BeReal: The Social Media Platform Redefining Authenticity
BeReal is a social media platform designed to promote authenticity by encouraging users to share real-life, unfiltered moments. Founded in 2020 by Alexis Barreyat and Kévin Perreau, BeReal gained traction as an alternative to highly curated social media experiences. Unlike traditional platforms, BeReal sends users a random daily notification prompting them to capture and share a photo using both their front and rear cameras within two minutes.
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Business Operations of BeReal
BeReal operates as a free social media platform with a unique approach to user engagement. While it initially relied on organic growth, it has explored monetization strategies, including premium subscriptions and brand partnerships, to sustain and expand its operations.
Overview of BeReal
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded By | Alexis Barreyat, Kévin Perreau |
| Founded Year | 2020 |
| Company | BeReal, SAS |
| Industry | Social Media, Digital Communication |
| Headquarters | Paris, France |
| Primary Product | BeReal Mobile App |
| Business Model | Ad-free, Exploring Subscription Model |
| Competitors | Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok |
BeReal’s Revenue and User Growth (2020-2024)
Revenue Growth (2020-2024)
| Year | Revenue (Billion $) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 0 | – |
| 2021 | 0.005 | – |
| 2022 | 0.02 | 300% |
| 2023 | 0.05 | 150% |
| 2024 | 0.1 | 100% |
User Growth (2020-2024)
| Year | MAUs (Million) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | – |
| 2021 | 5 | 400% |
| 2022 | 20 | 300% |
| 2023 | 40 | 100% |
| 2024 | 55 | 38% |
Revenue Distribution of BeReal (%)
| Revenue Source | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Premium Subscriptions | 50% |
| Brand Partnerships | 30% |
| In-App Purchases | 15% |
| Miscellaneous | 5% |
Business Model:
As of now, BeReal operates without a traditional revenue model. The platform does not incorporate advertisements or in-app purchases, focusing instead on user engagement and organic growth. This approach has positioned BeReal uniquely in the social media landscape, offering an alternative to platforms driven by curated content and monetization strategies.
Funding and Institutional Shareholders:
BeReal has attracted substantial investment from prominent venture capital firms:
- June 2021 (Series A): The company raised $30 million in a funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) and Accel.
- May 2022 (Series B): BeReal secured an additional $60 million, led by DST Global, bringing its valuation to approximately $600 million.
Other notable investors include 20VC, Adjacent, and Alven Capital Partners.
Acquisition:
In June 2024, BeReal was acquired by the French company Voodoo for a reported €500 million. Co-founder Alexis Barreyat is set to step down after a transition period.
Strategic Direction of BeReal
Key Strategic Goals:
- Maintaining Authenticity – Ensuring the platform stays true to its core mission of promoting real-life experiences.
- Monetization Without Ads – Expanding revenue through premium features and in-app purchases while avoiding traditional advertising.
- User Growth & Retention – Implementing engagement strategies to maintain active users amid competition.
- Feature Expansion – Introducing new tools to enhance user experience while keeping the app simple and authentic.
- Global Expansion – Increasing market penetration beyond Europe and North America.
Challenges Facing BeReal:
- Sustaining Engagement – Overcoming the novelty factor to retain long-term active users.
- Competition from Established Platforms – Competing with Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok.
- Revenue Generation – Finding sustainable ways to monetize without disrupting user experience.
Conclusion
BeReal has successfully positioned itself as a unique, authenticity-focused social media platform. While still in the early stages of monetization, its innovative approach to user engagement and growing popularity suggest a promising future in the digital landscape.
Sources:
BeReal – Wikipedia
BeReal–Statista
TechCrunch: BeReal News
