BeReal Tutorial for Beginners: A Practical Guide to Getting Started
BeReal has grown from a niche photo app into a cultural moment for authentic sharing. If you’re new to BeReal, this beginner’s guide walks you through what the app does, how to set it up, and practical steps to post your first real moment without stress. You’ll learn not just the basics, but also how to navigate privacy, etiquette, and everyday use so BeReal becomes a natural part of your digital life.
What is BeReal and why should you try it?
BeReal is a social app that prompts users to share spontaneous moments with their friends. Instead of polished feeds, BeReal emphasizes authenticity—two photos taken at the same moment using both the front and rear cameras. The app sends a daily notification at a random time, and you typically have a short window to post before the moment passes. For beginners, BeReal can feel refreshing because it reduces the pressure to stage perfect shots and encourages honest, everyday glimpses into your life.
Getting started with BeReal
Here’s a straightforward path to launch BeReal on your device and begin building your daily habit.
1) Install BeReal
BeReal is available on iOS and Android. Go to the App Store or Google Play, search for “BeReal,” and tap Install. The download is lightweight, so you can set it up quickly without weighing down your phone.
2) Create your account
Open BeReal and follow the on-screen prompts to sign up. You’ll typically need a valid phone number or email address. Choose a username that feels comfortable for you, since friends will recognize you by this name. You don’t need to share every personal detail, and you can adjust privacy settings later as you become familiar with the app.
3) Set your preferences
BeReal asks for permissions to access your camera and photos. Grant these so the app can take your daily two-shot post when the moment arrives. You can always adjust permissions later in your device settings if you’re unsure about sharing location or media in BeReal.
How BeReal works: core concepts you should know
Understanding the basic workflow will help you post with confidence and enjoy the experience without mystery or anxiety.
- Daily prompt: BeReal sends a notification at a random time each day. This is when the app requests you to capture your moment.
- Two-photo post: When you respond, BeReal uses both the front and back cameras to capture two simultaneous photos, usually in about a two-minute window.
- Real moment: A BeReal post shows your two-shot “Real Moment” with a timestamp. You can add a short caption, but major editing is discouraged to maintain authenticity.
- Feed and reactions: Your friends’ posts appear in a single feed. You can react with a RealMoji, a quick and lighthearted way to respond.
- Privacy controls: You decide who can see your BeReal posts and, if you enable location, you may share where you were when you captured the moment.
Taking your first BeReal: step-by-step guide
When the daily BeReal notification arrives, follow these steps to post smoothly and avoid last-minute stress.
- Tap the BeReal notification to open the app quickly and access the camera.
- When the screen opens, you’ll see two camera views (front and rear). BeReal takes two photos at the same moment—one from the back camera and one from the front. Hold the device steady as the moment is captured.
- Review the two shots. If you’re satisfied, add a simple caption that reflects the moment rather than overthinking it.
- Publish your Real Moment. Your post will appear in your friends’ feeds, and you’ll see who else posted around the same time.
Tips for a smoother first post: keep your expectations light, practice a few times when you’re in a comfortable setting, and remember that BeReal is about real-life moments—not perfection.
Exploring the BeReal feed: what to expect
The BeReal feed is designed to show your friends’ posts in a chronological, real-time style. You’ll notice several features that differentiate BeReal from other apps:
- Real Moments: Each post is framed by the two-camera capture and a timestamp, providing a snapshot of a moment in time.
- Reactions: Instead of traditional likes, you can use RealMojis to react. Keep responses light and friendly to preserve the casual vibe BeReal aims for.
- Friend-centric view: The feed emphasizes people you’ve connected with on BeReal. You don’t scroll through a generic influencer feed; you see real moments from real people in your circle.
- Optional location: If you enable location sharing, your post may show where you were. You can toggle this off at any time if you prefer privacy.
Privacy and safety: how to protect yourself on BeReal
BeReal is built around authenticity, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore privacy. Here are practical settings and habits for beginners to stay safe while using BeReal.
- Who can see your posts: You control visibility through your BeReal friend list. If you want to limit exposure, be selective about who you add as a friend.
- Location sharing: Consider keeping location off by default. If you do share location, review who can view it and adjust in settings.
- Blocking and reporting: If someone behaves inappropriately, use the block and report features. BeReal is designed for positive interactions, and you should leverage safety tools when needed.
- Photo permissions: Only BeReal photos are stored within the app’s ecosystem. If you’re uncomfortable with certain access rights, revisit app permissions in your device settings.
BeReal etiquette and best practices for beginners
As you grow more comfortable with BeReal, a few etiquette tips help you enjoy the experience without overthinking it.
- Be authentic: The core promise of BeReal is real moments. Don’t stress about producing perfect content; a candid shot often resonates more.
- Consistency over perfection: It’s better to post a genuine moment daily than to chase a flawless shot occasionally. Consistency helps your friends engage with you over time.
- Respect others’ moments: If someone posts a moment that doesn’t align with your day, respond with a supportive RealMoji rather than judgment.
- Balanced sharing: There’s no obligation to post every day if you’re busy. You can catch up later without losing connection with friends.
Common questions beginners often ask about BeReal
Here are quick answers to some typical questions to help you avoid common pitfalls.
- Can I edit a BeReal post? No. BeReal emphasizes authenticity in real-time moments, and editing afterward isn’t part of the core experience.
- Can I view BeReal without posting? Yes. You can explore your feed after posting or while you’re waiting for your next daily moment. Some features may require a post to unlock fully, but you can still enjoy others’ moments.
- How do I control who can see my BeReal? Use privacy settings to limit visibility to friends or specific groups. You can adjust this as your comfort level changes.
- What if I miss the daily moment? You’ll still be able to view older posts, but the real-time element is tied to each day’s moment. Don’t stress—BeReal is about a genuine snapshot, not perfection.
BeReal for beginners: quick-start checklist
- Download and install BeReal on your device.
- Create your account and set basic privacy preferences.
- Allow camera access so you can post when the moment arrives.
- Respond to the daily BeReal prompt with a two-shot post.
- Explore your friends’ Real Moments and engage with simple RealMojis.
- Review and adjust privacy settings as you become more comfortable with the app.
Conclusion: embracing authentic sharing with BeReal
BeReal offers a refreshing approach to social sharing by centering real moments over curated feeds. For beginners, the key is to start with the basics: install BeReal, learn the two-shot posting flow, and explore the feed with a curious and kind mindset. Over time, you’ll find a comfortable rhythm that fits your daily routine, whether you post every day or a few times a week. By keeping your privacy controls sensible and your expectations modest, BeReal can become a trustworthy space to reflect your everyday life. Remember, BeReal is at its best when you’re genuine—one real moment at a time.