[7] In an interview with BuzzFeed, Grand explained that the song was inspired by negative experiences he encountered as a gay male throughout his adolescence, including conversion therapy.

[7] The music video was directed by Jason Knade at various locations in Wisconsin, also featuring cinematography by Brendan Leahy.

[8] In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Grand explained that "there was no Plan B" with the creation of the video, commenting that he maxed out his own credit card when financing the project.

"[11] Writing for Slate, J. Bryan Lowder had an even harsher take on the video, describing it as "woefully out-of-tune with the times.

It's like something out of a homo smut story from before Stonewall", and adding "this particular narrative of the tantalizing straight guy and lovesick queen is so hackneyed in gay culture as to be laughable.

In an interview with The New Civil Rights Movement, he also said: "When I made that video, I did not set out to make any statements about gay people other than what we share in common with our straight brothers and sisters—that sometimes you love someone you can’t have.

"[13] Grand's first public performance of "All-American Boy" was held live at The Joynt in Chicago on July 6, 2013.

On July 18, Grand performed "All-American Boy" on the Chicago morning talk show Windy City Live.