• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Your Privacy Choices
  • Contact Us
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • Culture

Taylor Swift's new music video '…Ready for It?' is an ode to new boyfriend Joe Alwyn

3:15
Taylor Swift's 'Ready for It' video wracks up millions of views
Anthony Harvey/Getty Images
ByJOI-MARIE MCKENZIE
October 27, 2017, 2:56 PM

— -- Taylor Swift isn't shy about putting her personal life into her music.

And in her new music video for "…Ready for It?" -- the first track on her upcoming album, "Reputation" -- Swift seemingly dedicates the video to her new boyfriend, British actor Joe Alwyn.

Although the main storyline has Swift facing a cyborg version of herself, destroying her dark side, fans caught several references to Alywn.

The nearly four-minute visual was directed by her longtime collaborator Joseph Kahn. He wrote on Instagram that it was "such a pleasure to collaborate with both a powerful creative artist and fantastic human being."

Related Articles

Taylor Swift unveils '... Ready for It?'

Related Articles

Taylor Swift releases new song, 'Gorgeous'

Here are all the references to Alwan we caught, and some you might have missed.

1. 1991
In the first few moments of the music video, which has already been viewed more than 5 million times, Swift, 27, is seen singing in a black hoodie in front of graffiti.

Noticeably behind her left shoulder are the numbers "89" and "91" written in red and yellow spray paint. 1989 clearly references Swift's birth year, while 91 seems to be a nod to Alywn's birth year of 1991. The sign comes right before Swift sings, "Younger than my exes/But he act like such a man.”

2. 21

Before Swift walks into an abandoned warehouse where a cyborg version of herself awaits, she has to punch a secret code. The code just so happens to be the numbers "2" and "1." It appears to signify her boyfriend's birthday. Alywn, 26, was born on Feb. 21.

3. What does this mean?

Can't read those Chinese letters? Don't worry, we'll translate. Swift put those characters below, which mean Joseph in English, hidden in her music video. It's her boyfriend's full name. But it could also be a nod to the music video's director of the same first name.

4. Halo

And in case you ever doubted how Swift felt about her boyfriend, she put his name on a wall in the music video with a halo above it. Looks like he's her angel.

Up Next in Culture—

Selma Blair apologizes in video weeks after arrest: 'I take this very seriously'

October 31, 2026

Halle Berry's ex-husband Olivier Martinez awarded primary custody of their 13-year-old son

October 30, 2026

Shop the books seen on 'GMA' for your next read

October 30, 2026

Ian McKellen remembers Patrick Stewart, teases final 'Avengers: Doomsday' role

October 30, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your Privacy Choices
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Your Privacy Choices— 
  • Contact Us— 
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts— 

© 2026 ABC News