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By now, you've seen the notification: It's time to BeReal. Once received, users of the growing BeReal app have two minutes to take a picture, using both front and rear-facing cameras. No filters, no fakes, and no picture-perfect images.
Despite being developed in 2020, BeReal is hitting its stride. BeReal gained popularity during the summer of 2022, allowing users to capture memories and candid moments.
“I downloaded BeReal in May of 2022," said Senior Evangelina Rodriguez. "I like the app because you are given a random time to capture what you are doing, but sometimes the notifications pop up at an inconvenient time like when I’m lazy in bed or using the bathroom."
Like many social media apps, BeReal is a way to connect with friends and save memories, but with less editing. BeReal is currently the #1 Social Networking app with over 28 million downloads and over 10 million active users using the app daily.
However, unlike Instagram, BeReal focuses on authenticity. It isn't about following influencers or being bombarded with paid posts. Most users only add people they are comfortable sharing random, unfiltered moments with.
It's become a trend for students to ask teachers to take the BeReals. Above (from left to right) Dr. Stahl, Ms. Kerber, and Mr. Lyons take BeReals of students. Photos by Kenji Howey, Chelsea Wee, Evan Lachs
"BeReal won't make you famous," reads the description of BeReal in the App Store, "if you want to become an influencer you can stay on TikTok and Instagram."
Photos shared with friends give authentic, unedited views into users lives. Users are given a two minute time crunch to capture their photo using the duo camera, snapping a shot from both the front and back camera at the same time. The app notifies users randomly when it's time to post, a unique way to show friends what is going on in their day.
Alana Nget contributed to this article.