LOS ANGELES, United States — Pop icon Taylor Swift has officially ended weeks of viral fan speculation by announcing the upcoming release of a brand-new original single titled “I Knew It, I Knew You,” written exclusively for the soundtrack of Disney and Pixar’s highly anticipated animated sequel, Toy Story 5.
Swift confirmed the news via her official social media platforms on Monday following the conclusion of a mysterious cloud-themed countdown timer on her website, revealing that the single will be available worldwide on Friday, June 5, 2026.
Okay News reports that the track was co-written and produced alongside Swift’s longtime creative collaborator, Jack Antonoff. The song marks an emotional return to Swift’s traditional country roots and was heavily inspired by the character trajectory of the franchise’s beloved cowgirl, Jessie. The singer revealed that she penned the lyrics immediately after attending an exclusive, early screening of the animated feature.
“I’ve always dreamed of getting to write for these characters who I’ve adored since I was a five-year-old kid watching the first Toy Story movie,” Swift shared with her followers. “I fell instantly in love with Toy Story 5 when I was lucky enough to see it in its early stages… sometimes you just know, right?”
The strategic announcement validates months of meticulous tracking by fans, who correctly decoded a wave of intentional industry “Easter eggs.” These included massive marketing billboards across major U.S. and UK cities that subtly spelled out the initials “TS” in the blocky, yellow Toy Story font beneath a backdrop of exactly 13 clouds—a direct nod to Swift’s initials and favorite number. The rollout on Swift’s webstore includes pre-orders for three exclusive physical CD single variants: the theatrical film version, a raw acoustic arrangement, and a stripped-back piano rendition.
Toy Story 5 director Andrew Stanton praised the musical contribution, stating that Swift’s intuitive emotional connection to Jessie’s storyline felt instantly authentic. The upcoming film, which centers on Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the rest of the classic toy roster facing off against the tech-obsessed threat of modern children’s tablet devices, is scheduled to hit theaters nationwide on Friday, June 19, 2026. The track marks Swift’s first official musical offering since the release of her record-breaking studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, in late 2025.
