Nightcore vs Daycore: What's the Difference?

Updated: May 24, 2026

You have seen both on YouTube. Nightcore makes songs fast and chipmunk-like. Daycore does the opposite. Both started as anime AMV edits in the 2010s. Here is the breakdown.

What is Nightcore?

Nightcore takes a normal song and increases speed and pitch. Usually 1.25x to 1.35x speed with +3 to +5 pitch. Vocals sound high and energetic. The name comes from a Norwegian duo "Nightcore" who pioneered this style in 2002.

What is Daycore?

Daycore is the reverse. It slows the song down to 0.8x to 0.9x speed with -2 to -4 pitch. Vocals get deep and moody. It is also called "anti-nightcore" or "slowed + reverb" without the heavy reverb.

Nightcore vs Daycore Comparison

FeatureNightcoreDaycore
Speed1.25x to 1.35x faster0.80x to 0.90x slower
Pitch+3 to +5 semitones-2 to -4 semitones
MoodEnergetic, happy, hyperChill, sad, nostalgic
Best genresPop, EDM, J-popHip-hop, phonk, R&B
ReverbUsually noneOften added 40-70%

When to Use Nightcore

Use nightcore for workout playlists, gaming montages, or upbeat edits. It makes slow songs feel more exciting. But avoid using it on already fast songs or they become unlistenable.

When to Use Daycore / Slowed

Use slowed versions for study playlists, sad edits, or night drive videos. It works great on trap and phonk because the bass hits harder at lower speeds. Add reverb to get the full "slowed + reverb" effect.

How to Make Both in ReverbTown

For Nightcore: Set speed to 1.30x, pitch to +4, reverb to 0%.
For Daycore: Set speed to 0.85x, pitch to -3, reverb to 60%.

Use the Preview button to test before exporting.

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