BeReal, a new photo-based social media app, is being hailed by Gen-Z users for its format that emphasizes a lack of filters and less pressure to be perfect. At a time when social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok have faced criticism for the unrealistic standards and “highlight reels” they promote, BeReal could be the perfect antidote.
First created in 2020 by French developer Alexis Barreyat, the photo-sharing app started with a unique idea. Once a day, users will get a push notification on their phones that says “⚠️ Time to BeReal. ⚠️.” This means they have two minutes to open the app and use the BeReal camera, which captures a selfie and a rear-facing photo at the same time.
People can only see the daily BeReals of users they are friends with on the app, which is a welcome change from the loose network of acquaintances that fills most people’s Instagram followings.
While it took a while to pick up steam, the app has recently taken off, especially among younger users. It is currently the number two free app on the Apple App Store — above TikTok — and it has been downloaded over 20 million times.
In May, the app’s developers were able to raise over $85 million in capital from investors, which valued the company at $600 million.
“We want to make people feel good about themselves and their lives. We want an alternative to addictive social networks fueling social comparison and portraying life with the goal of amassing influence,” said the company in a statement to The Verge.
The app’s newfound popularity has also spurred many memes, harping on the app’s manufactured urgency.
The question now is whether BeReal actually has staying power, or is it just the big summer of 2022 fad? For now, it is nice to enjoy the brief respite from last decade of “perfect” social media.
About the Author
