Key Release Dates for ‘As It Was’
Primary release date: 1 April 2022
Harry Styles’s ‘As It Was’ debuted as the lead single from his second studio album, Harry’s House, on 1 April 2022. The song was announced with a brief audio snippet on social media and released simultaneously to streaming platforms, digital download, and radio. An official lyric video premiered the same day on YouTube, while the music video followed on 26 April 2022.
Background and Announcement
Co-written with Kid Harpoon and Tyler Johnson, ‘As It Was’ was conceived as a reflection on change and perspective during a period of personal growth. Styles and his team described the song as capturing a sense of dislocation and grounding. The announcement built anticipation through cryptic posts and short previews in the weeks leading up to 1 April, culminating in the release of a 30-second sample on social platforms.
Formats and Regional Rollout
Upon release, the track was made available on all major streaming services, digital stores, and sent to contemporary hit and adult contemporary radio in key markets. Physical formats, including 7" vinyl, were released later in April 2022 as part of Record Store Day. The staggered rollout allowed the song to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and top charts in multiple territories.
| Date | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 April 2022 | Global release on streaming and purchase platforms | Formal public availability and chart eligibility |
| 1 April 2022 | Lyric video premiere on YouTube | Visual companion to the audio, supporting engagement |
| 26 April 2022 | Official music video release | Amplified awareness and narrative storytelling |
| Late April 2022 | 7" vinyl issued for Record Store Day | Collectible physical format for fans |
Context Within Harry Styles’s Catalog
‘As It Was’ followed the Eras Tour-inspired single “Late Night Talking” (2022) and preceded the album’s second single, “Music for a Sushi Restaurant.” It marked a shift toward more introspective songwriting while retaining the polished pop sensibilities of Fine Line. The song’s success solidified Styles’s transition as a solo artist and expanded his audience beyond earlier fan demographics.
Chart Performance and Milestones
In the United States, ‘As It Was’ spent 15 consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, tying for the longest-running chart-topper of the 2020s at the time. Globally, it reached number one in over 30 countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The song’s longevity is attributed to strong streaming numbers, radio support, and widespread use on social platforms.
Streaming and Digital Availability
‘As It Was’ is available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, and Tidal. Digital downloads are offered in standard and high-quality formats, while limited-edition vinyl and cassette releases have been issued for special occasions. The song is also featured on the Harry’s House tracklist, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.
Official Music Video and Visuals
Released on 26 April 2022, the music video was directed by Tanu Muino and filmed in Moscow, Russia. It features Styles performing choreography in a neon-soaked warehouse and includes narrative scenes exploring relationships and emotional distance. The video’s aesthetic draws inspiration by ’80s and ’90s visual motifs, complementing the song’s nostalgic undertones.
Promotion and Live Performances
Styles debuted ‘As It Was’ on television during the season 47 finale of Saturday Night Live on 9 April 2022. He later performed the song at the 2022 iHeartRadio MMVAs, the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards, and numerous festival sets, including Coachella and Wireless Festival. These appearances reinforced the song’s visibility and connected it to live audience energy.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
‘As It Was’ has been cited as a defining track of early 2020s pop music, praised for its melodic clarity and emotional candor. It has influenced a wave of similarly styled releases and remains a staple on year-end and retrospective playlists. The song’s themes of change and resilience continue to resonate, contributing to its sustained relevance in streaming-era catalogs.
Comparative Timeline: Singles from Harry’s House
- ‘As It Was’ — Released 1 April 2022
- ‘Late Night Talking’ — Released 21 June 2022 (single), included on album 3 May 2022
- ‘Music for a Sushi Restaurant’ — Released 3 August 2022
- ‘Grapejuice’ — Released 20 May 2022
- ‘Daylight’ — Released 13 May 2022
Collectively, these singles illustrate the phased rollout of Harry’s House, with ‘As It Was’ anchoring the campaign as the introductory statement.
Conclusion
‘As It Was’ was first released on 1 April 2022 across streaming, purchase, and radio platforms, supported by a lyric video and followed by a formal music video in late April. Its release strategy combined digital immediacy with physical collectibility, driving both rapid chart success and long-term streaming performance. For ongoing reference, the primary public availability date remains 1 April 2022.