Brown co-wrote the song with frequent collaborator Sevyn Streeter of American girl group RichGirl, and singer Nasri Atweh.

Musically, "Next to You" is a pop and R&B number, with lyrics pertaining to the love between two people in a relationship, and how their deep feeling helps them to overcome difficulties.

It is composed in the key of E♭ major[7] with Bieber and Brown's vocal ranges spanning from the low-note of G3 to the high-note of C6.

"[10] The music video for "Next to You" was directed by Colin Tilley and filmed at the Universal Studios in Los Angeles,[11][12] and upper Manhattan.

"[15] On May 21, 2011, Brown posted two photos from the shoot via Twitter, showing him and Bieber standing among overturned cars in a path of destruction.

Brown is thinking of his girlfriend (played by Shannon Elizabeth[17]) before the apocalypse occurs, which is characterized by land fissures, buildings toppling down and fiery scenery.

Brad Wete of Entertainment Weekly coined the song as "thumping" and said that "Brown and guest Justin Bieber trade verses assuring their ladies of their dedication.

"[20] Joanne Dorken of MTV News UK said "It seems that everything Justin Bieber touches turns to gold at the moment and this cutesy ballad is no exception.

"[21] Nadia Noir of WNOW-FM wrote, "What do you get when you combine two of pop's best-looking/greatest dancers, the sexy rasp of Justin Bieber, and a dance-jam/love-song?

"[23] Bri LaPelusa called the song a "dreamy ballad" and praised the singer's vocal performances, saying that it showcased Brown and Bieber's "angelic" voices.

[5] Despite complimenting the record, Eric Henderson of Slant Magazine said Brown was unable to capture the "majesty of 'Forever'" with the "pop-appeal" of the song.

[24] Jon Caramanica of The New York Times wrote that the song does compliment Brown's voice, but not Bieber's.

The single was eventually certified gold by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for sales of over 400,000 copies in the UK.