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Newsocial mediaapps seem to pop up every week, but many don’t last long.
What makes it so special?
First launched in 2020, BeReal was developed by Alexis Barreyat, a former employee of GoPro.
BeReal
However, it didn’t start catching on until early 2022.
As ofAugust 2022, it has over 10 million active daily users.
Let’s take a look at why people like it so much.
Dual Camera mode on Instagram and Snapchat.
How Does BeReal Work?
BeReal is a social media app foriPhoneandAndroidthat’s focused on authenticity.
Once per day, there is a two-minute window to post a photo.
BeReal
The other thing that makes BeReal interesting is how you take a photo.
It uses the front and rear cameras on your phone to show your environment and yourself.
Each BeReal features the person’s POV and a small selfie in the corner.
Since authenticity is the goal, there are no filters or editing tools for the photos.
You simply snap a photo with the rear camera, the front camera, and post it.
You do have the ability to retake photos and delete posts, but that’s it.
Engaging with BeReals from other users is very simple as well.
Posts can be shared publicly or only with your friends.
Here Come the Copycats
The popularity of BeReal has not gone unnoticed by rival social media apps.
BeReal is the next target.
As of August 2022, bothInstagramandSnapchathave adopted BeReal’s dual-camera feature.
In fairness, that feature alone is not a new idea.
A trendy iPhone app called “Frontback” had the same dual-camera concept back in 2013.
However, the timing makes it an obvious response to BeReal.
Instagram is working ontaking it a step furtherwith a feature called “IG Candid Challenges.”
Is it even possible to copy BeReal?
It’s clearly not about the simple concept of taking front and rear photos at the same time.
BeReal is hyper focused in a way that Instagram and Snapchat simply can’t be.
Related:What Are “Stories,” and Why Does Every Social connection Have Them?
The Authentic Social online grid
That’s the story on BeReal.
There are no filters oralgorithms designed to suck you in.
It’s just you and whatever you’re doing at the moment.
The trick for BeReal will be maintaining its simplicity.
Can BeReal avoid the temptation of feature creep?
Only time will tell.
Related:Nothing Beneficial Comes From Mindless Scrolling
