One characteristic is the genre transformation. If it's a country cover, it might bring in elements like slide guitar and a more twangy vocal style, staying closer to the roots of Taylor Swift's early career. On the other hand, an electronic cover could use synths and drum machines to make it a dance - floor - ready track. Another aspect is the emotional interpretation. A cover by a singer who has just gone through a heartbreak might have a more melancholy undertone, while one by a singer in love could be more exuberant. And then there's the cultural influence. A cover from a different part of the world might incorporate local musical elements, like a Middle Eastern cover using oud or tabla to add a unique flavor to 'Love Story'.
Some covers might change the tempo. For example, a faster tempo can make the song more energetic, like a punk - rock cover would do. They might also change the instrumentation. Instead of the original's more pop - like instruments, a cover could use only acoustic guitars and violins for a more folk - like feel.