Initially released as a promotional single on October 23, 2014, it was serviced to US Adult album alternative and modern rock radio on January 26, 2015.

It features Day driving in the desert, her sitting in a bathtub with a horse, and dancing in a room with a checkerboard pattern.

[1] On October 23, 2014, the song was released to the iTunes Store as part of their "Free Singles of the Week" program.

"[8] Ethan Germann from Atwood acclaimed Day's choice of releasing "Hypnotic" as a single and complimented the soaring chorus and captivating vocals.

[2] Emilee Atkinson, a student columnist for Weber State University's The Signpost, singled out the track for bringing a positive light to sadcore music; she claimed: "for listeners who aren't normally fans of this type of music, Zella Day is a good place to start.

"[9] Jacob Brown from Vogue recognized the song as a "pop gem" and compared its rhythm to that of Christina Aguilera's music and the lyrics to Lana Del Rey's works.

[13] When touring in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the singer performed "Hypnotic" live in Studio C at the KTCZ-FM broadcast hall.