Is BeReal Still Popular?

What BeReal is and why it grabbed attention

BeReal is a social media app that tries to break the habit of perfectly staged posts. Instead of a constant feed of edited images, BeReal prompts you to snap a quick photo at a random moment each day, using both the front and rear cameras. There’s no paid sponsorship, no long editorial calendar, and no side hustle of chasing likes. The idea is simple: show a slice of real life, as it happens, to the people who matter to you. The moment your BeReal notification goes off, you have only a short window to capture and share your “Real” with your friends. The result is a feed that feels less curated and more human, which appeals to users who crave a sense of authenticity amid the noise of other platforms.

How BeReal arrived on the social media scene

BeReal began in a small corner of the world and began to travel through word of mouth. It resonated with people who were exhausted by the pressure to produce perfect imagery, the constant comparison, and the heavy weighting of engagement metrics. When a BeReal post appears, friends see both the moment and the immediate context—the time, the location tag (if the user chooses to share it), and a simple caption or none at all. The app’s growth model is quiet and organic rather than flashy. It invites users to be part of a chosen community rather than to chase a broad audience. Over time, students, young professionals, and communities seeking real connections began to adopt it as a way to stay in touch without the constant bombardment of marketing messages.

Current status: user engagement, demographics, and usage patterns

Today, BeReal has a dedicated base that treats the app as a lightweight companion to daily life. It is not about amassing millions of followers; it’s about sharing fragments of everyday moments with a trusted circle. The app tends to appeal to those who want a respite from highly curated feeds while still maintaining some social visibility. In terms of usage patterns, many users check BeReal a few times a week, or whenever a prompt arrives, rather than scrolling for hours like on other platforms. Younger audiences especially report that BeReal helps reduce the urge to compare themselves against polished highlights from strangers. At the same time, some users drift away as trends shift or as their social circles evolve their habits. The app remains relevant for those who value immediacy, privacy, and a lower pressure environment—but it may not satisfy every preference, particularly for users who want elaborate editing tools, content discovery, or monetization opportunities.

What keeps people coming back

Lower pressure to perform—posts focus on the moment rather than the production value.
A sense of immediacy and spontaneity that makes conversations feel more genuine.
Strong emphasis on real-life context, which some users find refreshing.
Simple design that minimizes distractions and keeps the experience straightforward.
Close-knit social circles where updates feel relevant and personal.

What critics say: privacy, burnout, and the authenticity paradox

No platform is perfect, and BeReal has its critics. A common concern revolves around privacy and data use, especially given the app’s emphasis on real-time moments and, in some cases, location hints. Some users worry about how posts are stored, who can see them, and what happens to content after it’s shared. Others point to burnout—the feeling that you must respond to prompts promptly to stay engaged—which can undermine the very authenticity the app promotes. There’s also a tension between authenticity and social pressure: while BeReal aims to reveal ordinary life, users still curate their personal image to fit into a social circle’s norms. Finally, as BeReal introduces new features, some fear that the platform could drift toward more traditional engagement metrics, diluting its original spirit. The challenge for BeReal is to preserve simplicity while addressing legitimate concerns around privacy, mental well-being, and user choice.

BeReal vs. other platforms

For many, BeReal sits alongside giants like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. Each platform invites a different kind of storytelling:

BeReal prioritizes authenticity and a two-camera snapshot in a narrow posting window, with minimal editing and no algorithmic prioritization for visibility.
Instagram encourages highly curated feeds, ambitious aesthetics, and a broader discovery mechanism through hashtags and Explore pages.
TikTok focuses on short-form video editing, trends, and algorithm-driven content discovery that rewards watch time and creativity.
Snapchat emphasizes ephemeral moments and direct sharing with close friends, plus AR features and playful filters.

Choosing between them often comes down to what you want from social interaction. BeReal can complement other platforms by offering a low-pressure counterpart that centers on real life, while the others provide more control over how you present yourself and reach a wider audience.

How brands and creators are using BeReal in 2025

Brands that approach BeReal with nuance tend to use it for behind-the-scenes glimpses, product development insights, and humanizing storytelling. The best BeReal strategies avoid forced promotions and instead offer genuine, timely moments—such as a peek into the creative process, day-in-the-life glimpses of team members, or candid glimpses of company culture. For creators, BeReal can serve as a supplementary channel that reinforces authenticity with fans and supporters. The key is to respect the platform’s vibe: spontaneous, unpolished moments perform better than perfectly staged advertisements. As BeReal continues to grow, brands that listen to their audiences and maintain transparency are more likely to earn trust rather than simply chase reach.

Practical tips for users who want to stay engaged

Set realistic expectations: hope for authentic moments, not perfect highlights.
Respond to friends’ Real posts to maintain conversational momentum and strengthen connections.
Use the prompts as a creative constraint rather than a pressure point; keep moments meaningful to you.
Review your privacy settings and decide what you’re comfortable sharing publicly or among close friends.
Limit usage to fit your life; BeReal works best when it remains a supplemental, not a stressor.
Integrate BeReal with other social habits rather than relying on it as your only channel for connection.

Tips for a sustainable BeReal routine

To make BeReal a positive part of your digital life, establish a simple routine. For example, decide on two time blocks where you’re comfortable sharing a Real without overthinking it. Use captions that reflect your current mood or a real moment rather than trying to tell a story you think others expect. Keep your circle tight to preserve the intimate feel, and avoid turning the app into a constant competition. By balancing spontaneity with intention, BeReal can remain a refreshing counterpoint to more performative feeds while still delivering moments of connection.

Conclusion: Is BeReal still popular?

Is BeReal still popular? The answer depends on what you value in social media. For many users, the app remains a welcome refuge from the churn of trend-driven platforms. It offers a straightforward, real-world lens that can strengthen friendships and humanize online interactions. While it may not command the same explosive growth it enjoyed in its peak moments, BeReal endures as a niche tool for authenticity and everyday connection. For brands and creators, it continues to be a reminder that audiences respond to transparency and humanity when they glimpse life as it happens. If you’re seeking a quieter, more grounded social experience, BeReal still has a place on the digital map—and its best days may come from staying true to its honest, unscripted roots.