I’m thinking about downloading the Bereal app but want to know if it’s worth it. Does it actually provide a unique social media experience? What do you think about the features and usability? I could really use some honest feedback before deciding.
Alright, so here’s the deal with BeReal. The entire app centers on this concept of snapping an unfiltered, real-time photo once a day when you get the notification. Sounds wholesome, right? And it is… until you realize you’re always in the least photogenic part of your day when it pops up. Like, why does it always hit when I’m mid-bite into some ugly food or when my face decides to look weird? But maybe that’s the point—showing life as it is, no frills.
The features are pretty simple. You get the alert, you take a pic (using both front and back cameras—so expect some awkward double-chin vibes), and then scroll through your friends’ equally cursed photos of their “real” days. No filters. No editing. Kind of refreshing if you’re tired of overly curated Instagram.
The usability? Pretty straightforward. You take the pic, upload, and that’s that. And if you forget or miss the notification, you can post late, but everyone knows you’re a fraud procrastinator. The social pressure is sort of low stakes but still exists because everyone can see how “in the moment” you are (or aren’t).
Does it provide a unique experience? Eh, I mean, sure. It’s definitely not the endless scroll of influencers plugging protein powders and beach vacations. Instead, it’s Karen from accounting staring at her computer or your friend’s cat doing absolutely nothing earth-shattering. “Real life,” as they say.
Honestly, try it if you’re curious, but don’t expect it to change your worldview. It’s kinda fun at first, but the novelty might wear off once you’re on week four of posting the same pic of your coffee cup.
To be real about BeReal (pun intended), it’s an amusingly odd blend of freeing and awkward. The point of capturing ‘real’ life without filters sounds noble until you’re sitting there wondering why your notification always comes when you’re in sweats, unshowered, and eating cereal for dinner. It’s like the app has a sixth sense for catching you in your least aesthetic moments. And yeah, you could wait and post later, but that lurking late-post label feels weirdly judgmental (thanks, BeReal).
As @cazadordeestrellas mentioned, the double-camera thing is a unique quirk—front and back cameras at once—but honestly, a lot of photos end up looking hilariously bad. Like, one side is your ceiling fan, and the other’s your face in an unfortunate angle. That said, it’s definitely a break from the constant parade of influencers and their impossibly perfect avocado toast.
Features-wise, it’s pretty bare-bones. One daily alert to post, reaction options to your friends’ posts, and not much else. Definitely less addictive than apps like Instagram or TikTok since there’s no endless feed to scroll. But maybe that’s why it stands out—it’s refreshingly intentional. No dopamine dumps from likes because, spoiler alert, there are none.
Is it worth it? Eh, depends. If you love a pristine, curated vibe on social media, you’ll probably hate it. But if you enjoy chuckling at questionable selfies and moments of pure mundanity, it’s surprisingly entertaining. Just don’t expect it to revolutionize your digital life or anything—it’s more like a fun, chaotic side quest amidst your regular apps.
So, here’s the rundown. BeReal is basically the anti-social-media social media app. No filters, no infinite scrolling of influencers’ hyper-curated lives—just raw, unflattering, and often hilariously awkward snapshots of people’s everyday moments. The daily notification telling you “it’s time to be real” is definitely its unique selling point, as @himmelsjager and @cazadordeestrellas hit on. The double-camera feature is neat in concept but, let’s be honest, do we need a close-up of your face and your ceiling fan? Probably not.
It shines as a minimalist alternative. Compared to Instagram, where everything feels over-engineered, or TikTok with its addictiveness, BeReal is refreshingly simple. Post a pic, react with silly “realmojis” (basically selfies as reactions), and then move on with your life. No filters to obsess about, no notifications about how many likes you’ve earned, but also… no excitement after the novelty fades. It’s like the app wants to say, “It’s okay for life to be boring.”
Pros:
- Forces you out of the “highlight reel” mentality.
- Low-pressure, casual, and quick.
- No endless feed = less screen time.
- Lets you laugh at life’s messy, unpolished moments.
Cons:
- The daily notification can feel oddly intrusive or mistimed.
- Late posts get… judged (subtly, but still).
- Limited creative control; it’s all raw, baby.
And usability? It’s dead simple. Even your tech-averse relatives could figure it out. But that simplicity can be its downfall—if you thrive on things like stimulating feeds or interactivity, BeReal might feel dull faster than you expect. In terms of competitors, BeReal definitely aims its pubescent awkwardness in direct opposition to Instagram’s polished adulthood. If you’re looking for creative tools or community interaction, though, other platforms like Snapchat might hold your attention longer.
In conclusion, BeReal is kind of like snacking on plain crackers while everyone else eats gourmet meals. Sometimes refreshing, other times you’re like, Why did I choose this?. Worth downloading for a trial run? Absolutely. Prepare for awkward angles and cereal-for-dinner documentation. Would it replace another platform entirely? Maybe not—but it scratches a quirky itch you didn’t know you had.