Taylor Swift has released extended versions of her music video for “Opalite,” offering fans a deeper look into the making of the visually rich production. The two clips, each exceeding nine minutes in length, are currently available exclusively on Apple Music, Spotify Premium, Tidal, and Amazon Music, a strategy mirroring the initial rollout of the video on February 6th, before its arrival on YouTube two days later.
The extended cuts begin with the complete “Opalite” video, followed by behind-the-scenes footage detailing the concept’s origin and the meticulous execution of its 1993-inspired aesthetic. Swift shared on X that she wanted to document the process thoroughly, stating she “never wants to forget a single detail of this hysterical shoot.”
The first extended version reveals that the idea for the video stemmed from a conversation with actor Domhnall Gleeson, who expressed a desire to appear in a Taylor Swift music video. Within a week, Swift had emailed the actors – including Cillian Murphy, Jodie Turner-Smith, Greta Lee, Lewis Capaldi, and Graham Norton – a full script, casting them in various roles. Swift herself actively filmed behind-the-scenes footage with a video camera during rehearsals, capturing moments with choreographer Mandy Moore, known for her perform on Swift’s Eras Tour and the “The Fate of Ophelia” music video.
Notably, Swift intentionally withheld details about a disco dance competition from Gleeson, preferring to reveal it in person. During a conversation on set, Gleeson inquired about the nature of their characters’ relationship, to which Swift responded, “No, I definitely think we’re in love but we’re best friends in love.”
The second extended cut features Swift filming at a mall with Lewis Capaldi, who jokingly remarked about being “destined” to be behind the camera. Highlights include footage of Jodie Turner-Smith’s aerobics sequence, Graham Norton’s praise for the shoot’s adherence to Swift’s detailed treatment, and Swift’s explanation that she personally wrote the shot list and selected every frame. Greta Lee’s performance as an indie rocker and Swift’s enthusiastic reaction to a successful take – “That’s the one!” – are also featured.
Cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto reflected on his evolving creative partnership with Swift, commending her ideas and precision. A candid moment captured Swift using a camera hidden inside a bag, which she playfully referred to as the “fanny pack angle,” while addressing Prieto. She remarked, “He’s so sick of my s***,” to which Prieto smiled.
In addition to the extended videos, Swift released four remixes of “Opalite,” the third track from her album “The Life of a Showgirl,” featuring collaborations with Chris Lake, BUNT., Skream, and Ely Oaks. These remixes are available as CD variants on TaylorSwift.com for $2.99 each. This strategy of releasing staggered drops, alternate versions, and collectible physical editions is consistent with Swift’s established release playbook.
