What is BeReal? The app that offers ‘uncontrollable’ social media explained

BeReal provides a more authentic version of social media than what you’re used to on yourfavorite social apps. It helps you share moments in your life instantly from your iOS andAndroid phones. Every day, you get a notification to take a photo of what you’re doing and share it with friends while trying to beat a countdown. There’s no pressure to build follower counts or increase the likes on your posts. But there’s a catch.

it’s possible to’t throw a filter on it to make your life seem more exciting than it is. Scary as BeReal may sound, it’s an opportunity to see and portray the real people behind the lens. If you want more transparent friendships, here’s everything you need to know to use the app.

4

What does the BeReal app do?

Every day, the BeReal app sends you a notification saying, “Time to BeReal.” This prompt encourages you to take an unfiltered photo of yourself and what you’re doing at that moment so that you can share it with the public. You don’t have to do it if you don’t want to, but it’s a fun way to share an unfiltered version of your life with people. Also, you won’t be able to see other people’s posts until you’ve made yours.

BeReal notifications come at random times, so they’re hard to predict. They may appear when you’re busy or in bed, and making a post depends on whether your phone is within reach or if you have the time. The app uses the selfie and back cameras at the same time, and the shots appear together, allowing people to see your face and activity in one post.

4

Unlike conventional social media apps, BeReal gives you two minutes to take a photo and post it after receiving the notification. You don’t have time to run it throughphoto editing appsbefore posting. The best you may do is make minor adjustments to your appearance and environment to be prepared for your selfie. Once the post goes live, you can add a caption underneath it.

The app is limited to photos, and you can’t upload videos. Additionally, you can only post one photo a day. If you’re bored when scrolling through the app, use TikTok oralternative video-focused apps. BeReal is available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

BeReal notification

Reshooting and deleting BeReal posts

If you don’t like your picture, BeReal lets you retake it within a two-minute window before posting. If you’ve already posted it, you can delete and reshoot it. However, deletion is possible once a day, and deleted photos are wiped from your Memories permanently. TheMemoriesmenu is where only you can see your old posts. While reshooting photos is a reassuring perk, your followers will see how many times you attempted it, which can be embarrassing.

Much like Instagram and Snapchat stories, your post lasts 24 hours and disappears when that time elapses. For interacting with other people’s posts, you can’t leave a reaction or use traditional emojis. Instead, you’ll create a RealMoji with your face. This unique option replaces boring thumbs-ups and heart reactions, though you may feel uncomfortable knowing everyone sees your face under a post. If raw facial expressions aren’t your thing, .

Photo taken on the BeReal mobile app

You need to make a post to see other people’s posts. But if you missed the app’s notification, it’s not the end of the world. you may still post your daily photo, but your friends will be notified that you made a late post. This information shouldn’t mean much to you since only friends can see your activities unless you share it on theDiscoverypage. That’s where you can see strangers' posts and share yours with the public.

Getting started with BeReal

You need to create a BeReal account to use the app. The process is simple. You only need to share your name, age, and mobile phone number. Connecting your email address to your account isn’t necessary, as the app sends you an authentication text message to enable you to log in. Once you’re in, BeReal prompts you to add friends from your contacts. This option only works if your friends have an account with BeReal. If you don’t, invite them to join. You can skip these processes for later.

If you know your friends' usernames by heart, use the search bar in the Friends menu to find them. But if you’re interested in meeting new people, BeReal features aPeople You May Knowmenu with friend suggestions. You can check their profiles and send them a request. You can also block anyone from sending you any if you don’t want to socialize outside your circle.

Photo taken on BeReal mobile app with rear camera

Stay real and true with friends

BeReal is a fun way to learn more about people without filters. But as with most social media platforms, you should be careful with the information you share. Anybody can see elements of your personal life, such as your location or daily routines, when you include them in your photo. By default, the app turns on andshares your locationwith posts to find people you may know and help them find you. If you’re worried about privacy, consider turning off the feature from your phone’s notification panel before you make a post.

The note-taking app I should have used all along

Broader branding hints at wider paid-tier ambitions

New data from Circana affirmed that Nintendo Switch 2 is still a resounding success in the United States, having now sold 2 million units

We just learned a little bit more about Light No Fire in a video about the Voyagers update for No Man’s Sky

Pixelsnap on a Pixel 9

Generative AI, now poolside