Musically, "Boyfriend" is an R&B influenced song that features pop beats reminiscent of American record producer Pharrell Williams and boy band NSYNC.

As part of promotion for the song, Bieber performed "Boyfriend" in a number of live appearances, including at the second-season finale of The Voice, and at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards.

In late 2011, Bieber confirmed to radio network Capital FM that he was recording material for his third studio album, which was originally going to be released in early 2012.

[4] During an interview with radio DJ Bootleg Kev, Posner revealed that he was impressed with Bieber's work ethic, and further commented, "he's super talented.

[9] "Boyfriend" is a R&B influenced track that lasts for two minutes and 52 seconds,[4][6] which incorporates elements of acoustic music, hip hop,[12] while still having club beats.

[14] The instrumentation, produced by Posner and Levy, infuses hand claps and Pharrell Williams similar style beats, and, as noted by Pop Crush reviewer Amy Sciaretto, "is kept to a minimum, allowing The Biebs’ voice, which has strengthened and deepened as he matures and grows up, to shine and take center stage.

"[14] Sciaretto also thought that "Boyfriend" is similar to Timberlake's song "Cry Me a River" (2002),[14] while it was perceived by Robbie Daw of Idolator as a homage to the early 1990s.

[16] Jody Rosen of Rolling Stone dismissed the lyrical content, and summarized it as "Justin Has Actually Had Sexual Intercourse – But He Won't Harm Your Nine-Year-Old.

"[11] Spin writer Marc Hogan said that the lyrics have references to several tracks, including Beyoncé's "Party" (2011), Britney Spears' "Till the World Ends" (2011), and Janet Jackson's "If" (1993).

[17] Andrew Hampp of Billboard said that "the club-ready beat and guitar-plucked chorus" recalls 'N Sync's final single "Girlfriend" (2002), and compared it to early songs by Justin Timberlake and Usher.

"[14] Jenna Hally Rubenstein of MTV said that "Boyfriend" is "crazy dope", and realized that the lyrics are directed to the things Bieber does with his current girlfriend Selena Gomez.

[15] Becca Grim of Rolling Stone thought that the song is "edgier-than-usual,"[19] while Artistdirect reviewer Breña Brandano said that "Boyfriend" not only marks Bieber's transition to an adult, but also deemed it as a "new dawn for pop.

Club editors Steven Hyden and Genevieve Koski rated the song an A−, complimenting its production and vocals and considering it "irresistible, and when Bieber launches into that Timberlakian falsetto, it all feels pretty perfect."

[22] Jordan Zakarin of The Hollywood Reporter described the song as a "more or less a proposition, with Bieber outlining both solid small town date ideas and eternal promises.

"[23] Raju Mudhar of Toronto Star commented that, lyrically, Bieber is "nowhere near bringing 'SexyBack', but sounds like he's love to walk home holding your hand.

"[4] HitFix blogger Chris Eggertsen thought that "Boyfriend" is lyrically the same song Bieber has sung since his career first started, but noted that none of his fans would notice such aspect.

[25] Gregory Hicks of The Michigan Daily commented that Bieber is copying Timberlake's R&B style on the song, and described the lyrics as original "in the sense that few artists are willing to introduce this much poetic stupidity into their music.".

[26] RedEye's Ernest Wilkins said that Bieber doesn't know how to rap well, adding that "I yearn for the days of the Wahlberg men being the most awkward white male rappers on Earth.

[32] "Boyfriend" is also Bieber's first single to ever reach the top position on the Canadian Hot 100 by debuting at number one and staying on for one week.

[38][39] Bieber revealed that the music video doesn't have a "steady concept," adding that it mostly features artistic shots intercalated with dance scenes.

"[46] Brogan Driscoll of The Huffington Post wrote that Bieber "shows he's all grown up, driving fast cars and taking one rather scantily-clad young lady into his arms".

[51] As part of promotion for the song, Bieber performed "Boyfriend" at the second-season finale of The Voice, concluding with a choreographed routine reminiscent of Janet Jackson's "Rhythm Nation.

During the performance, she changed the lyrics of the song and according to Jeff Benjamin of Billboard magazine, "have put a completely different spin on his track, turning The Bieb's latest into a dark, acoustic lament".