Bereal

BeReal App Review: The Future of Social Media?

BeReal Aims to Bring Sexy Authenticity Back

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I am admittedly out of the loop at times, and that’s okay.

In a digital world that’s seemingly dominated by Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and other social media giants, it’s easy to think that no other social apps actually exist.

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It wasn’t until August 2022 that I discovered a social app called BeReal, after someone casually mentioned it on Reddit.

It got me curious, since I have often wondered what the next big social app might be about.

We already have apps for videos, photos, micro blogging, and everything in between. So what could someone possibly come up with?

As it turns out, BeReal was born out of a problem created by other social platforms.

Lol, funny how that works…

The Problem With Social Media Apps

You probably already know this, but these are the main moral issues with traditional social media platforms:

  • They have conditioned people to only show the best version of themselves, as opposed to their authentic selves
  • These apps have implemented countless filters to make you look more beautiful, to the point your pictures and videos are often misleading
  • They make people addicted to vanity metrics and fame, which encourage us to constantly seek validation from others
  • These platforms have led many people to compare themselves to others. This has resulted in increased depression, given how others have a seemingly better life than you do

Do you see where I’m going here? One might even say that social media platforms are more toxic than anything.

They’re great for business and keeping in touch with friends, but there’s no denying these platforms have created a huge set of problems over the years.

Enter BeReal: The App that Wants to Diminish all of the Above

So, what exactly is BeReal?

This is a newer photo-sharing app that encourages you to snap pictures during your everyday life.

BeReal founder, Alexis Barreyat, released the app back in 2020, but it finally exploded in 2022 thanks to word of mouth and ongoing funding from investors.

Here’s how BeReal works, in short:

  • The app is as simple as installing it, inserting a one-time BeReal verification code, and you’re good to go
  • BeReal simultaneously notifies everyone to take a picture once per day. This happens at random times when you least expect it
  • Users have a two-minute window to snap said picture
  • The app uses both your front-facing and rear camera at the same time, which shows whatever you’re up to in addition to a real-time selfie
  • There are no filters to modify your appearance. What you see is what you get
  • You can always take the picture later that day, not necessarily during this two-minute window. However, the app marks the photo as “Late”
  • There is a discoverability function to help you befriend other people. But overall, the app is still very much personal and discourages an influencer-like environment

This whole premise encourages authenticity, as BeReal may suddenly want you to snap a picture while waiting for the bus on a cloudy day.

So again, forget about showing off that so-called perfect shot.

This also means you won’t necessarily be dressed up, your hair might be messy, and you won’t be among cool friends drinking at some luxurious venue.

And that’s exactly the point of being real.

Can You Use BeReal for Business Purposes?

Founder Alexis Barreyat really wants to keep things personal, and I fully support his stance.

That being said, some of you might wish to use the app as a way to build stronger relationships with long-time followers (that is, followers from other apps like Twitter or Instagram).

For example, you might want to share your BeReal username with them. This allows everyone to get more personal with you, which might result in a better relationship through other platforms over time…

Then, whatever you do with that relationship is entirely up to you.

My personal suggestion? Use the app as intended with no expectations or ulterior motives.

If the app ever helps you financially, then consider it a bonus. Nothing more, nothing less.

There Are Problems…

Its simplicity is both a blessing and a curse: I think the app’s main idea is genius, but it’s also pretty simple at this point in time.

I fear that even the biggest BeReal fan may eventually get bored with the app.

After all, you can only enjoy seeing someone eat a burger or riding an elevator so many times. Lol, know what I mean?

Every app needs to constantly bring new features, and BeReal is no different if it wants to stay alive.

Perhaps the app could evolve by adding “stories” over time, similar to Instagram.

The app may cross over to the dark side over time: Adding more features is a slippery slope, as this tends to breed more commercial intent.

So before you know it, users may still end up competing for the most eye-catching footage or investors might start pushing for a more commercial environment.

BeReal leads to FOMO: In other words, fear of missing out.

Remember how the app wants you to snap a picture at random, unexpected times?

Well, the other night it prompted me to take a picture while driving.

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to snap a photo right at that moment…

And that’s a big problem, especially if you’re on a continuous streak and want to snap a picture every single day.

I’m not sure how this FOMO issue can be alleviated. Maybe the app should detect when you’re driving and prevent you from taking a picture (or maybe not notify you at all).

Apps like UberEats can successfully detect when you’re on the road, so BeReal should look more into this.

Can BeReal Compete?

More specifically, can BeReal succeed considering the realities of human nature?

Let’s face it, many of us are simply wired to seek fame, money, and validation. BeReal wants you to stay away from all of that (and again, I fully support the idea).

So, only time will tell whether the app is here to stay.

On the bright side, let’s remember that not everyone wants to be popular; some of us just want to remain low-key and have a little fun in authentic ways…

And with billions of people on the planet, I think BeReal could survive thanks to that fact.

Quick FAQ:

How does the BeReal Business model work? This business model aims to go back to basics. While most apps strive to be more useful, feature-rich and elegant, BeReal is running in the other direction by making simplicity its most attractive benefit.

Are there any BeReal camera settings? You may toggle the lighting (flash) feature and flip between the front and back camera. Other than that, there are no picture filters or anything that might induce competition among people.

How is BeReal time decided? Like most social platforms, the BeReal time algorithm is something that the company keeps to themselves. However, the BeReal app founder (and his team) have stated that it isn’t random. But how is the BeReal time chosen, exactly? No one knows.

Does BeReal time change everyday? Absolutely. This is both a blessing and a curse, as discussed in this article. Sometimes you may be in the middle of something (a work meeting, or driving) and you might miss the window of opportunity.

What is the BeReal notification time range? The app currently gives you 2 minutes to snap a photo.

Why is BeReal so buggy? The app is still at its infancy. As a result, users have reported some of the following:

  • BeReal keeps crashing
  • BeReal keeps loading
  • BeReal keeps spinning
  • BeReal memories not showing
  • BeReal not sending notification
  • BeReal quota exceeded

Fortunately, most of the above issues can be resolves by going into the app’s main properties>deleting the cache and all of its data>and then reinstalling it. This new, fresh installation tends to remove most known bugs at the moment.

It’s All About Real Connections…

BeReal is great for building personal relationships with others…

Speaking of which: Do you want to socialize with fellow bloggers and writers? Consider using our big list of blogs that accept guest posts.

This allows you to connect with bloggers based on many categories and submit a guest post to their website.

BeReal + connecting with other bloggers means that you’re networking like a pro.

Later, guys.

-Articles