The accompanying music video, directed by SZA, shows the singer dancing in various settings, before ending with a snippet of successor single "Good Days".

The song came less than a month after SZA claimed in a series of tweets that Top Dawg Entertainment head Punch had been purposely delaying the release of her new music, calling their relationship "hostile" and spawning the "#FreeSZA" hashtag on Twitter.

[1][2][3] In an interview with Zane Lowe for Apple Music, she revealed that she had recorded the song at DJ Khaled's house while he was performing at the Super Bowl LIV preshow.

[9] Lyrically, "Hit Different" is a torch song[10] which details a dysfunctional relationship with an emotionally distant partner to whom she keeps returning.

[16][2] Joshua Espinoza of Complex stated, "Though it may sound a little random, the video is striking and pairs perfectly with the smooth, laid back record.

"[26] Erica Gonzales of Harper's Bazaar remarked that SZA exuded "her cool girl swagger" in the video, calling the sets "visually stunning".

[17] MTV's Patrick Hosken called the video "remarkably visionary", adding, "By the end, both the tune and the visuals move on to another element that just may tie in both worlds of ruined metal and organic nature.

[10] Upon release, singer Drake showed praise towards the visual, posting a screenshot on his Instagram story and writing, "Solana is the chefs [sic] kiss".