BeReal: everything you need to know about the app

If you follow social media trends closely, you've surely heard of BeReal. Launched in 2020 by the French Alexis Barreyat and Kévin Perreau, BeReal has changed the digital landscape by bringing a bit of truth back into this world saturated with perfection. Here, there are no glamorous filters or carefully orchestrated content. BeReal pushes you to capture what you are experiencing, at the moment, without preparation, without artistry. And that's exactly what I like.

In 2024, BeReal is still causing a stir with 23 million active users every day, of which a huge majority belong to Gen Z (82%). This generation in search of reality has clearly found its social network of reference, far from filters and staging.

In just over two years, the BeReal application has exploded, especially in the United States, where it is now one of the most downloaded social applications. BeReal meets a growing need: that of getting out of the perfect setting and sharing real moments, without staging.

Whether you're already a fan of the app or are just curious to discover this soaring app, this comprehensive guide to BeReal is here to tell you everything you need to know.

‍

image source: Digital Marketing 

BeReal operating principle

So how does BeReal actually work? It's simple and that's all its charm. Every day, at a completely random time, all users of the application receive a notification at the same time. You then have exactly two minutes to take a photo. But it's not a typical photo: BeReal uses both cameras on your phone at the same time. The front camera captures a selfie, while the rear camera captures what you see. The result: you not only show your face, but also what you are doing, all in one post.

‍

image source: Independent.co.uk 

The spontaneity makes each post as authentic as possible, with moments that are often far from being “Instagrammable.” It is precisely this raw and unpretentious side that seduces users. The rule is simple: if you don't post your own BeReal, you can't see anyone else's. Enough to encourage everyone to embark on the adventure of sincere sharing!

In short, BeReal is doing away with the usual standards of social networks. Here, authenticity and simplicity are at the heart of the experience, with no pressure to look your best. This unique format has helped create a new, truer, and more genuine way of sharing between friends. And it is precisely this break with classical codes that explains why so many young people are turning to this application in search of more authentic moments of life.

Advantages and Disadvantages of BeReal

BeReal has won over a large audience thanks to its unique assets, but it also has some limitations. Let's take a quick look at what works... and what doesn't.

The advantages of the BeReal application:

1. Authenticity above all : BeReal is changing the game by highlighting the real thing, without filters or tricks. Here, no perfect photos, just moments of life taken on the spot. This creates an environment where everyone can be themselves, without social pressure.
2. Refreshing simplicity : No need to spend hours understanding the app. BeReal is simple: a notification, a photo, and that's it. This simplicity is particularly appealing to those who want to avoid the complexity of other social networks.
3. More real interactions : To see what your friends are posting, you must first share a moment yourself. This system encourages everyone to participate actively, making exchanges more authentic.
4. No ads : Unlike other platforms full of ads, BeReal remains a space without commercial interruptions. The experience is therefore much more fluid and pleasant.

Disadvantages of the BeReal application:

1. A repetitive side : Posting one photo per day can become boring, especially if your daily life is not always very exciting. Eventually, some users may get tired of the format.
2. The constraint of timing : Having to post within two minutes of being notified isn't always practical. You can be in a meeting, on the go, or just not in the mood to take a photo. This is what can sometimes create posts that are not very interesting, just to “play the game”.
3. Less room for creativity : BeReal focuses on spontaneity, but that can limit creativity. The tools are basic, far from the options offered by Instagram or TikTok.
4. No revenue for creators : Unlike other platforms, BeReal does not yet offer a way to monetize content, which can hold back some creators who are used to earning money from it.

How do I use BeReal?

On BeReal, the experience is deliberately simplified, but that doesn't mean there aren't ways to interact. In addition to posting your own daily photo, you can also respond to your friends' posts in a fun and authentic way.

Reactions in RealMojis: No more simple “likes” or classic emojis! On BeReal, you can reply to your friends' photos by creating RealMojis. The principle? You take an expressive selfie that mimics an emoji — whether it's a smile, a wink, or a funny face. This allows you to send reactions that are more human and connected to how you really feel.

image source: Berealapp.online

Comments: As on other platforms, you can also leave comments on your friends' BeReal to talk directly about their times of the day. It is a good way to keep in touch while maintaining a light and spontaneous dynamic.

Exploring global content: While BeReal is primarily focused on interacting with your close friends, it is also possible to discover posts from users around the world via the “Discover” section. It allows you to take a look at what others are experiencing in other parts of the world, always in the spirit of authentic sharing.

Far from social networks overloaded with functionalities, BeReal focuses on more real and personal interactions, where each reaction has a little more meaning and connection than the simple “like”.

BeReal Growth Trends

In 2024, BeReal continues to grow, while remaining true to its authentic spirit. The big news in BeReal is RealPeople and RealBrands accounts. In concrete terms, this allows users to follow celebrities and brands from a more personal and authentic perspective. Like everyone else on the app, these accounts must post real moments, at a random time of the day, without filters or staging.

image source: Dookley Social Studio 

The aim is to create a new way for brands and personalities to connect with their community, in a more sincere way and without the usual tricks of social networks. You will thus be able to discover the real life of your celebrities or see how a brand works on a daily basis, far from traditional advertising campaigns.

BeReal is thinking about subscriptions in order to grow, but without giving in to advertising. The idea? Offer additional options to users while maintaining the ad-free experience. Even with the arrival of celebrities and brands, the application remains true to its principle: simplicity and authenticity first.

Conclusion

In just a few years, BeReal has established itself as a refreshing alternative to traditional social networks. With its concept based on authenticity and spontaneity, the application attracts a generation in search of reality, far from the filters and settings omnipresent elsewhere.

Above all, it is a return to simpler and truer exchanges. Whether you are already a user or considering joining the app, BeReal offers a different way to connect with those around you, far from the pressures of digital perfection. Simple, direct and honest, the application offers a new vision of online sharing that is attracting more and more people.