[2] In an interview with Zane Lowe on Beats 1 Radio, Tomlinson called the song "very" autobiographical.

It was just important for me to write a song that could humanize me as much as possible, and that the fans could really feel like I'm just like them – honest and vulnerable and real.”[3] A lyric video for the song was released on 17 October 2017, featuring images of Tomlinson interspersed with lyrics as well as newspaper articles relating to politics, mental health, feminism, diversity, LGBTQ+ rights, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the Me Too movement, as well as public figures such as Colin Kaepernick, Malala Yousafzai, and George Michael.

[4] Reviewer Saskia Postema of Huffington Post called the video an "unprecedented, though not entirely unsurprising look into Tomlinson's dedication to social justice issues," and went on to say it "push[es] the understanding of the song beyond it being a mere reflection of Tomlinson's personal hardship, and create[s] a connection to general issues of adversity in society instead.

"[5] Rolling Stone's Jon Blistein described the song as "humble", further stating "[Just Like You] has a snappy beat with synths that swell to a wobbling instrumental hook.

The production complements Tomlinson's polished vocals and lyrics about how he grapples with everyday highs and lows.”[6]