BeReal

What is BeReal?

BeReal is a photo-sharing app that sends one random notification per day — you have 2 minutes to take a photo with both the front and back camera simultaneously. The idea is to show “real”, unfiltered life. The app also has BTS (Behind The Scenes), a short video captured just before the photo, RealMojis (reaction selfies), group chats and sharing with friends or a broader audience.

Age rating: 13.

Why do kids like it?

• Anti-Instagram. No filters, no perfection — it feels more authentic than other apps.
• Fun daily ritual. One notification per day makes it a low-effort activity with friends.
• Low pressure. Compared to curated feeds, there is no expectation of perfect photos.
• The FOMO element. The limited time window creates a feeling that you have to participate.
• Seeing friends’ real lives. Children like to see what their friends are actually doing — not just the polished version.

What are the real risks?

• Location and surroundings can be visible. Posts can include location data, and the dual-camera format captures rooms, people and place details.
• Broader audiences create contact surfaces with strangers. Posts that are not limited to friends can be seen beyond the close friend group.
• The posting window can create pressure. The notification can arrive at school, home or other places where taking a photo is not appropriate.
• RealMojis share the face as a reaction. Each RealMoji is a selfie tied to the reaction on a post.

Settings to check

1. Choose “Friends only”: BeReal → Settings → Privacy/audience → limit posts to friends.
2. Turn off location on posts: Settings → Privacy → turn off location sharing.
3. Review the friends list: Friends → check who is added.
4. Check RealMoji visibility: Settings → Privacy → check who can see and react with RealMojis.

How to talk about it

“Who are your friends on BeReal? Are your posts limited to friends, or can a broader audience see them?”

“The app gives you 2 minutes to post — what’s that like when you’re at school or somewhere you can’t really take a photo?”

Last reviewed: July 2026