Despite the initial excitement and changes in the number of users, BeReal has slowly faded as less and less users have been logging onto the platform. It’s still a relevant social media platform today, but it has lost an estimated 60-70%+ of its users so it may have been more of a fad than a cultural shift. A lot of negative reviews point to a loss of interest as people went back to work post pandemic and most of the images were just people sitting in their offices.
BeReal focuses on real and unedited moments, which is refreshing when it comes to social media. At a random time each day users can share unedited snapshots of what is going on with them.
The app sends a notification asking users to take a photo using both the front and back cameras within a two-minute window. This spontaneity makes the experience authentic. Users never know when it will happen, which makes capturing real moments part of the fun and challenge. Staying true to its name, BeReal encourages users to show their true selves without the filters and editing seen on other platforms. The daily alert builds anticipation and excitement, making each day unique.
Here’s the Google Trends history of BeReal, showing a major spike in 2022 and a gradual decline since then:
BeReal: Is Authenticity Still in Vogue?
Current User Base
BeReal’s user base has seen fluctuations. It peaked in August 2022 with 73.5 million active users but has since stabilized at around 23 million active monthly users as of 2024. Despite the decline from its peak, it still retains a significant user base.
App Downloads and Growth
BeReal has seen over 100 million downloads worldwide as of April 2024. While the US led in App Store downloads in 2022, Japan showed the fastest growth for Android downloads. The app is available in various languages and across numerous countries, indicating its continued global appeal.
Usage Trends and Features
User engagement with BeReal remains strong, particularly among younger demographics. The app’s unique features like dual camera captures and the “Time to BeReal” notification continue to resonate with users seeking authenticity and unfiltered social interactions. Recent additions like “Bonus BeReal” and Spotify integration have further enhanced the user experience.
BeReal Usage Statistics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Active Monthly Users (2024) | 23 million |
| Total Downloads (April 2024) | Over 100 million |
| Most Popular App Store (April 2024) | 1st in Essential Social Apps |
Key Takeaways
- BeReal sends notifications at random times each day.
- Users have two minutes to take a photo using both cameras.
- The app promotes authenticity in social media posts.
Understanding BeReal
BeReal aims to share real, unfiltered moments of everyday life. This is done through spontaneous photo prompts that capture what people are doing at that instant.
Concept and Philosophy
BeReal’s main idea is to share authentic moments. Every day, users get a notification to take a picture using both the front and back cameras of their phone. Each user has only two minutes to snap and post their photo. This approach ensures that users capture their true, unfiltered everyday lives. There are no filters or heavy editing options, so what you see is genuine.
The app encourages users to be real and avoid the often perfect and curated images seen on other platforms. This leads to a more authentic social media experience.
User Interaction and Experience
BeReal’s interaction is simple. When the notification goes off, users have a short window to take their photo. The app design is user-friendly, guiding users through this quick process. Once the photo is taken, it is immediately shared with friends and cannot be edited.
Users also see their friends’ BeReal posts from the same day. This helps create a sense of connection, as everyone shares a snapshot of their life at roughly the same time. The simplicity of the app makes it easy for anyone to use, without complicated features or menus.
Global Time Zone Mechanics
BeReal notifications are not sent out at the same time globally. Instead, they are based on time zones and regions. For example, everyone in one region might get their notification at noon, while another region gets theirs at 8 PM. The goal is to ensure that users post during their day, capturing whatever they might be doing, whether working, studying, or relaxing.
The timing of these notifications is random, making it hard to predict when the prompt will come. This element of surprise adds to the authenticity, ensuring users capture truly spontaneous moments. This globally staggered approach also prevents server overload during peak times.
Technical Aspects of Daily Notifications
Daily notifications for BeReal are a key feature. They ensure users post their photos within a specific time and keep the app engaging. Understanding the mechanism, timeliness, and consequences of posting late is crucial.
Notification Dispatch Mechanism
BeReal sends a notification at a random time every day. The exact time varies each day to keep the experience fresh and spontaneous. Once the notification goes out, users have two minutes to post their photo. The app uses both front and back cameras to capture the user’s surroundings. This process relies on a specific schedule managed by BeReal’s servers, ensuring that all users in a given time zone receive the notification at the same moment. More details about how this works can be found on the BeReal Help Center.
Photo and Post Timeliness
Users must respond quickly to the notification to stay within the two-minute window provided. Posting within this time period is key to the BeReal experience. If the user misses this window, they can still post, but it will be marked as posted late. Timely posts contribute to the authenticity of the platform, capturing real moments as they happen. The precision in timing also adds an element of urgency and excitement, making every day on BeReal unique. This practice helps differentiate BeReal from other social media platforms that allow more flexible posting times.
Consequences of Posting Late
Posting late on BeReal comes with specific consequences. The app marks late posts to show they were not made within the two-minute window. This indicator can be seen by other users and may reduce the post’s engagement. Consistently posting late might diminish the app’s intention of capturing real-life moments as they happen. While users can still enjoy the app, frequent late posts could affect their interaction with other users on the platform. Tracking these patterns is possible through tools like the BeReal Time History, which records the notification times for each region.
Frequently Asked Questions
BeReal sends notifications at various times each day and not always at the same moment. Below are some common questions and answers about the app’s timing and notifications.
What time is BeReal expected to send out notifications today?
The BeReal notification can be sent out any time between 9:00 AM and 11:59 PM. There is no fixed time for this.
Why haven’t I received my BeReal notification yet?
Notifications are sent at random times each day. If you haven’t received yours yet, it could simply mean it hasn’t been sent for your region today.
Does everyone receive the BeReal notification at the same moment?
Yes, everyone in the same time zone receives their notification at the same time.
What can cause a BeReal notification to fail to deliver?
Issues like poor internet connection or app errors can cause the notification to fail. Ensure your app is updated and check your device’s notification settings.
How can I find the BeReal time for a specific region like Europe or America?
You can use websites like BeReal Time History to see when notifications have gone off in different regions. These sites track and show past notification times.
Is there a way to predict when BeReal will go off based on previous patterns?
Although there is no sure way to predict future notifications, you can look at historical data to get an idea of common times, but this is not always reliable.
