Country Song From a Major Animated Film, Released in 2026, Just Made Spotify History
Congratulations are in order for Taylor Swift.
Swift's contribution to the Toy Story 5 soundtrack, titled "I Knew It, I Knew You," has just broken a major record. The newly released country music track is now the most-streamed country song by a female artist in a single day in Spotify history.
Swift's new song, which she teased before announcing on her social media channels, is featured in the 2026 animated filmToy Story 5and was released as part of the movie's official soundtrack. Her massive star power and the film's built-in audience sent the song into the streaming stratosphere, achieving impressive first-day numbers.
Taylor Swift Breaks Spotify Record With New Country Song
Response to the song, released on June 2, 2026, has been immediate and highly engaged. Listeners have praised its emotional tone and Swift's blend of storytelling with her signature country-pop sensibility.
Written with frequent collaborator Jack Antonoff, "I Knew It, I Knew You" is far from Swift's first foray into movie soundtracks. In the past, she has contributed songs such as "Carolina" for Where the Crawdads Sing (2022), "Beautiful Ghosts" for the movie musical Cats (2019), in which she appeared as Bombalurina, and both "Safe and Sound" (feat. The Civil Wars) and "Eyes Open" for The Hunger Games.
She also wrote "Today Was a Fairytale" for Valentine's Day (2010), in which she appeared alongside ex-boyfriend Taylor Lautner.
Related: Taylor Swift Just Confirmed A New Song Ahead of Rumored Summer Wedding
Taylor Swift's History With Movie Soundtracks
Swift's latest contribution to a major film soundtrack could position her as a contender for a Best Original Song nomination at the 2027 Academy Awards, potentially giving Swifties another major Taylor Swift red-carpet moment next spring.
While fan enthusiasm for "I Knew It, I Knew You" may seem like a departure for the queen of pop music, Swift's roots are firmly planted in country music, where her career first began.
"I Knew It, I Knew You" Connects Taylor Swift to Toy Story 5
Swift also released a video for the song depicting the scene in which Jessie, a cowgirl doll voiced by Joan Cusack, first meets Woody, voiced by Tom Hanks. Jessie then joins the rest of the toys, including Buzz Lightyear, voiced by Tim Allen.
The video also includes flashbacks showing Jessie's previous owner leaving her in a donation box before driving away, creating one of the soundtrack's most emotional moments.
In a post shared on Instagram, Swift said writing the song "felt like a musical departure and coming home at the same time" while sharing footage of her 5-year-old self dressed as a cowgirl. The nostalgic clip serves as a nod to the singer's early connection to the Toy Story franchise, long before she broke streaming records by contributing to its soundtrack.
Related: Tom Hanks Teases 'Toy Story 5' Ahead Of June Release: 'Vibrant and Proper Chapter'
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This story was originally published June 6, 2026 at 5:07 AM.