“Acting Out” is the opening track of Ashley Tisdale’s second studio album, Guilty Pleasure. The song was released on October 9, 2009 along with the release of the album. It was written by Ashley Tisdale, Johan Alkenäs, Steven McMorran, Joacim Persson, Niclas Molinder, & David Jassy, the latter of which is featured on the album’s single, Crank It Up.

Lyrically, this song describes breaking free of restrictions and taking control of one’s narrative. Sonically, it is a pop-rock song with strong use of string instruments along with a rock guitar sound throughout. It marks the opening of her pop-rock sound on this album.