What Happened to BeReal?
BeReal, a French social media app launched in 2020, rapidly gained popularity in 2022 by promoting authenticity through daily, unedited dual-camera photos. After peaking at 73.5 million monthly active users, it experienced a decline as competitors replicated its core features and user engagement waned. In June 2024, BeReal was acquired by mobile app publisher Voodoo for €500 million, and under new leadership, it has introduced various new features and monetization strategies to stabilize its user base and seek renewed growth.
Quick Answer
BeReal, once a viral sensation for its unfiltered daily photo prompts, saw its popularity decline after peaking in 2022 as larger social platforms copied its features. In June 2024, it was acquired by Voodoo for €500 million. Under Voodoo's ownership, BeReal has introduced new features like 'Bonus BeReal,' 'RealGroups,' 'Behind the Scenes,' and 'RealPeople/RealBrands,' and launched advertising in 2025, aiming to stabilize its user base and return to growth as a 'healthy social platform' as of early 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
BeReal Launched
French social media app BeReal was initially released, aiming to offer an authentic, unfiltered photo-sharing experience.
Secured Series A Funding
BeReal raised $30 million in Series A funding, led by Andreessen Horowitz and Accel.
Went Viral and Expanded Globally
The app gained widespread popularity, particularly among college students, and expanded into the UK and US markets through an ambassador program.
Topped Apple App Store Charts
BeReal reached the #1 spot on Apple's free app list in the iOS App Store, maintaining the position for several months.
Reached Peak Monthly Active Users
The platform achieved its highest reported user count with 73.5 million monthly active users.
Secured Series B Funding
BeReal closed a $60 million Series B funding round, valuing the company at approximately $586-600 million.
Competitors Launch Similar Features
Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat introduced features mimicking BeReal's dual-camera and spontaneous posting concept, impacting its unique appeal.
Introduced 'Bonus BeReal'
BeReal launched 'Bonus BeReal,' allowing users to post up to two additional photos per day if their initial post was made within the two-minute window.
Launched 'Friends of Friends' Feed
The app introduced a 'Friends of Friends' feed to help users discover and connect with a wider network of mutual acquaintances, replacing the 'Discovery' feed.
Rolled Out 'Behind the Scenes' and 'RealGroups'
BeReal added 'Behind the Scenes' (BTS) for short video clips before a photo and 'RealGroups' for private, invite-only group chats.
Introduced 'RealPeople' and 'RealBrands'
Official accounts for celebrities, athletes, artists, and brands were launched, allowing them to share authentic content and engage with 'RealFans'.
Acquired by Voodoo
BeReal was acquired by French mobile app and game publisher Voodoo for approximately €500 million ($537 million). Alexis Barreyat stepped down as CEO, replaced by Aymeric Roffé.
Launched US Advertising
BeReal began introducing in-feed ads and full-day brand takeovers in the United States, marking a significant step towards monetization.
User Base Stabilizes Under Voodoo
Voodoo reported that BeReal had broken even financially and its monthly active user base had stabilized at around 30 million.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
BeReal emerged in 2020 as a refreshing alternative to the curated perfection often seen on established social media platforms. Founded by Alexis Barreyat and Kévin Perreau in France, its core premise was simple: users receive a single, randomized daily notification to capture and share a photo using both front and rear cameras within a two-minute window, without filters or edits. This emphasis on authenticity resonated strongly, particularly with Gen Z, leading to explosive growth in early 2022.
The app's popularity soared, topping Apple's free app list in July 2022 and reaching a peak of 73.5 million monthly active users by August 2022. This rapid ascent attracted significant investor interest, with BeReal securing $30 million in Series A funding in June 2021 and an additional $60 million in Series B funding in October 2022, valuing the company at $586-600 million. However, BeReal's unique selling proposition quickly became its vulnerability. Major competitors like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat swiftly introduced their own versions of candid, dual-camera features by late 2022, effectively diluting BeReal's novelty.
By early to mid-2023, BeReal's momentum began to wane, with daily active users reportedly dropping significantly from its peak. Critics suggested that BeReal's single-post-a-day model, while promoting authenticity, lacked the continuous engagement loops of other platforms, making it feel more like a 'feature' than a standalone app. In response to declining engagement, BeReal started introducing new features throughout 2023, including 'Bonus BeReal' (allowing extra posts for timely original posts), 'Friends of Friends' (to expand networks), 'Behind the Scenes' (short videos before the photo), and 'RealGroups' (private group chats).
A significant turning point came in June 2024 when BeReal was acquired by French mobile app publisher Voodoo for approximately €500 million ($537 million). Following the acquisition, co-founder Alexis Barreyat stepped down as CEO, replaced by Aymeric Roffé, previously CEO of Voodoo-owned Wizz. Under Voodoo's ownership, BeReal continued its evolution, introducing 'RealPeople' and 'RealBrands' in February 2024 to allow celebrities and companies to create official, authentic accounts, signaling a move towards monetization and broader appeal. In April 2025, BeReal launched advertising in the US, marking a clear shift in its business model.
CURRENT STATUS as of 2026-03-01: BeReal is actively working to regain its footing under Voodoo's strategic direction. Voodoo reported in May 2025 that BeReal had broken even financially and its monthly active user base had stabilized at around 30 million, a recovery from earlier declines. While some reports suggest around 40 million MAU as of 2025, the platform is focused on building 'BeReal 2.0' by fixing bugs, improving UI, and continuously adding features like video and enhanced chat functionalities. The company aims to position BeReal as a 'healthy social platform' for the next generation, prioritizing authentic connections and limited screen time, while exploring new revenue streams through advertising and branded content.