The song was released as the second single from her fourth studio album Prism (2013) on October 16, 2013.
Inspiration for the song came primarily from a humanitarian trip to Madagascar that Perry made in partnership with UNICEF.
Having been surrounded by what Perry described as unconditional love, she co-wrote it with the song's producers Dr. Luke, Max Martin and Cirkut to reflect that feeling.
"Unconditionally" is a power ballad styled in rock, backed against a bass-line and percussion.
The song peaked within the top ten in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Italy, Lebanon, and South Africa.