The song was written by Justin Tranter, Nicki Minaj, Robin Fredriksson and Mattias Larsson.
The song was released to digital retailers on April 13, 2017, through Republic Records as the lead single from the band's forthcoming second studio album.
In an interview by CBS Radio, Joe Jonas of DNCE said: "'Kissing Strangers' is a song about having fun with a stranger, getting to know them a little better, and then they're no longer a stranger. Just finding yourself; finding who you want to be with."
On May 8, 2017, DNCE made their major performance debut of "Kissing Strangers" at the 28th GLAAD Media Awards in New York City, alongside their 2016 hit "Cake by the Ocean".
On May 16, 2017, the band performed the track in the elimination episode of The Voice, with Nicki Minaj absent.