The song was written by members Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson, along with the band's regular collaborators, Julian Bunetta and John Ryan among others.

In various interviews, the band members and co-writers describe differing aspects of the composition and overall meaning of the song.

In the United States, the song became the band's sixth and final top ten hit when "Perfect" debuted at number 10 on the Billboard issue dated 7 November 2015.

[7] The music video was directed by Sophie Muller with additional help from actor Giovanni Ribisi[8] and premiered on Vevo on 20 October 2015.

[10] The band also performed "Perfect" at the 2015 American Music Awards,[11] BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge,[12] The Ellen DeGeneres Show,[13] Jimmy Kimmel Live!,[14] British The X Factor[15] as well as Jingle Ball festivals across the United States.