Ever since Taylor Swift debuted her first album, “Taylor Swift,” in 2006, she’s had an undeniable grasp on the nation, as well as several parts of the world. Fans of all ages have connected themselves to Swift via her music all throughout her career. The most diehard fans have referred to themselves as “Swifties” since at least 2015, about one year after releasing one of her most popular albums “1989”. 

   Swifties have a tendency to compare themselves to certain albums, specifically Swift’s different album “eras.” Her eras refer to how her music itself changes as her personal life changes as well. This comparison helps Swifties further connect with Swift because they feel as though they’re closer to her through that association of evolution and growth. 

   While her music is not necessarily geared towards anyone specific, about 52% of her listeners are women. But this hasn’t stopped her from going global. Swift has sold over 11 million albums in Australia and China alone. A survey released earlier this year revealed that over 53% of Americans are Taylor Swift fans, of which 16% of those Americans considered themselves Swifties. 

  The main reason she’s so popular seems to be her relatability. Swift’s ability to convey all of her thoughts, feelings, and past experiences into accessible lyricism is exactly what makes young women feel seen. Fans take the lyrics and analyze them for information that might reveal more about Swift, which then gives them a sense of comfort and achievement. This also makes them feel closer to her, as if they have a special bond since they share similar experiences. 

   Swift is aware of this phenomenon and constantly “teases” her fans. 

   “I’ve trained them to be this way,” Swift said to Entertainment Weekly. 

   She dabbled in these Easter egg hunts when her career first took off by randomly capitalizing letters in the booklets attached to her CDs to spell out secret words. She has even secretly revealed her future album titles without the average fan noticing. She did this in 2019 in the music video to her hit song “ME!” by subtly including the word Lover which is the album that would come out later that year.

   Swifties not only connect with Swift, but also with each other. During her most recent “Eras” tour, Swift fans made bracelets with lyrics from her songs or inside jokes about Swift’s personal life, such as derogatory phrases directed towards her ex-boyfriends, which they would then trade with one another. This bond goes to show that Swifties are not just people who love her music, they’re instead people who think of Taylor Swift as a friend and confidant. But this connection to Swift has helped Swifties find a whole other community of like-minded pals.