Star Brittany Allen composed the film's score, earning her first such credit.
In the early stages of the film's development, the main characters were a husband and wife rather than a same-sex couple.
Hannah Emily Anderson and Brittany Allen, who appear as co-stars in this film, both starred in 'Jigsaw'(2017). However in "Jigsaw" the two actresses never share any screentime.
What Keeps You Alive had its world premiere at the SXSW Film Festival on March 10, 2018. Since then, the film has also screened at Inside Out, the Sydney Film Festival, Cinepocalypse, and Popcorn Frights, as well as other festivals. IFC Midnight acquired the film for distribution in the United States. The film opened in Los Angeles and New York on August 24, 2018. It became available through video on demand the same day.