BeReal.

Once BeReal. is downloaded, users are asked for their name and birthdate, and although the guidelines state they must be aged 12 or over to use the app, this is not verified. Users must also provide a valid smartphone number (a verification code will be sent to the number they give), and they will be asked to allow the app access to their device contacts, enabling easy connection with friends already using the app. Users wanting to connect with contacts who haven’t downloaded the app can share a download link.

Each day at a random time, connected friends are notified that it’s ‘Time to BeReal.’ When this happens, they have two minutes to open the app, then capture and post an image of themselves depicting whatever they’re doing at the time. The app simultaneously activates the smartphone’s front and rear cameras to snap a selfie of the user and their background. If they don’t like the initial image, they have one more opportunity for a retake. Text can be added for context before the image is uploaded.

Many users accustomed to the perceived post expectations of other social media platforms have reported that although they initially find sharing non-manipulated images of themselves confronting, once they are used to how the app works, sharing more authentic images becomes liberating.

As well as championing authenticity, the app aims to reduce social media screen time. Users don’t have a profile to maintain, and posting is quick and straightforward as there is no time wasted taking multiple images or applying filters to try and achieve the most flattering look.

If a user posts an image outside the two-minute timeframe, BeReal. notifies their friends that they posted late. Images are shared only with friends by default; however, users can opt to share publicly in the Discovery timeline. The only consequence for not posting a photo on a particular day is that the user won’t be able to see their friends’ or Discovery images for that day.

Users can share their BeReal. images on other social media platforms as well, using the upload button. There are dedicated share buttons for Snapchat, Instagram, and Messenger. If a friend or another user within the Discovery timeline takes a screenshot of an image, the owner is notified immediately. 

Friends can comment on images or react by sending a RealMoji (a picture of themselves posing to represent a traditional emoji).

User geolocation settings are enabled as default, providing a map reference of their whereabouts to aid image context; however, this can be turned off in the app's settings.

The Memories section displays all the images a user has taken, providing them with a candid history of snapshots of their life. Once the daily time period has ended, images are no longer visible to friends or on the Discovery timeline and can only be viewed by the user in their Memories folder.

BeReal. is free to download and use. Additionally, it doesn’t contain any advertising; however, as with other social media platforms, this may change in the future as its audience grows.

Geolocation
Geolocation is switched on as a default, enabling friends to see the location of where the image was taken. If an image is posted in the Discovery timeline, all other BeReal users (including strangers) will see the location. Geolocation can be turned off in the app’s settings, and users are asked if they would like to share their location each time they post.

Potentially inappropriate content
The spontaneous nature of photos taken with this app may mean that they aren’t carefully vetted for appropriateness, particularly regarding the background image. Additionally, people who may not wish to have a picture of themselves uploaded to social media may be inadvertently captured within the user's background photo.

Pressure to post
It may not always be convenient or appropriate for a user to post a BeReal. when they receive the randomised notification. If a user misses the deadline and posts outside of the two-minute timeframe, their friends are sent a message to say they posted late by ‘x-minutes’, which may feel like a mark of shame and create embarrassment. The pressure to post could cause some users to prioritise BeReal. over other activities that may be more important, which could be problematic.

Interaction with strangers
If users choose to post on the Discovery timeline, all BeReal. users (including strangers) will be able to see, react, and comment on their image. Those with an Android device can block others from seeing their images; however, this feature is still being developed for iOS. Users are immediately notified if one of their friends or another BeReal. user on the Discovery timeline takes a screenshot of their image.

Sharing images to other platforms
Users can share their BeReal. images on other social platforms, through the upload button or dedicated share buttons for Snapchat, Instagram, and Messenger, which some parents may not find appropriate, particularly for younger users.

Privacy and security
The app collects, stores, and uses data based on information provided directly by the user, and that which is gained indirectly through their interaction with the app. It also shares some of this information with third parties, which may be considered a privacy risk. Full details can be found in the developer’s terms of use.

Parents can help make BeReal. safer for their child to use by teaching them a few simple safety tips:

1. Ensure your family tech agreement includes rules about interacting with others online and posting to platforms outside the app.
2. Turn the app’s geolocation settings off and ask your child not to allow the app to attach their location to their image if prompted.
3. Ask your child to check their images for inappropriate content before posting, including details that may place their privacy or safety at risk such as their street name or school. They should also consider asking for permission before posting images that contain others.
4. Ensure your child only connects with those they know in real life on the app and that they never post their images to the Discovery timeline.
5. Ask your child not to post (or to post late) if the BeReal. notification comes through at an inconvenient or inappropriate time, for example, if they are at school or participating in a more important activity.
6. Become one of your child’s BeReal. contacts and enjoy using the app together.