Taylor Swift fans, known as "Swifties," are in a frenzy of speculation, believing the pop star may announce her 12th studio album, potentially titled "TS12," on the "New Heights" podcast hosted by her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, and his brother Jason. The excitement ignited after a series of cryptic clues and teases emerged across social media, sending fans into overdrive trying to decipher their meaning.
The initial spark was an Instagram post by Taylor Nation, Swift's official fan account, featuring a carousel of 12 photos of Swift sporting orange-themed outfits from her "Eras Tour". The caption, "Thinking about when she said 'See you next era…'❤️🔥," immediately grabbed the attention of Swifties, who interpreted it as a hint towards a new musical era. The color orange, which has never been associated with any of Swift's previous albums, fueled speculation that it could be the signature color for her upcoming release.
Adding to the intrigue, a TikTok video Swift originally posted in October 2024 resurfaced and began circulating among fans. In the video, Swift is seen walking around Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, stopping at section A12 before winking at the camera. This seemingly innocent moment is now viewed by fans as another deliberate nod to her 12th album.
Further fueling the fire, Travis and Jason Kelce teased a "special episode with a VERY special guest" on their "New Heights" podcast, scheduled to drop on Wednesday, August 13th. The promotional image for the episode features an orange background and a silhouette of a female figure, leading many to believe that Swift will be the special guest and will use the platform to announce her new album. The fact that the episode is set to air on the 13th, Swift's lucky number, has further intensified the speculation.
Adding credibility to the rumors, Republic Records, Swift's record label, has engaged with both Taylor Nation's Instagram post and the podcast teaser, further reinforcing the fan theories.
The potential announcement follows Swift's release of her 11th studio album, "The Tortured Poets Department," in April 2024. In May 2025, Swift also announced that she now owns her entire discography, calling it her "greatest dream come true" after a long battle over her master recordings.
While nothing is confirmed, the clues have led many fans to believe that Swift will announce her new album either on August 12th or during the "New Heights" podcast episode on August 13th. Some fans also speculate about a possible collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter, especially after Taylor Nation's Instagram post subtly included an image of the two singers. Travis Kelce himself hinted at having heard Swift's new music during a January 2025 appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show".
If the rumors prove true, "TS12" would mark another significant milestone in Swift's career, adding to her already impressive discography.
