BeReal is a new social media app. It’s unique selling point is it uses constraints to make the experience more authentic and less curated than other apps.
Here’s how it works. At a random point during the day, BeReal send users a notification to take a photo of what they’re doing in that moment. Users snap a picture using both front and back cameras. The app does not allow users to filter or edit images, photos are deleted within 24 hours, and users are only allowed to see photos posted by friends once they’ve posted their own.
The point is in the name: BeReal.
There’s growing hype but also speculation around the product. There are concerns about its longevity and potential, and also a reluctance from people to download yet another social media app. But BeReal is making waves that are becoming harder to ignore. For example, Facebook bought Instagram for $1 billion when it had 30m daily active users. BeReal currently has 50m daily active users. They’ve some serious traction!
As someone who didn’t think much of TikTok in it’s early days, I’m not about to make the same mistake.
I’ll be keeping a close eye on how its product and growth develops.