Apps like Bereal: Best alternatives for authentic sharing and fun

Think of social media, and what comes to mind? Perfect selfies, curated meals, and dreamy vacation photos are often filtered to perfection. But does anyone really live such a perfect and exquisite life? Here, BeReal comes in, requiring unfiltered moments to celebrate everyday life. BeReal primarily resonates with Gen Z users seeking more authentic, spontaneous connections. Its emphasis on real-life moments and rejecting the pressure of perfectly curated content appeals to a wide range of users. But, like all other social media apps, BeReal is not unique.

In case you are hunting for more apps like BeReal, you are at the right place. Here, we will dive deep into BeReal and its alternatives. You will get to know about their key features, targeted audience, and what sets them apart. So, let’s start without any ado!

What is the Bereal app?

As the name suggests, BeReal is designed to foster genuine user interaction. This app gives you a notification once daily to take a photo and upload it in 2 minutes. The BeReal notifications come at different times each day randomly. You will also have 30 seconds to see what your friends on the app are doing now.

This simply means users will post pictures without any planning. The purpose is to maintain authenticity, not just for likes or comments.

Moreover, you will get access to two tabs in this app – My Friend Tab and Discover Tab. In My Friend, you can see what your friends have posted. The Discover tab enables you to check what other people have posted randomly.

Here are the key elements of the BeReal social media app:

• Concept and purpose: Combating the pressure of perfection that is prevalent in many social media channels is BeReal’s main objective. Limiting users to capture only one picture each day promotes sharing real glimpses of daily life.

• Age rating: The BeReal app is recommended for users 13 years old and above.

• Platform availability: This is available for both iOS and Android systems.

• User Base: BeReal is meant for those people who want genuine experience on social media. Those people who are tired of the superficial nature of other channels find it pretty interesting.

Apps like Bereal explored: 7 best alternatives

BeReal’s idea of photo sharing without filters is amazing. Explore the top BeReal alternatives! Whether you want more privacy, creativity, or spontaneity, check out these apps like BeReal for authentic connections and sharing. Let us explore these top-rated social networking apps.

1. LiveIn

Age rating: 12+

Using widgets, the LiveIn social networking program lets users immediately post images and videos straight to the home screens of their friends. This special quality guarantees that shared moments take the front stage, therefore encouraging connection and immediacy.

• Comparison to BeReal: While BeReal promotes daily postings, LiveIn emphasizes ongoing photo sharing so users can send real-time updates that show up straight on close friends’ devices.

• Target audience: Perfect for people who want their updates to be easily seen without opening an app and love keeping always connected with close pals.

• Standout features: LiveIn distinguishes itself with the home screen widget integration, which makes shared content an integral part of the device’s interface.

2. Locket Widget

Age rating: 12+

Next comes in a row Locket Widget. Like LiveIn, it lets users share pictures with their friends that show up straight on their home screen widgets. Its real-time photograph-sharing feature allows close ones to stay connected.

• Comparison to BeReal:  Although both applications encourage sharing real-life events, Locket Widget’s real-time home screen updates offer a more immediate connection.

• Target audience: Users who want to maintain their inner circle current with their everyday activities and value real-time sharing.

• Standout features: The seamless integration of this app with the home screen guarantees that updates are constantly visible. This eventually enhances the sense of closeness.

3. BeFriend

Age rating: 12+

Another app like BeReal is BeFriend. A more niche app, focusing on authentic interactions and connections. BeFriend goes beyond the typical curated content of many platforms. Here, users can find diverse and inclusive communities that allow them to meet like-minded peers from different backgrounds and cultures. In addition, this platform prioritizes user safety with strict security measures.

• Comparison to BeReal: In comparison to BeReal, which emphasizes self-captured everyday events, BeFriend highlights how users engage in sincere interactions, foster social bonding and create a supportive community.

• Target audience: Those who want to highlight their social contacts from the standpoint of their peers.

• Standout features: The most noticeable feature of BeFriend is the matching system. It pairs users based on shared hobbies, lifestyles, and goals. Users can join groups centered around specific interests, eventually cultivating a culture of seizing real-life events and interactions. The app supports voice chats and video calls, all are free.

4. Pixelfed

Age rating: 12+

Pixelfed is a unique decentralized photo-sharing application. It focuses more on users’ privacy and control. This app lets users share pictures free from likes or followers by providing a chronological feed devoid of adverts and algorithms.

• Comparison to BeReal: Though both social media apps give priority to authenticity, Pixelfed gives more control over content distribution. It is preferred by users who are concerned about privacy.

• Target audience: This is best for those looking for a bit simple, ad-free photo-sharing experience with a focus on community as well as privacy.

• Standout features: As this is part of the Fediverse, it lets users engage freely across several platforms. This means that users can interact socially outside of one app.

5. VSCO

Age rating: 12+

VSCO is a community-driven platform with photo & video editing capabilities. It allows users to explore artistic expression by capturing, altering, as well as distributing photos without the usual social media pressures.

• Comparison to BeReal:  BeReal stresses unedited, natural images. On the other hand, VSCO provides sophisticated editing tools. Users who like improving their pictures before sharing often prefer VSCO.

• Target audience: This is recommended to creatives and photography lovers seeking a platform that strikes a mix of editing powers and a supportive community.

• Standout features: VSCO distinguishes itself from other casual photo-sharing applications with excellent editing features and an emphasis on creative expression.

6. Slowly

Age rating: 12+

This unique social networking app is designed for users who want to meet global friends with traditional letter writing. Slowly app promotes authentic friendships at your own pace, allowing matches with pen pals worldwide based on shared interests and languages. The app supports photo sharing, allowing users to exchange images.

• Comparison to BeReal: Comparatively to BeReal, which links current friends via daily photo sharing, Slowly is ideal for those who appreciate deeper connections through the traditional pen pal experience, not instant messages and sharing.

• Target audience: The targeted audience is those who want to expand their social network outside of present connections and have meaningful talks.

• Standout features: Pen pal messages on the Slowly app take time to arrive based on the geographical distance between users, ranging from 30 minutes to days. It mirrors traditional mail and encourages thoughtful communication. Users can create personalized avatars, collect virtual stamps, and attach them to letters, which promotes a personalized experience.

7. Lapse

Age rating: 12+

Lapse mimics the procedure followed with old analog cameras. How? Well, you cannot see your image instantly after capturing it. Instead, you need to wait for a specific period while the app develops your picture. It adds a surprising element to it and offers you a nostalgic twist.

• Comparison to BeReal:  Both applications highlight candid events, yet Lapse’s delayed photo processing adds a distinctive excitement similar to analog photography.

• Target audience: Users who value the beauty of film photography and the excitement of waiting for images to develop.

• Standout features: The delayed photo revelation and focus on unaltered, real events allow you to live in the present moment.

Concerns with Bereal-like social media apps

Although apps similar to BeReal offer exceptional experiences and fun in lieu of traditional social media, it is pivotal to be mindful of potential issues. Here are some of them:

▶ Privacy concerns: First is a privacy concern. Real-time pictures and location can impact privacy. It is advised to give attention to what you are sharing and with whom. Also, try not to share your live location.

▶ FOMO: Another common issue is fear of missing. Yes, you got that right! Many apps like BeReal send notifications to upload pictures, which can be overwhelming sometimes. 

▶ Impact on mental health: These apps also induce the urge to share every moment, which can detach users from real-world experiences and create unnecessary stress.

▶ Addiction: The desire to stay informed and avoid missing any updates could lead to too much screen time. This ultimately influences everyday activities as well as duties.

Safety tips for enjoying fun of social media

To enjoy these fabulous social media and friendship apps for fewer risks, here are some essential tips you should adopt and share with your family and friends.

Set screen time limits

Set a specific time during the day to check social media. This will prevent it from controlling your schedule. Scrolling nonstop before bed or while working might disrupt sleep and output. Setting boundaries maintains social media’s enjoyment without influencing your daily schedule.

Share online carefully

Take a pause and think twice before publishing sensitive information like your travel plans or house location. Although it seems innocuous to share your real-time location, it might draw the wrong kind of attention. Moreover, frequent changes in your privacy settings help to protect your data. These are all safe behaviors you should teach your family, especially if you are a parent.

Prioritize mental health

Social media can be draining when it starts to seem like a competition. Step back if you find it lowering your self-esteem or mood. Also, taking pauses helps you to safeguard your mental health and refocus on actual connections.

Monitor kids’ app usage

Track the daily hours on social media; it’s easy to waste time without even noticing it. Many phones provide built-in screen time tracking capability. These can guarantee that your loved one’s online behavior remains under control and enable you to cut back when necessary.

Openly talk and share social media experiences

Particularly for younger users, social networking may be perplexing. Openly sharing your internet experiences with family and friends will help bring attention to bad patterns. Remember, open dialogues may expose that others are also facing similar challenges, which motivates better interaction with these channels.

Invest in parental control tools

For parents who are concerned about kids’ social media use, it’s recommended to employ monitoring applications to guarantee their safety and balance. For instance, FlashGet Kids is a parent control tool that enables guardians to track live locations, limit screen time, regulate sites and app access, and monitor social media activities. Kids and teens may thus enjoy social media without sacrificing their security.

Final Words

Connecting, sharing, and creating memories can all be done wonderfully on social media. Apps like BeReal, BeFriend, Slowly, etc, give you a chance to stay in touch with the world in this busy life. However, picking and using them wisely is imperative for the ultimate experience. You must run them to make your life better, not to invite unwanted problems related to health or social life. 

FAQ on apps like BeReal