How to make a nightcore song
- Choose a song: MP3, WAV or M4A, up to 10 minutes.
- Press play and move the Speed slider. 1.25× is the classic nightcore sound; 1.15× is a softer sped up version.
- Add a touch of Reverb for space, and Bass boost if the sped up version sounds thin.
- Press Make nightcore WAV and download your version.
How a sped up song maker works
This is the slowed + reverb effect run the other way. The song is played back faster, like a record on a turntable at a higher speed, so the tempo and the pitch go up together. At 1.25× everything is about 3.9 semitones higher and a three minute song lasts 2 minutes 24 seconds. Vocals get the bright, young sound nightcore is known for, and the drums get tighter and punchier. Nothing is cut or stretched, so the audio stays smooth.
Nightcore started in the early 2000s, when two Norwegian DJs released sped up versions of trance songs under that name. It grew on YouTube, usually with anime artwork, and the sped up versions on TikTok today are its gentler descendants.
Good settings to start with
| Preset | Speed | Pitch | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nightcore | 1.25× | +3.9 semitones | The classic nightcore sound |
| Sped up | 1.15× | +2.4 semitones | TikTok style sped up songs |
| Extra fast | 1.40× | +5.8 semitones | Hyper, high energy edits |
| Dreamy | 1.20× | +3.2 semitones | Ballads, with more reverb |
Making your own beats? Put your name on them with a free producer tag.
FAQ
What speed is best for nightcore?
Classic nightcore sits around 1.25× to 1.3×, which raises the pitch by about four semitones. Sped up TikTok versions are usually gentler, around 1.1× to 1.2×. Go up to 1.4× or more for a frantic, hyper sound.
What’s the difference between nightcore and a sped up song?
Both play the song faster, so it’s higher and quicker. Nightcore is the older, more extreme style that grew out of trance and eurodance remixes, usually 1.25× or faster. “Sped up” versions became popular on TikTok and are usually more subtle. This tool makes both: pick the Nightcore or Sped up preset.
Can I speed a song up without making it higher?
Yes, but not in this tool, since the higher pitch is the point of nightcore. Use the BPM changer with Keep pitch on to change only the tempo.
Is it free, and is my song uploaded?
It’s free with no sign-up. Nothing is uploaded: the preview and the WAV are both made in your browser, so your file never leaves your device.
Can I post nightcore songs on YouTube or TikTok?
A sped up version of someone else’s song is still their song, so platforms can mute it, block it or claim the money it earns. Use your own music, or get permission from whoever owns the track.
How do I make it slowed instead?
Use the slowed and reverb maker. It works the same way in the other direction: the song gets slower and deeper, with a big reverb.