing playback speed with a proportional pitch shift — but in opposite directions. Use the Daycore / Nightcore Reverse tool →

How to Make Nightcore Audio

Creating authentic nightcore is simple with our free nightcore maker:

• Upload Your Song: Select any MP3, FLAC, WAV, AAC, or OGG audio file from your device
• Click Nightcore: Our preset automatically speeds up your song to 125% with pitch shift - the classic nightcore formula that's been popular for over a decade
• Preview Instantly: Press the preview button or spacebar to hear your nightcore audio before downloading
• Customize (Optional): Want faster nightcore? Click 'Custom' and adjust the speed slider from 100% to 150% for anything from subtle speedup to extreme nightcore
• Download & Use: Click 'Create Nightcore' and your track downloads instantly as high-quality MP3, ready for your AMVs, montages, or playlists

Why 125% Speed is Classic Nightcore

The Sweet Spot: 125% speed is the most popular nightcore tempo because it's fast enough to create energy and excitement without being too extreme. It makes songs feel upbeat and energetic while keeping them recognizable and enjoyable to listen to.

Perfect Pitch Shift: At 125% speed with pitch shift, vocals become noticeably higher but still clear and pleasant. It's the signature nightcore sound - high-pitched without being shrill, energetic without being chaotic.

Anime & Gaming Culture: The nightcore community settled on 120-130% speed (with 125% being most common) as the ideal range. It's fast enough for action-packed anime AMVs and intense gaming montages, but not so fast that it loses musicality.

Versatile for All Genres: Whether you're making nightcore versions of pop songs, rock tracks, electronic music, or anime openings, 125% speed works across all genres. Some songs sound better at 120%, others at 130%, but 125% is the reliable starting point.

Nightcore for Different Content Types

Anime AMVs: Nightcore is perfect for high-energy anime AMVs featuring action scenes, battle sequences, training montages, or upbeat moments. The sped-up tempo matches the fast pacing of anime action and the high pitch fits the anime aesthetic.

Gaming Montages: Speed up your gaming montage music with nightcore for intense compilations, highlight reels, speedruns, and competitive gameplay videos. The energetic sound amplifies the excitement of gaming moments.

Workout & Fitness: Nightcore makes excellent workout music - the faster tempo naturally increases energy and motivation. Many people use nightcore for running, cardio, gym sessions, and high-intensity training.

YouTube Content: Create unique nightcore versions of popular songs for YouTube videos, reaction content, or nightcore music channels. Nightcore has a dedicated fanbase on YouTube with millions of listeners.

Personal Playlists: Build energizing nightcore playlists for studying, working, driving, or any time you need upbeat background music. The faster tempo keeps energy levels high.

Nightcore vs Other Speed Effects

Nightcore (125% speed / +25%, pitch shift +3 semitones): Fast, energetic, high-pitched. Speed: 125% of original. Pitch: +3 semitones higher. Creates excitement and intensity. Perfect for anime AMVs and gaming montages. A 120 BPM song becomes 150 BPM.

Daycore / Nightcore Reverse (75% speed / -25%, pitch shift -3 semitones): Slow, dramatic, emotional. The exact opposite of nightcore. Speed: 75% of original. Pitch: -3 semitones lower. Creates a dreamy, melancholic atmosphere — perfect for sad edits, lofi aesthetics, and contemplative content. A 120 BPM song becomes 90 BPM. Try the Daycore tool · Read more about daycore

Sped Up (no pitch shift): Fast tempo but original pitch preserved. Sounds rushed without the characteristic nightcore high pitch. Common on TikTok but not true nightcore. The pitch stays the same even though the speed increases.

Slowed + Reverb (typically 80% speed, pitch preserved, reverb added): Slower tempo with spatial reverb effects. Creates dreamy, nostalgic, aesthetic sound. Different from daycore because pitch is preserved rather than lowered.

The History of Nightcore

Nightcore originated in Norway in the early 2000s when two Norwegian DJs (Thomas S. Nilsen and Steffen Ojala Søderholm) created sped-up versions of trance and dance tracks. The name "Nightcore" came from their DJ group. The style exploded in popularity on YouTube in the late 2000s, particularly in anime and gaming communities. Today, nightcore has millions of fans worldwide and is a recognized music genre with dedicated channels, playlists, and communities. The nightcore effect has become so popular that many artists release official nightcore versions of their songs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nightcore

What is the opposite of nightcore?
The opposite of nightcore is daycore (also called nightcore reverse). Nightcore speeds up songs by 25% (to 125%) and raises pitch by +3 semitones, creating high-energy, fast, exciting audio. Daycore does the exact reverse: it slows songs to 75% speed and lowers pitch by -3 semitones, producing slow, emotional, dreamy audio. Where nightcore is hype and intensity, daycore is calm, melancholic, and aesthetic. Try the Daycore / Nightcore Reverse tool →

What is daycore?
Daycore is a music style that is the exact opposite of nightcore. It slows songs down to 75% of their original speed and lowers the pitch by -3 semitones. The name "daycore" contrasts with "nightcore" — nightcore (night = energy, intensity) creates fast, high-pitched music, while daycore (day = calm, reflection) creates slow, low-pitched, dreamy music. Daycore is popular for sad edits, lofi aesthetics, and contemplative content on YouTube and TikTok.

What does daycore mean?
"Daycore" is a portmanteau combining "day" with the "-core" music genre suffix (as in nightcore, vaporwave, etc.). It represents the calm, daytime counterpart to nightcore's nighttime energy. While nightcore speeds up and raises pitch for a hyper, intense vibe, daycore slows down and lowers pitch for a mellow, reflective, emotional sound. Think of it as the musical equivalent of swapping a high-energy night shift for a quiet morning.

What is the typical nightcore speed increase?
The typical nightcore speed increase is 25% (or 1.25x), which means songs play at 125% of their original speed. This is the classic nightcore formula that's been used since the early 2000s. Some variations use 20-30% increase (120-130% speed), but 25% (125% speed) is by far the most common and widely recognized nightcore tempo. This speed is fast enough to create energy without being too extreme.

What is the nightcore pitch shift in semitones?
Nightcore typically uses a pitch shift of +3 semitones (or +2 to +4 semitones depending on preference). When you speed up audio by 25%, the pitch naturally rises by approximately 3 semitones, which creates the signature high-pitched nightcore sound. This +3 semitone pitch shift makes vocals sound noticeably higher and more energetic while still being pleasant to listen to. It's the sweet spot between recognizable and transformed.

What BPM is nightcore music?
Nightcore BPM depends on the original song's BPM. Simply multiply the original BPM by 1.25 to calculate nightcore BPM. For example: a 120 BPM song becomes 150 BPM, a 140 BPM song becomes 175 BPM, and a 100 BPM song becomes 125 BPM. Most nightcore tracks fall between 140-180 BPM after the 25% speed increase. This faster tempo is what creates the high-energy nightcore feel.

What percentage speed is classic nightcore?
Classic nightcore is 125% of the original speed, which is a 25% increase (or 1.25x multiplier). Our Nightcore preset automatically applies this 125% speed with the +3 semitone pitch shift. This percentage has been the nightcore standard since the style originated in Norway in the early 2000s. It's the perfect balance of fast and listenable.

What is nightcore?
Nightcore is a style of music that speeds up songs by 25% (to 125% speed) and raises the pitch by +3 semitones, creating an energetic, high-pitched, fast-paced sound. It originated in Norway in the early 2000s and became hugely popular on YouTube for anime AMVs, gaming montages, workout music, and high-energy content. The +3 semitone pitch shift is what makes nightcore distinctive - it's not just speeding up, it's creating a whole new energetic, high-pitched vibe with vocals that sound higher and more intense.

How do I make nightcore?
Upload your audio file, click the 'Nightcore' preset which speeds up your song to 125% with pitch shift (the classic nightcore formula), preview it to hear the energetic nightcore effect, then click 'Create Nightcore' to download. Your nightcore track is ready to use in under 30 seconds. It's that simple - no complicated software or audio engineering knowledge needed.

What speed is nightcore?
Classic nightcore is 125% of the original song speed (a 25% increase or 1.25x multiplier). This is the most common and widely used nightcore speed. Our Nightcore preset uses 125% speed with +3 semitone pitch shift to create the authentic nightcore sound - fast, energetic, and high-pitched. Some creators prefer 120% (1.2x) for subtle nightcore or 130% (1.3x) for more extreme energy, but 125% is the sweet spot that the nightcore community has settled on as the standard.

Does nightcore change the pitch?
Yes! Traditional nightcore speeds up the song AND raises the pitch by approximately +3 semitones (or +2 to +4 depending on preference), creating that signature high-pitched, energetic sound. This +3 semitone pitch shift is what makes nightcore different from simply speeding up audio - it creates the characteristic "chipmunk-like" vocals that define the nightcore aesthetic. The pitch shift happens naturally when you speed up audio without time-stretching, and it's a feature, not a bug!

Is this nightcore maker free?
Yes, completely free with unlimited use, no file limits, no subscriptions, and no hidden charges. Create as many nightcore tracks as you want for your anime AMVs, gaming videos, workout playlists, or personal music collection. We believe everyone should have access to quality audio tools.

What audio formats work for nightcore?
Our nightcore maker supports MP3, FLAC, WAV, AAC, and OGG audio formats. Upload any of these formats and download your nightcore audio as high-quality MP3 (320kbps), ready to use in videos, upload to YouTube, or add to playlists.

Can I adjust the nightcore speed?
Yes! The Nightcore preset uses the classic 125% speed, but you can click 'Custom' to adjust speed from 100% to 150% to create your unique nightcore sound. Try 120% for subtle nightcore that's closer to the original, 125% for classic nightcore, or 130-150% for extreme high-energy nightcore.

What's the difference between nightcore and just speeding up a song?
True nightcore speeds up the song AND raises the pitch proportionally, creating the signature high-pitched energetic sound. Just speeding up (like some TikTok audio) maintains the original pitch, which sounds rushed but not like authentic nightcore. The pitch shift is essential to the nightcore aesthetic.

Can I make nightcore for YouTube?
Yes! Nightcore is incredibly popular on YouTube with millions of dedicated listeners. You can create nightcore versions of songs and upload them to YouTube. However, remember that the original song may be subject to copyright - YouTube's Content ID system may claim the video or monetize it for the original artist. Many nightcore channels successfully use this model.

What genres work best for nightcore?
Nightcore works with almost any genre! Pop, rock, electronic, EDM, anime openings, game soundtracks, and even rap can all become great nightcore. Songs with strong vocals and clear melodies tend to sound especially good. Experiment with different genres - you might be surprised what sounds amazing sped up.

Why do people like nightcore?
Nightcore creates energy and excitement - the faster tempo and higher pitch make songs feel more intense, upbeat, and motivating. It's perfect for content that needs high energy (anime action, gaming highlights, workouts). The nightcore aesthetic also has nostalgic appeal for anime and gaming communities who grew up with it in the 2000s-2010s.

Is nightcore still popular?
Yes! While nightcore peaked in the 2010s, it remains very popular especially in anime and gaming communities. Nightcore videos on YouTube regularly get millions of views, and the style continues to evolve. Many creators still make nightcore AMVs and gaming montages, and the aesthetic remains iconic.

Can I preview before downloading?
Yes! Click the 'Preview Audio' button or press spacebar to hear exactly how your nightcore audio will sound. You can adjust the speed in real-time while previewing to find the perfect nightcore tempo before downloading.

Will my nightcore sound professional?
Yes! Our tool uses professional audio processing to maintain quality when speeding up and pitch-shifting songs. The final audio is exported at high-quality MP3 (320kbps) for professional-sounding nightcore that sounds great in videos and playlists.

Does this work on mobile devices?
Yes! Our nightcore maker works on all devices - iPhone, Android, iPad, desktop, and laptop. Just open the page in your mobile browser, upload your audio, and create nightcore right from your phone. Perfect for content creators who work on-the-go.

Is daycore the same as nightcore reverse?
Yes, essentially. Daycore and nightcore reverse describe the same effect: slowing a song to 75% speed and lowering the pitch by -3 semitones. "Nightcore reverse" emphasizes that it's the technical inverse of the nightcore process, while "daycore" treats it as its own distinct genre with its own aesthetic identity. Both terms are used interchangeably in music communities.

What pitch shift does nightcore use in semitones?
Classic nightcore uses a pitch shift of +3 semitones (sometimes +2 to +4 depending on the creator). This +3 semitone shift is what gives nightcore its signature high-pitched, energetic vocal sound. When you speed audio up to 125% without time-stretching, the pitch naturally rises by roughly 3 semitones — this is the authentic nightcore formula. Our Nightcore preset applies exactly +3 semitones for the classic sound.

What is the typical nightcore BPM range?
Nightcore BPM depends entirely on the original song. Simply multiply the original BPM by 1.25 to get the nightcore BPM. As a result, most nightcore tracks fall between 140–180 BPM because the most common source songs are in the 110–140 BPM range. For example: a 120 BPM pop song becomes 150 BPM nightcore, a 130 BPM dance track becomes 162 BPM nightcore.

How is nightcore different from just speeding up a song?
The key difference is pitch shift. Simply speeding up a song (like the "sped up" trend on TikTok) uses time-stretching to increase tempo while keeping the original pitch. True nightcore changes both speed and pitch together — 125% speed with the pitch rising proportionally (+3 semitones). This combined effect creates nightcore's signature high-pitched, energetic sound that's distinct from a plain speed-up.

What genres sound best as nightcore?
Almost anything works, but songs with strong melodies and clear vocals tend to shine. Pop, dance, electronic, anime openings, and game soundtracks are classic nightcore source material. Songs in a higher key to begin with can be especially striking when nightcored. Experiment — even genres you wouldn't expect (like acoustic or indie) can sound surprisingly great at 125% with the pitch shift.