[5] Written by Ed Drewett, Sam Roman, Blue and John Paul Cooper, the track has been described as R&B pop with an anthemic chorus and an irresistible groove.

"[7] The song was originally going to feature Liam Payne and Cheryl, however due to the two splitting back in June,[8] Blue chose Lennon Stella instead.

[9] BroadwayWorld called the track a "heaven sent slice of R&B pop replete with a truly anthemic chorus and an irresistible groove".

[10] Idolator felt the song had "shimmering production", an "irresistible chorus", and that Payne and Stella have "striking vocals" and chemistry.

[11] A music video to accompany the release of "Polaroid" was shot in New York City's Central Park on 21 August 2018.