SYDNEY, 06 February 2026 – Taylor Swift has officially launched the highly anticipated music video for “Opalite”, the second single from her twelfth studio album, The Life of a Showgirl. In a strategic move that has sparked significant conversation across the music industry, the cinematic visual premiered today exclusively on paid streaming platforms, with a wider release scheduled for later this week.
Release Schedule and Platform Exclusivity
As of 8:00 AM ET today, Friday, 06 February, the “Opalite” music video is available exclusively for subscribers of Apple Music and Spotify Premium. Australian fans gained access to the video at 12:00 AM AEDT on Saturday, 07 February.
In a departure from traditional release patterns, Swift has temporarily blocked the video on YouTube to encourage streaming on premium platforms. The video is slated to make its YouTube debut on Sunday, 08 February, at 8:00 AM ET, coinciding with Super Bowl Sunday.
Production and Star-Studded Cameos
The “Opalite” video was filmed under a veil of secrecy in late 2025. Reports indicate the production took place in the United Kingdom, specifically at a shopping centre in Croydon, London. The project marks another collaboration between Swift and acclaimed director Joseph Kahn, produced by the firm Merman.
The video features high-profile cameos from Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi and Irish actor Domhnall Gleeson. Rumoured to have a production budget of approximately A$1.5 million ($1M USD), the visual is described as a “festive” and “cinematic” rom-com that mirrors the song’s lyrical structure of navigating complex romances.
Technical Credits: “Opalite”
The track was written and produced by Swift alongside legendary Swedish hitmakers Max Martin and Shellback. Below are the official credits for the single:
| Role | Credit |
|---|---|
| Songwriters | Taylor Swift, Max Martin, Shellback |
| Producers | Taylor Swift, Max Martin, Shellback |
| Mixing Engineer | Serban Ghenea |
| Mastering Engineers | Randy Merrill, Ryan Smith |
| Assistant Mixing | Bryce Bordone |
| Engineer | Lasse Mårtén |
Public Reception and Fan Theories
Public insights from platforms like Reddit suggest that fans have long suspected “Opalite” would receive a narrative-heavy treatment. The “rom-com” aesthetic of the video aligns with fan theories that the song represents a journey from “bad romance” to finding a love as unique as the man-made stone the song is named after.
The decision to delay the YouTube release has met with mixed reactions; while some critics view it as a “clever ploy” to secure a Number 1 debut by driving premium streams, others have expressed frustration over the paywall. Regardless, the “Opalite” era is officially in full swing, supported by new physical releases including a limited-edition Blue Vinyl.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch the “Opalite” music video right now?
As of Friday, 06 February, the video is only available on Apple Music and Spotify Premium. It will be released on YouTube this Sunday.
Who stars in the “Opalite” music video?
The video features Taylor Swift alongside special guests Lewis Capaldi and Domhnall Gleeson.
What album is “Opalite” from?
It is the third track and second single from Taylor Swift’s twelfth studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, which was released in October 2025.
Why is it called “Opalite”?
The song is titled after man-made opals. Swift has described it as a love song about the beauty of creating something intentional and lasting.