Today, we will explain what is BeReal, and why it is creating a huge buzz in the younger generation. We will also explore how to use the app, and what makes it unique.
The pristinely organized Instagram aesthetic has been declared dead numerous times, and BeReal takes advantage of a never-ending search for authenticity on social media. In recent years, Andreessen Horowitz, a prominent player in Silicon Valley that has invested in Clubhouse, OpenSea, and Substack, among other companies, has provided millions of dollars to BeReal.

What is BeReal?
So, what is BeReal anyways? BeReal is a social networking site established in 2020 by Alexis Barreyat. After growing in popularity worldwide, BeReal has found a following among devoted users on US college campuses. In essence, BeReal sends you a notification at a random time each day asking you to take a photo and share it with your friends. You only have two minutes to respond, and your front and back cameras are used to capture a two-photo collage.
How to use BeReal?
Now that we know, what is BeReal, we can focus on how to use it. To get started on BeReal, you’ll need an account. After you’ve downloaded the program, it will request access to your contacts to connect with friends who may already use the service. Unless your Rolodex is packed with trendsetters, many of your pals might not be using the platform yet. The app will demand your name, birthday, and phone number. If you want to post every day within two minutes, leave time-sensitive notifications on.

In order to join, BeReal urges new users to post their first content right away. The discovery feed is a fee for viewing friends’ photos and postings. Don’t want to share anything? You’ll have to spend time on a different app because everyone’s pictures will be unavailable on BeReal until you contribute for the day. Users can upload time-stamped photographs after the deadline has passed, but all images are considered tardy homework with a “15 minutes late” warning stamped across the top.
How to post on BeReal?
The app requires access to your smartphone’s camera to generate a post. To view both sides with the reverse button and turn on the flash, if necessary, by tapping the lightning bolt, press the circle in the bottom middle of the screen to capture your photos. Even late BeReals have a two-minute timer onscreen and are counting down while you take or retake photos.
People can leave RealMojis on a BeReal. Friends’ comments are not limited on the discovery feed, while strangers’ are restricted to RealMojis. Unlike TikTok or Instagram, content is deleted from the feed every day and replaced with a fresh batch of content. Users can save previously uploaded material using Memories functions, and old photographs aren’t shared online. What may quickly become an anxiety-provoking race against the clock on BeReal is skillfully molded into a low-stakes posting experience. For example, users might feel less internal pressure to take a nice photo because only so many retakes are conceivable within 120 seconds.

On college campuses, BeReal is putting up a full-court press. The firm employs marketer Emily Moravits, who previously led the student ambassador program for dating app Bumble. In North America, the aim is for on-the-ground events to spark a young, interested userbase that spreads to a larger audience. BeReal feels like a haven of safety, at least for now. The app may be enjoyable if you invite a few pals to join in. BeReal is a social media experience that doesn’t feel like a race to get the most attention. Take advantage of the ride while it lasts. Even if it isn’t permanent, enjoying the mundane can be fun.
We hope that you enjoyed this article on what is BeReal. If you want to know more about the developments in social media apps, check out why TikTok is adding 10-minute long videos, or the new Facebook Reels and how they work.