What Happened to BeReal?
BeReal, a French social-networking app launched in 2020, rapidly gained popularity in 2022 by promoting authentic, unfiltered daily photo sharing as an 'anti-Instagram' platform. After experiencing a significant decline in users in 2023 due to competition and waning novelty, it was acquired by mobile apps and games company Voodoo for €500 million in June 2024. As of 2026, BeReal has stabilized its user base, introduced monetization strategies, and continues to evolve its features under Voodoo's ownership, focusing on sustained engagement.
Quick Answer
BeReal, the French social media app known for its daily spontaneous photo prompts, experienced a rapid rise in popularity in 2022, becoming the 'iPhone App of the Year.' However, it faced significant user decline in 2023 due to competition from established platforms copying its features and the inherent challenge of maintaining novelty. In June 2024, BeReal was acquired by the French mobile gaming company Voodoo for €500 million. As of September 2026, the app has seen a rebound in monthly active users, reaching over 40 million, and has begun implementing monetization strategies through advertising and premium features, while striving to maintain its core ethos of authenticity.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline16 events
BeReal Founded
Alexis Barreyat and Kévin Perreau founded BeReal, aiming to create an authentic social media experience.
App Launched on App Store
BeReal officially launched on the App Store, initially gaining traction slowly, primarily on French college campuses.
Series A Funding Round
BeReal secured a $30 million Series A funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz and Accel, signaling growing investor interest.
Tops Apple's App Store Charts
BeReal reached the #1 spot on Apple's free app list in the iOS App Store, maintaining the position for several weeks.
Peak Monthly Active Users
The app reached its peak popularity with approximately 73.5 million monthly active users globally.
Competitors Introduce Similar Features
Instagram began testing 'Candid Challenges' and Snapchat released a dual-camera feature, directly mimicking BeReal's core functionality.
Series B Funding and Valuation
BeReal raised $60 million in Series B funding, valuing the company at approximately $600 million.
Named iPhone App of the Year
Apple recognized BeReal as the iPhone App of the Year, solidifying its cultural impact.
Significant User Decline
Daily active users dropped by nearly half, from 20 million in October 2022 to 10.4 million, indicating waning interest.
Introduces 'Friends of Friends' Feed
In an effort to boost engagement, BeReal launched a 'friends of friends' feed, allowing users to opt-in to wider sharing.
Launches 'Realest Person on Earth' Campaign
BeReal initiated its first global marketing campaign, inviting users to submit their most authentic moments for a chance to win prizes and appear on billboards.
Acquired by Voodoo
French mobile gaming company Voodoo acquired BeReal for €500 million; Alexis Barreyat stepped down as CEO, replaced by Aymeric Roffé.
Introduces In-App Advertisements
Under Voodoo's ownership, BeReal began rolling out in-app advertisements as a step towards monetization.
Rolls Out Collaborative Reaction Threads
BeReal introduced new collaborative reaction threads, contributing to an increase in average daily session time.
Localized App Launches
BeReal launched localized versions of its app in Brazil, India, and Japan, driving new user acquisition.
User Base Rebound
Monthly active users surpassed 47.3 million globally, and daily active users reached approximately 22.6 million, indicating a significant rebound in engagement.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
BeReal, developed by Alexis Barreyat and Kévin Perreau, launched in 2020 with a unique premise: users receive a daily notification at a random time, prompting them to capture and share an unfiltered photo using both front and back cameras within a two-minute window. This focus on authenticity resonated strongly, leading to a viral explosion in 2022, particularly among Gen Z. The app topped Apple's free app list in July 2022 and was named iPhone App of the Year.
However, BeReal's rapid ascent was followed by a significant decline in user engagement throughout 2023. Monthly active users, which peaked at 73.5 million in August 2022, dropped to approximately 23 million by January 2024. This downturn was largely attributed to several factors: established social media giants like Instagram and TikTok quickly replicated BeReal's core dual-camera and spontaneous posting features, diminishing its unique selling proposition. Additionally, the novelty of the app's concept began to wane, and the challenge of consistently capturing 'real' yet interesting moments proved difficult for many users, leading to decreased daily usage.
A pivotal moment occurred in June 2024 when BeReal was acquired by Voodoo, a French mobile apps and games company, for a reported €500 million (approximately $537-582 million). Following the acquisition, co-founder Alexis Barreyat stepped down as CEO, with Aymeric Roffé taking over leadership. This acquisition signaled a strategic shift for BeReal, moving it from a growth-focused startup to a platform under a larger commercial entity. Voodoo emphasized the need for a monetization model, leading to the introduction of in-app advertisements in July 2024 and the testing of premium features.
As of September 2026, BeReal appears to have stabilized its user base and is experiencing a resurgence. Reports indicate monthly active users surpassed 47.3 million by Q1 2026, with daily active users reaching around 22.6 million by June 2026. This growth has been attributed to new user acquisition campaigns, particularly with localized app launches in Brazil, India, and Japan in January 2026. The app has also introduced new features like collaborative reaction threads (late 2025) and expanded profile functions (2026) to enhance user experience and communication. BeReal's valuation is estimated between $580-600 million in 2026, with estimated annual revenues of $5-10 million, primarily from advertising and branded partnerships. The platform continues to attract a significant Gen Z audience, with 81% of its users belonging to this demographic in 2026, and boasts a high daily engagement rate of 76.4%.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if BeReal made different choices?