BeReal aims to make social media more authentic. Here’s what you need to know to get started.
What is BeReal?
BeReal is a social media app that might just bring back a little bit of authenticity to our social media posts. No filters, followers, or preparation are allowed on the app. It’s all about in-the-moment photos and being «real».
App users receive a daily notification at a random time of the day that says «⚠️Time to BeReal⚠️». As soon as you get the notification, you have two minutes to take a selfie and a back camera photo of what you are doing at that very moment. If you choose to wait to post a picture later in the day when you look better or are doing something fun, all your friends will be able to see that you waited and aren’t being real — and where’s the fun in that?
How popular is BeReal?
BeReal was initially released in January 2020, but the app didn’t skyrocket until 2022, accumulating over 56 million downloads during the year, according to The . Out of its global audience, the app is the most popular in the United States. In July 2022, BeReal hit the number one spot on the Apple App Store in the US.
In January 2024, nearly two years later, BeReal ranks number 21 in the App Store in the social networking category, right behind Skype. BeReal was also reported to have 23 million daily active users as of January 2024.
How do you sign up for BeReal?
To sign up for BeReal, all you need to do is go to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, download the app, and create an account. It’s as simple as that.
What is the purpose of BeReal?
Because you are required to take photos in the moment, the photos you post and see aren’t retouched, edited or fabricated to show an idealized, unrealistic portrayal of a person. If done correctly, the images are an authentic representation of a person’s day-to-day life.
