In conclusion, "How Long" is more than just a catchy pop song; it is a cohesive artistic statement. By blending infectious funk-pop with a visually striking, surrealist music video, Charlie Puth successfully reinvented his image. The project stands as a highlight of the Voicenotes era, proving that Puth could tackle complex themes of human fallibility while keeping the audience dancing.

Furthermore, the visual style of the video leans into a surrealist aesthetic. Puth is seen walking up walls and dancing on the sides of skyscrapers, literalizing the feeling of "climbing the walls" from anxiety or guilt. These effects, combined with the warm, amber streetlights and cool blue shadows, give the video a cinematic, dreamlike quality. It avoids a literal retelling of a cheating scandal, choosing instead to represent the psychological state of the narrator.

The official video enhances this narrative by focusing entirely on Puth’s performance. Set against the backdrop of a deserted, nocturnal cityscape, the video features Puth dancing through empty streets and office buildings. This choice of setting creates a sense of isolation, suggesting that while the lyrics are addressed to a partner, the protagonist is ultimately alone with his actions. His movement—a mix of fluid slides and sharp, jagged choreography—captures the slick, almost "slippery" nature of the character he is portraying. He looks sharp in a suit, but his gravity-defying stunts and frantic pace suggest a world that is tilting off its axis.