Overview

"This Is How We Do" is a mid-tempo dance-pop track with electropop production by dance-pop and electropop sensibilities, recorded and performed by American entertainer American singer and songwriter Katy Perry. The song appears on her fourth studio album, Prism (2013), and was issued as the album's fifth and final single on August 11, 2014. Musically the track emphasizes catchy hooks, programmed beats, and an overall party-oriented mood intended to evoke a casual night out with friends.

Writing, production and remix

Perry co-wrote the song with frequent collaborator Max Martin and songwriter-producer Klas Åhlund, who also shared production duties. The single was later issued in a remixed form that included a guest verse by rapper Riff Raff, extending the song's reach into club and urban playlists while preserving its pop core.

Themes and composition

The lyrics describe a routine of hanging out and enjoying simple pleasures—getting ready, socializing, and singing karaoke. Rather than a narrative ballad, the song functions as an upbeat snapshot of leisure and friendship, relying on repetition and a sing-along chorus. Its arrangement is typical of mainstream pop singles of the 2010s: prominent chorus, rhythmic verses, and electronic textures that support a danceable groove.

Music video and controversy

The official video, featuring scenes of manicure sessions, karaoke, and group activities with Perry and friends, attracted widespread attention after its release. Some viewers criticized aspects of Perry's styling—specifically her wearing of braided hairstyles—as cultural appropriation, prompting public debate over representation and pop-star fashion choices. The video became a high-traffic piece of Perry's visual catalogue, accumulating more than 600 million views on YouTube as of March 2018.

Commercial performance and certifications

The single achieved moderate chart success worldwide. It reached the top ten in Canada and Israel, and placed within the top 30 in the United States, Sweden, Venezuela, Finland, and Scotland. In the United States the Recording Industry Association of America certified the single platinum for combined sales and streaming equivalent units exceeding one million.

Credits and notable facts

  • Artist: Katy Perry
  • Album: Prism (2013)
  • Writers: Katy Perry, Max Martin, Klas Åhlund
  • Producers: Max Martin, Klas Åhlund
  • Remix featuring: Riff Raff
  • Release date (single): August 11, 2014

While not universally regarded as Perry's most influential single, "This Is How We Do" illustrates the artist's continued embrace of pop hooks and dance-oriented production during the Prism era. Its blend of social, radio-ready songwriting and conspicuous visual imagery ensured it remained a visible part of Perry's catalogue during the mid-2010s.

Further information, credits and chart details can be found through official discographies and chart archives linked in artist and record label materials.

See also: dance-pop, electropop, and related releases listed under Prism.