business plan bereal

The BeReal Business Model – How Does BeReal Make Money?

Executive Summary:

BeReal is a social media platform that enables users to share one photo per day with their friends. The app incentivizes people to stay in touch through regular communication.

BeReal does currently not make any money. The business is being financed by venture capital investors instead.

What Is BeReal?

This is how it works: first, you register an account on the platform and invite your friends to join. After they created a group, users will receive a notification prompting them to share a photo within the next two minutes.

The platform will, from time to time, also host special challenges which can be completed individually or in a group.

Once the time is over, the photos are shown in sequential order. Everyone has the chance to react by writing a comment or posting an emoji.

Photos are taken within the app, which is made possible by BeReal’s specially designed camera. Apart from sharing a photo with friends, one can also publicly share a BeReal, allowing them to discover what people around them are up to.

All of the BeReal photos that have been uploaded throughout a user’s lifetime can be accessed in a dedicated ‘Memories’ section.

The BeReal platform can be accessed by downloading its mobile application, which is available for Android and iOS devices.

A Short History Of BeReal

BeReal, which is headquartered in Paris, France, was launched in December 2019 by Alexis Barreyat and Kévin Perreau.

The two founders met each other when they attended the French coding school 42 born2code , which was started by billionaire Xavier Niel.

After graduating from university in 2017, they each went to work for different companies. Perreau did more than four years of digital consulting at Opteamis while Barreyat went on to produce content for GoPro.

They launched the first version of BeReal in December 2019. For most of 2020, they were busy refining the app, which recorded a few hundred downloads every month up until September.

Their patience would soon pay off, though. By the end of 2020, downloads began to spiral and the young startup finally entered its ‘hockey stick growth’ phase.

From early 2021, monthly downloads spiraled to tens of thousand a month. It can be assumed that most of that growth originated from word-of-mouth, namely users inviting their friends to join the platform.

Another major growth accelerator for BeReal has been its college ambassador program , which was started around that time. It invites college students to promote the app across their campus. This has ultimately allowed BeReal to grow in the United States after initially dominating the French app stores.

Investors would soon take notice as well. Allegedly, Xavier Niel’s son began to use the app, which is how the billionaire investor first heard of it. His investment firm Kima Ventures as well as an associated fund named New Wave signed a term sheet with the founders in May 2021.

However, those negotiations weren’t concluded when news about the app’s rising popularity made it all the way to Silicon Valley. Weeks later, in June, world-class investors Andreessen Horowitz (which had followed a similar formula when it invested in Clubhouse ), Accel, and DST agreed to pour another $30 million into BeReal.

BeReal’s founders used the additional funds to significantly ramp up their hiring efforts. The company, as a result, grew from just the two founders to dozens of employees in a matter of weeks.

The app’s downloads followed accordingly. Hundreds of thousands of people would install the app every month. Various media outlets caught on to the app in early 2022, which further boosted its prominence.

BeReal, throughout the summer, rose to the top of various App Store charts. In mid-July, for example, it managed to reach the top of Apple’s U.S. charts. Close to two million people installed the app during the first week of July alone.

Unfortunately, the rapid growth also had its drawbacks. The app, because it asks users to be online at the same time, would often crash under the heavy load. As a result, users would have to close and reboot the app multiple times.

And just weeks later, BeReal received the biggest nod of approval. Instagram, much like with Snapchat’s Stories, quietly introduced a new feature called Dual . The feature allows users to take disappearing photos using the front and back cameras simultaneously. Competing platforms like Snapchat , Instagram, and TikTok followed soon after.

The startup’s highly successful 2022 was ultimately capped off by winning ‘app of the year’ during Apple’s annual App Store Awards.

As of today, BeReal is one of the most popular apps in a variety of countries. The company’s staff has grown to over 150 full-time employees.

How Does BeReal Make Money?

BeReal does currently not make any money. It is able to finance the business by raising money from outside investors.

Just like the many social media apps that came before it, including Clubhouse, Facebook, Snapchat, or Yik Yak , BeReal’s founders have opted against monetizing the app in its early stages.

The thinking behind that strategy is to amass as many users in as little time as possible. Once BeReal becomes a staple in the user’s daily routine, it is much easier to introduce monetization.

The most realistic option is the introduction of image- or video-based advertising, which is displayed between the pictures that your friends send you.

Those ad earnings can potentially be lucrative since users will want to see what their friends are up to and are thus highly engaged. As a result, advertisers benefit from serving ‘real’ ad impressions, meaning people actually watching the content.

Another alternative might be sponsored challenges. Brands would have the chance to promote challenges that are akin to their products and services. Those brands would then pay BeReal a fixed fee in exchange for the platform running that challenge.

Interestingly, BeReal might decide to go the other route and avoid monetizing via ads altogether. According to the Financial Times, BeReal’s founders are contemplating to introduce paid features and subscriptions instead.

However, brands like Logitech and Chipotle have begun running their own accounts on BeReal . But as it stands now, BeReal does not offer sufficient advertising and tracking options for it to be monetizable.

A similar monetization model has been adopted by the likes of Telegram, which also offers subscriptions and premium features .

Lastly, BeReal might simply be sold at a later stage to integrate its product into a larger platform. Facebook’s purchase of Instagram is the most prominent example. For the longest time, many social media startups were actually started with the premise to be sold to a larger platform.

However, due to increased regulatory pressure, those established platforms are now limited when it comes to acquiring potential competitors. Facebook’s $400 million purchase of GIPHY (March 2020), for example, is still awaiting regulatory approval.

Luckily, there still seems to be an exit market and companies willing to scoop up smaller startups. Twitter, for example, bid $4 billion to acquire Clubhouse back in March 2021.

Flipagram and Musical.ly were both sold to Chinese news reading app Toutiao, which in turn is owned by ByteDance. ByteDance integrated portions of those purchases into TikTok, which it launched in August 2018.

BeReal Funding & Valuation

BeReal, according to Crunchbase, has raised a total of $30 million across two rounds of venture capital funding.

The young company counts world-class investors such as Accel, Andreessen Horowitz, DST Global, and others as backers.

Since BeReal remains in private ownership, it is not obligated to disclose its valuation to the public. However, various reports about the firm’s last funding round have said that BeReal was valued at $150 million during the funding round.

Who Owns BeReal?

Alexis Barreyat and Kévin Perreau, the founders of BeReal, remain the largest shareholders of the company.

As stated before, the company had been valued at $150 million during its last funding round, which netted them $30 million.

This means that they gave up 20 percent of the company (= $30 million / $150 million). A month prior, BeReal raised a seed round at a €10 million valuation.

Unfortunately, it was not disclosed how much in funding the founders raised. Given that the two founders were the only ones working on the product at the time, it can be assumed it won’t have been more than €2 million.

This would mean that they, at best, sold another 20 percent of the company (= €2 million / €10 million). As a result, they still earn at least 60 percent of the company.

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Hi folks, Viktor checking in! Years of experience in various tech-related roles have led me to start this blog, which I hope provides you with as much enjoyment to read as I have writing the content.

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Last Updated on January 10, 2023 by Viktor Hendelmann

How does BeReal make money?

By Nilooka Dissanayake   |   Verified by David Boyd   |   Updated Aug. 17, 2023

BeReal is a popular and innovative social media platform that offes users a unique way to connect and share moments with their friends.

Since there are no fees, many people are curious about how BeReal makes money to sustain its operations, support growth, and keep the service free for users.

Coming up next

What does bereal do, how does bereal work, how bereal makes money, future growth engine, competitors.

Founded in 2020 by Alexis Barreyat and Kévin Perreau , BeReal is a one-of-a-kind social media platform designed to promote authentic communication among users.

BeReal is distinguished from the pack by its emphasis on genuine and unfiltered content, as users are encouraged to share a single, unedited photo each day with their friends at a random time.

The app has garnered significant attention by removing filters and opportunities to stage or edit photos and now has millions of users worldwide.

BeReal users create a profile and add friends who can view and interact with the shared content. Every day — at a random time — the app sends a push notification prompting users to snap and share a picture with their friends within a two-minute window.

This approach encourages authentic and spontaneous connections, as users share unfiltered moments of their daily lives, unlike many social media platforms that reward highly-curated content.

BeReal currently doesn’t make money, with private investors enabling the company to stay operational, hire employees, and grow.

That being said, its popularity as an app and substantial customer base is a good foundation for potential revenue-generating activities in the future.

BeReal's authentic approach to content sharing has the potential to fuel its growth as more users seek genuine social media experiences.

To capitalize on this trend, the company can explore revenue-generating options like advertising, in-app purchases, brand partnerships, and data analytics.

Advertising

BeReal could introduce sponsored posts allowing businesses to promote their products or services to users. The fees for displaying these sponsored posts on the app’s feed could contribute to BeReal’s revenue stream.

In-app purchases

The company could also offer subscription-based, premium features such as a filter for posts based on location and interests, the option to change usernames, and the ability to see who viewed their profile.

Brand partnerships

BeReal can also generate revenue by partnering with other apps and websites in exchange for commissions.

Data analytics

Like any social media platform, BeReal’s business model is suitable for harvesting data generated by user interactions and selling these to businesses that want to optimize their marketing strategies by better understanding their target audiences.

All these options could create a diverse array of revenue sources and contribute to the company's long-term success.

Some of BeReal's key competitors include:

• Snapchat . A messaging app popular with a younger demographic. Focuses on ephemeral content, offering BeReal-style spontaneity.
• Instagram . Culture-forming social media platform with a heavy emphasis on photo and video sharing. Known for its curated content aesthetic, which is antithetic to BeReal.
• TikTok . Influential and controversial. A short-form video-sharing app that has rapidly gained popularity, particularly among younger users.
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Who Owns Hit Social App BeReal, and How It’s Funded

The BeReal app has become a major hit with college students. How does it make money? Does the company have publicly traded stock?

Apr. 22 2022, Published 4:25 a.m. ET

BeReal has become a major hit with college students , and the photo-sharing app’s user base is growing rapidly. But how does BeReal make money?

The French app offers a new flavor of social media, and its fans see it as a relief from Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. Although BeReal launched in early 2020, many are just discovering it now, in 2022.

How does the BeReal social app work?

You can download the app on an iPhone or Android device and create an account. The app will send you an alert once a day to share a photo of your current moment with friends. The app is designed so that when you hold up a smartphone, the front camera takes a picture of your face and the rear camera captures what’s in front of you. You’re not allowed to edit or make any improvements to the images. The goal is to capture real moments.

You have two minutes to snap a photo and share it with your friends. There is the option to post later, but your friends will see how late your post is. As you don’t know when the prompt to post something will come and the timing changes every day, one alert could catch you in bed and another could find you walking to a restaurant.

Introducing WidgetMojis, to keep your friends on your Home Screen when they react to your BeReal. pic.twitter.com/IUQcXrnbW9 — BeReal. (@BeReal_App) February 11, 2022

On platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, users often share polished pictures in a bid to stand out and draw a large following that they can leverage to promote brands at a fee. The competition to amass influence is stressful and can be annoying to non-influencers. BeReal appeals to those seeking an exit from that pressure, getting people to express themselves authentically.

How does BeReal make money?

Traditionally, social apps make money through advertising. In contrast, there are no ads on BeReal, and you don’t need to purchase a subscription to use the app—it’s free for everyone.

However, it's worth noting that platforms such as Instagram and TikTok initially focus on growing their audience before showing ads to make money. They usually start monetizing their audience after they surpass a billion users. Therefore, BeReal's approach to advertising could change down the road.

Who owns BeReal, and how is the app funded?

BeReal's founders are Alexis Barreyat and Kévin Perreau. With no revenue source, the app is currently funded by investors, including Web3 crypto backer Andreessen Horowitz, Accel, DST Global, Kima Ventures, and New Wave. It has raised at least $30 million from its backers.

Does BeReal have a stock?

BeReal doesn’t have stock yet, meaning interested investors will need to go through the private capital market. And for that, you to be an accredited investor , which requires a net worth of at least $1 million or a certain level of trading experience. BeReal stock may be publicly available someday, but its management hasn’t yet discussed IPO plans.

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Exploring the Business Model: How Does BeReal Make Money?

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How does BeReal make money? It’s a question that has piqued the curiosity of many, given its rapid growth and popularity in the social media landscape.

This trending platform, known for allowing users to share one photo per day with their friends, is yet to generate revenue. Don’t let this deceive you into believing it lacks promise.

The truth is, like many tech startups before it, BeReal is focusing on building a substantial user base first. This strategy lays down an excellent foundation for future monetization plans.

Intriguingly enough though, how does BeReal make money ? The answer lies in their plan to introduce paid features or subscriptions rather than relying solely on ads – a model adopted by several successful platforms today.

Table of Contents

The Emergence of BeReal

Founded by Alexis Barreyat and Kevin Perreau in December 2023, BeReal is a novel social media platform that has rapidly gained popularity. The app’s unique selling point is its focus on sharing one photo per day with friends, promoting regular communication.

This concept was derived from the founders’ realization that many people only share their best moments on other platforms such as Instagram or Facebook. They aimed to foster an environment where users could depict real-life events without any pressure for perfection.

Distinguishing itself from apps allowing unlimited posts, BeReal’s specially designed camera captures just one random image at a selected time each day. This encourages authenticity and offers an alternative to the curated feeds prevalent on conventional social media platforms.

Hockey Stick Growth: A Success Story

The young company counts world-class investors among its backers due to its innovative approach and swift growth trajectory. In fact, towards the end of 2023, it experienced what business analysts often refer to as ‘hockey stick growth’, characterized by slow initial uptake followed by exponential increase in user adoption.

In 2023 alone, tens of thousands began downloading BeReal every month. Such popularity wasn’t accidental but rather came about through strategic planning and execution, understanding how critical it was offering something different within saturated market space.

A Global User Base Within Reach?

Much like Facebook’s $400 million purchase bid for Snapchat back in 2014 (which they declined) or Google’s attempt to buy Twitter for $4 billion years ago (also rejected), tech giants are known for acquiring potential competitors early before they become too big – sometimes even when these startups have yet-to-be-proven business models or revenue streams.

While there hasn’t been public interest from such giants yet regarding acquisition talks with BeReal, this doesn’t mean it won’t happen down the line, especially considering the rapidly growing user base. Could we see another high-profile bid similar to those made previously? Only time will tell.

Differentiating Factors: What Sets BeReal Apart?

BeReal stands out not merely because of its “one-photo-a-day” feature, but

The Power of Venture Capital Funding

BeReal’s exponential growth is largely attributed to the power of venture capital funding. In its 2023 funding round, BeReal raised a remarkable $30 million across two rounds, enabling it to scale operations and increase hiring efforts for over 150 full-time employees.

This financial backing was made possible by world-class investors such as Andreessen Horowitz, Accel, DST Global, among others, who saw potential in this unique social media platform that incentivizes users with its one-photo-per-day concept.

Diving into the World of Venture Capital Investors

Venture capitalists are essentially risk-takers investing substantial amounts in startups or small companies showing high promise for significant returns on investment. One example is billionaire Xavier Niel’s investment firm, Kima Ventures, which has backed numerous tech startups, including BeReal.

This illustrates how these investments can fuel innovative businesses like BeReal, allowing them rapid expansion without worrying about finance-related constraints.

Beyond providing funds, venture capitalists also offer their expertise, connections, and guidance. Their stake in equity shares gives them an active role in strategic decisions along with a portion of future profits.

Why Bet On Social Media Startups Like BeReal?

Social media platforms have become attractive ventures due to scalability coupled with relatively low operating costs once established successfully. The success stories of Facebook buying Instagram for a whopping $400 million clearly illustrate the lucrative exits initial VC backers enjoyed through massive return on investments.

Potential giants like Google and Amazon had reportedly bid $4 billion for Snapchat back in 2013, indicating that even a nascent social media platform could derive immense value provided it captures audience attention effectively. Given the enormous upside potential in this space, it’s no wonder why firms like Kima Ventures would see value in betting on BeReal.

Risks Involved: Not All That Glitters Is Gold

However, it is essential to note that while there are huge rewards associated with early-stage tech startup investments, they come with considerable risks too. Many fail to deliver promised results, leaving investors empty-handed.

A prudent investor, therefore, conducts thorough

Monetizing a platform like BeReal requires careful strategizing and timing to ensure user growth as well as revenue generation. It involves careful strategizing and timing to ensure the user base continues to grow while revenue generation methods are introduced.

In this section, we will delve into how BeReal makes money or plans to do so in the future, keeping its core philosophy intact even with an ambitious target of reaching a hundred million users.

Paving The Way For Future Revenue Streams

At present, BeReal does not generate any income. However, that doesn’t imply they don’t have strategies for future monetization. A peek at BeReal’s privacy policy reveals mentions about the ‘purchase of paid features’ which suggests the possible introduction of premium services or in-app purchases down the line.

This approach aligns well with several successful platforms who initially focused on building their user base before introducing similar monetization models. This way, these companies were able to provide added value through advanced features exclusive for paying subscribers without alienating free users.

Bridging Potential Challenges In Execution Of Strategies

Achieving a balance between offering valuable paid services and maintaining engagement among non-paying users can be challenging but crucial when implementing such changes. Timing plays a pivotal role here too – premature implementation might deter new sign-ups whereas late execution could lead towards financial struggles prior to achieving profitability. Hence, understanding when exactly BeReal decides to charge for certain aspects would play a significant part in determining the success of these initiatives.

Fostering partnerships with brands and advertisers wishing to reach out to the growing audience through sponsored content collaborations is another potential avenue for generating revenues. Again, no official announcements regarding this have been made so far by the company, thus alluding towards cautious yet calculated planning behind the scenes, ensuring a smooth transition once the decision to introduce different ways to make money is taken.

Privacy Matters – Does BeReal Sell Your Data?

In an era where data privacy is a top concern for social media users, it’s essential to understand how platforms like BeReal handle user information. With over ten million active daily users and ambitious plans of reaching a hundred million users, the question arises: How does this rapidly growing platform ensure user data protection?

A closer look at BeReal’s privacy policy reveals that they prioritize their commitment to protecting personal information from being disclosed without explicit consent.

The Extent of User Information Collected by BeReal

Social media platforms require certain types of user data in order to provide effective services. In line with industry standards, BeReal collects basic details such as name, email address, and mobile number (if provided) during the registration or login process. They also gather device-related information, including IP addresses. This aids them in enhancing service quality while maintaining security on the platform.

Data Usage Policy – A Transparent Approach

BeReal takes transparency seriously when it comes to handling collected data. As outlined within their privacy policy, Personal Identifiable Information (PII) isn’t sold or shared with third-party advertisers for targeted marketing purposes; instead, its primary use lies internally towards improving the overall experience on the app.

Maintaining High Security Standards For Stored Data

To safeguard sensitive customer information against potential breaches, BeReal employs stringent measures which include the utilization of standard encryption techniques during storage and transmission phases. Additionally, they have strict protocols designed specifically towards preventing loss, alteration, or misuse occurring related to these datasets. Their unwavering stance on prioritizing customer privacy helps build trust among millions who actively engage via this popular application every day.

The Future Roadmap: Achieving Growth Milestones

With an impressive count of over ten million active daily users, BeReal is setting its sights high. The young company counts world-class investors and has a bold vision: reaching 100 million users. But how will it achieve this ambitious goal while maintaining its core philosophy?

This strategy not only promises growth but also offers potential for introducing monetization strategies like in-app purchases or premium features.

Job Opportunities at BeReal

BeReal’s aggressive expansion plan doesn’t stop with attracting more users; they’re also creating numerous job opportunities as part of their future roadmap. They are seeking talented individuals who can contribute significantly towards achieving their lofty goals.

• A glance at BeReal’s career page reveals openings across various domains such as product development, marketing, and sales – roles critical for supporting rapid scale-up efforts.
• In addition to these positions, the startup’s highly successful 2023 funding round allowed them to ramp up hiring efforts substantially. This move indicates that despite being relatively new in the market, BeReal makes money through investments from venture capital firms, enabling them to hire top talent.
• Working with BeReal provides employees an opportunity to be part of something truly transformative in the social media landscape. It allows professionals looking forward to challenging roles, a great work environment, and a competitive pay structure.

FAQs in Relation to How Does Bereal Make Money

Does bereal make a profit.

Currently, BeReal is not profitable as it is in the user acquisition phase and has yet to introduce revenue-generating features.

Where does BeReal revenue come from?

As of now, BeReal does not generate any direct revenue. However, future plans include introducing paid features or subscriptions for income generation.

How much revenue does BeReal make?

At present, there are no public records available on the exact amount of revenue generated by BeReal since they have not monetized their platform yet.

How much money has the BeReal app made?

The actual earnings of the app are undisclosed as it currently operates without generating direct profits. Its value lies primarily in its growing user base and potential for future monetization.

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How Does BeReal Make Money?

Considering BeReal doesn't have ads, how does the app make money?

BeReal made headlines for gaining millions of users in 2022, and has become a major social media trend. The app itself is relatively simple though, showing you all of your friends' daily posts with no ads or other clutter. So then how does BeReal make money to stay afloat?

BeReal is actually not a profitable company yet, according to Productmint , meaning it makes no money from the app. The way that it has been able to stay operational and hire employees to keep the technology working is through private investments. This is how many social media and tech companies get started.

BeReal launched as a free app in 2020 and utilized marketing programs to get the word out about its new authentic take on social media. This allowed it to quickly gain thousands and then millions of users who loved the angle.

How Does BeReal Plan to Make Money?

Obviously, BeReal cannot remain unprofitable forever. The company itself has not stated what its plans for monetization are, but states on the BeReal website that it is focused on improving its product and not on potential revenue streams. Here are some possibilities for how BeReal could monetize in the future.

1. Bringing In Advertisers

You probably already notice ads on your home feed on other social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok. BeReal could incorporate similar ads onto their home feed in between your friends’ daily posts. This would give them a revenue stream to grow from.

Obviously ads can be annoying, but social media ads are something most people are used to and would be relatively easy for BeReal to add to the app. But BeReal has stated that it is not interested in working with advertisers.

2. A Paid Subscription Model

The biggest social media giants have been releasing paid subscriptions for added features, such as Meta Verified on Instagram and Facebook . These subscriptions give users bonus features to use and bring in more revenue for the companies without having to display even more ads. BeReal could be the next to introduce a similar paid subscription, according to Mashable .

BeReal could consider adding additional features to the app for a paid fee. This would be similar to paying $8 per month for Twitter Blue , another well-known social media subscription. This subscription model could rake in dollars for BeReal without adding in annoying advertising.

The company would have to figure out a price point and what features it would be offering for it. This could mean users seeing more ways to interact with friends' posts on the app and an overall improvement of the user experience, as long as people are willing to buy in.

3. Selling User Data

Many tech companies store or sell user data to third parties as a way to make money for themselves. For example, Snapchat collects your personal data for advertising and some third-party use .

BeReal currently states in its Privacy Policy that it does not sell user data for commercial purposes. However, this is something that could change if the company wants to start bringing in cash.

It is less likely that BeReal will start selling data because of how controversial this practice is to users, but it is definitely a possibility to be aware of if you are a user of the app.

BeReal Needs to Monetize

Ultimately, BeReal will need to quickly plan a way to start monetizing before investments run out. This will likely mean changes to the app that has gained millions of users in just a couple of years.

What Is BeReal, How Does It Work, and How Can I Use It for My Business?

• Marketing Knowledge

What Is BeReal?

If you thought BeReal was a brand new app in 2023, then you’re not alone. But in fact, former GoPro employee Alexis Barreyat created the BeReal app in 2020. BeReal is a social media app that has become extremely popular among Gen Z users, even though BeReal doesn’t actively market or advertise. And in the latest news, downloads recently surpassed even heavyweight social media apps like Instagram.  

Let’s take a closer look at what BeReal is, what sets it apart, and how businesses can leverage BeReal’s unique structure. 

What is BeReal?

BeReal is a social media platform with a very different format. While Instagram’s algorithms work to keep users engaged for as long as possible, BeReal actually focuses on shorter, more meaningful interactions. Social media users love that BeReal focuses on authenticity, and the app encourages real, unfiltered, uncurated photos.  

How Does BeReal Work?

Each day at a different time, the BeReal app notifies you and your friends to get ready to post. You get a two-minute notice, and then the posting begins. But when you take a photo, the app uses the front and back cameras to create your post to show you in realtime as well as your surroundings or where you are. Unlike other social media apps, you don’t use hashtags, and while you can write a caption, you don’t have to.  

The goal is for you and all your friends to take an honest, authentic photo during your time each day. You don’t have to post during the time slot, but your post will show how late you are if you don’t make it in time. Of course, you can skip posting for the day. But BeReal has become so popular because many users are loving the format.  In every specific BeReal time zone, all BeReal users receive notifications for posting simultaneously. The “time zones” are America, Europe, East Asia & West Asia. So even if you’re living in Maine, you’ll post at the same time as your friend in California.

How to Post on BeReal

The posting time is a random time every day, and you only get two minutes’ notice from a push notification. The focus is on taking real, unstaged photos showing you and what you’re doing. And when you’re taking a selfie, you cannot see yourself until you’ve taken the double photo. If you don’t like how it turned out, you can try again within your two-minute window. This process makes it challenging to create posed, staged photos with tons of filters and perfect lighting—and that’s what users love so much about it. 

The other part of BeReal is seeing all your friends’ posts. You can react with a RealMoji, rather than the usual emojis or react options on other social media platforms. To make a RealMoji, you take a selfie and make the expression or movement you want to react with. For example, if you thought a photo was funny, you’d take a picture of yourself smiling or laughing. One last catch: if you want to see what your friends posted, you’ll need to post a BeReal photo, too. 

Is BeReal Safe?

Many users and parents love BeReal because it doesn’t encourage performative posts and focuses on real life and authenticity. You are even able to see how many times someone retook a picture in a two-minute span. Unlike other social networking apps, BeReal doesn’t show how many followers someone has, and you can’t see how many people have reacted to a BeReal post. And BeReal doesn’t encourage sharing as much personal information as other apps. Many young people love this social app because it doesn’t incentivize competition or comparison. BeReal isn’t about fabricating a perfect life—it’s about showing a slice of daily life. 

Created in France, BeReal processes your user data under French privacy laws and the EU’s Data Protection Act. And according to BeReal’s privacy notice, you do not have to participate in the geolocation function. Users can refuse to give permission when first opening the app or change their permission later in the phone’s settings. 

Can Businesses Use BeReal?

Millennials and Gen Zers place a high value on authenticity and genuine interaction with each other and businesses and brands. BeReal is still growing, but there may be a lot of potentials for brands to work within the app to reach a BeReal user with realistic, unpolished photos relating to the brand.  

How to Use BeReal for Business

The key to using BeReal as a business is to shift strategies. While this photo-sharing app isn’t the right place for overt promotion, it could be a great way to drive brand awareness and create or reinforce positive feelings about a brand. For example, the C-level executives could take turns with the BeReal account. When someone gets a BeReal notification, they could create a post of what they’re doing, whether it’s sitting in a board meeting or designing a new product. Or, the business could use its BeReal post each day to showcase an employee or department. Similar to Instagram’s “Close Friends” feature, BeReal is a great way to promote private discounts or sales to select members of your target audience.

Pros and Cons to BeReal for Business

The social platform’s popularity means that many businesses are taking notice and thinking about how to get involved. BeReal discourages staged photos and blatant selling. However, some brands may benefit from the personal, genuine style that BeReal encourages. 

If you want to utilize BeReal for your business but aren’t sure how to begin, you can partner with a digital marketing agency like Giant Propeller to help identify your BeReal audience, and provide ongoing BeReal strategy and organic social expertise.

Learn more about how Giant Propeller can help you and your growing business through our brand growth program . 

How to Delete a BeReal Post

If you change your mind about your posted photo, you can delete it. But you can only delete it once and retake it once if you have already hit ‘post.’ When you delete it, the app will ask you to select a reason for the deletion. Quickly taking a photo and letting it stand on its own is a big adjustment from other apps. However, that fits in with BeReal’s overall goal: to show real life and encourage authentic interaction without spending too much time editing and refining a post. 

How to Get BeReal

The BeReal app is free in both the Google Play store and the iOS app store. Create an account by entering your phone number, full name, username, and password. Friend people by letting BeReal search your contacts. So far, BeReal is available in seven languages, and you can see where your friends are in the world on a map. If you’re looking for an anti-Instagram app that emphasizes real connection, then BeReal might be really good for you and your growing business.  

What is BeReal?

BeReal is a social media app that might just bring back a little bit of authenticity to our social media posts. No filters, followers, or preparation are allowed on the app. It's all about in-the-moment photos and being "real".

Also:  BeReal is getting four new features, and one is going to make your post that much realer

App users receive a daily notification at a random time of the day that says "⚠️Time to BeReal⚠️". As soon as you get the notification, you have two minutes to take a selfie and a back camera photo of what you are doing at that very moment. If you choose to wait to post a picture later in the day when you look better or are doing something fun, all your friends will be able to see that you waited and aren't being real -- and where's the fun in that? 

How popular is BeReal?

BeReal was initially released in January 2020, but the app didn't skyrocket until 2022, accumulating over 56 million downloads during the year, according to  The Washington Post . Out of its global audience, the app is the most popular in the United States. In July 2022, BeReal hit the number one spot on the Apple App Store in the US. 

Also:  You can use AI in Instagram to generate fun backgrounds for your stories. Here's how

In January 2024, nearly two years later, BeReal ranks number 21 in the App Store in the social networking category, right behind Skype. BeReal was also  reported  to have 23 million daily active users as of January 2024.

How do you sign up for BeReal?

To sign up for  BeReal , all you need to do is go to the  Apple App Store  or  Google Play Store , download the app, and create an account. It's as simple as that. 

What is the purpose of BeReal?

Because you are required to take photos in the moment, the photos you post and see aren't retouched, edited or fabricated to show an idealized, unrealistic portrayal of a person. If done correctly, the images are an authentic representation of a person's day-to-day life. At best, it's social media but without the airbrushed, fictional curated edge.

When do BeReal notifications go off?

BeReal notifications go off once a day at different, random times for all the users. When the notification goes off, you have two minutes to post a picture. If you go past that time, your post will be marked as late, showing all your friends that you, in fact, can't actually BeReal. You also can't access your friends' BeReal or the Friends of Friends feed until you've posted yours, further incentivizing you to post. 

How do you shoot a BeReal?

Posting a BeReal is a very simple process beause the photos are meant to be as authentic as possible. All you have to do is open the app, snap a selfie with your front camera, and then a photo of your surroundings with the back camera. Within the two-minute period, you can retake the photo as many times as you'd like until you get the picture you desire. 

What do you post on BeReal?

On BeReal, you can only post photos with the two-box, front and back camera format when you are prompted. There is no option to post additional content, such as other photos, because that would take away from the "in the moment" aspect of the app. You can customize the post by adding a caption and displaying your location. 

Also: New 'BeFake' social media app encourages users to transform their photos with AI

You can also choose to share the  Behind the Scenes  (BTS) of your BeReal, which captures the seconds before a BeReal photo is taken and creates a video that plays on your friends' timelines when they long press on the picture you posted -- the same way a live photo works. This feature is automatically enabled, but can be disabled in settings. 

Can you gain followers on BeReal?

On BeReal, you cannot have followers. Similar to the earliest forms of social networking sites (remember AIM?), you have friends instead of followers on the app, and only these select groups of people can see your posts. This restriction takes away the pressure of feeling you have to curate a perfect public image and brings back the fun of only sharing content with your friends.

Can you react to a BeReal post?

Yes, you can react to posts, but there is an 'authentic' twist. To react, you have to click an emoji and send a photo of you doing the emoji's expression. The person whose post you are reacting to will be able to see the picture of you reacting to their post. 

Also: Bluesky now lets you view profiles and posts without logging in

If you have been tagged in a post, you can reshare it. There are a few caveats, though. If you reshare a BeReal that was shared on time, and you haven't shared one yet, you get a bonus BeReal. However, if you reshare one that was posted late, you won't be able to post your own. 

Are celebrities and brands on BeReal?

When BeReal launched, there were no official accounts on the app. However, in January, BeReal introduced "RealPeople" and "RealBrands", which are official BeReal accounts for your favorite celebrities and brands. The feature will launch on February 6. 

What happens to your BeReal after you post it?

All of your BeReals are archived for you to see. One of the best features of BeReal is being able to see a collection of your daily posts. In your memories, you will be able to see a calendar layout with your photos from every day you complete the task. 

BeReal memories.

Should you download BeReal?

BeReal might be the closest thing to an unvarnished social media experience. If you are constantly falling victim to FOMO or comparing yourself to others, this app might be a good alternative for you. BeReal is a way to keep up with what your friends are doing while also allowing you to authentically document your day-to-day life. However, if you don't want to commit to posting every day, this app may not be for you.

Instagram's upcoming Blend feature may finally put its short-form videos ahead of TikTok

Everything you need to upgrade your camping trip, whatsapp vs. signal vs. telegram vs. facebook: what data do they have about you.

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BeReal explores monetization strategies amid challenges from competitors

MediaTalk | Season 2 Ep.7 How The Business of Gaming is Changing

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• 26 Sep, 2022
• Author Stefan Modrich
• Theme Real Estate Retail & Consumer Products Technology, Media & Telecom

BeReal SAS, a once-obscure French social media app, has become a key player in the social media zeitgeist.

The free photo-sharing app sends a daily notification to users encouraging them to share still photos captured within a two-minute time limit using a smartphone user's front-and-rear-facing camera simultaneously. BeReal's throwback model is aimed at Gen Z users who are disillusioned by the perfectionist, algorithm-driven feedback loops of competitors such as Meta Platforms Inc.'s Instagram and Beijing Byte Dance Telecommunications Co. Ltd.'s TikTok, analysts said.

"Every generation has different sets of values," said Eric Dahan, CEO and co-founder of Open Influence, a global marketing company that works with content creators. "When you look at Gen Z there's there is huge value placed on authenticity. I think part of that is it's a generation that's been so saturated with overproduced content."

Analysts have mixed views on BeReal's business strategy, though most agreed that the platform would need to find ways to increase engagement and time spent on the app to effectively monetize BeReal's estimated 15 million daily active users. They also note BeReal has more growth potential compared to its larger and more mature competitors, some of which are attempting to duplicate BeReal's defining features.

BeReal did not respond to a request for comment.

By the numbers

U.S. downloads of BeReal on Apple Inc.'s and Google LLC's app stores outstripped the number of comparable Twitter Inc. downloads in June, July and August this year, according to estimates from Apptopia, an app analytics provider. BeReal also drew higher U.S. downloads than Snap Inc. 's Snapchat in August.

While BeReal has not released any of its user metrics, Apptopia estimated that the social media app reached 5.7 million U.S. downloads in August, ahead of Snapchat's estimated 4.8 million that month. Meanwhile, U.S. downloads for TikTok and Instagram reached an estimated 9.1 million and 6.2 million, respectively, according to Apptopia.

Meta does not break out user figures for Instagram specifically in its quarterly disclosures, but Meta's family of apps — which includes Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger and other services — logged 2.88 billion daily active users globally in June. That included about 1.97 billion daily active users for Facebook itself.

TikTok does not report user figures. Snap's Snapchat recorded 347 million daily active users worldwide in its second-quarter earnings report. The company did not disclose U.S.-specific user totals.

Monetization efforts

"The best way for [BeReal] to monetize would be through ad placements and marketing challenges and competitions," said Ashleigh Millar, production manager at U.K.-based MIDia Research. "It will have to stick to its unique selling point of authenticity and being a friends-first app when monetizing, so keeping ads to the discovery page and not interrupting the flow of the Friends page is very important."

BeReal is exploring using in-app purchases to monetize the platform, the Financial Times reported Sept. 17. While some insiders at the app believe paid advertising would be disruptive, the option has not been entirely ruled out, the report said.

The integration of ad revenue is crucial, if not inevitable, said Zach Ciampa, customer experience analyst at 451 Research.

"Assuming the platform has longevity, at some point they're going to introduce ads," Ciampa said. "As long as it's not intrusive — maybe it will be like your Instagram feed, where you see an ad after every couple of posts."

Implementing in-app purchases or a subscription model may prove more challenging as the value proposition for BeReal users needs to be "really great" for that revenue stream to come to fruition, Ciampa noted.

Key competition

In the meantime, BeReal's competitors are duplicating some of the app's design.

Earlier this month, TikTok unveiled TikTok Now , a new feature that sends users a daily prompt to capture a 10-second video or a photo using both the front and back camera. A "TikTok Now" button appears on the app's home screen, replacing an older feature.

"The new TikTok Now could encourage and cultivate more of a friendly, social media environment alongside a social entertainment environment," MIDia's Millar said. "Or, users will feel that TikTok is stretching too far out with this particular move, and they will continue to use BeReal to scratch their intimate-social-connection itch, while leaving TikTok to satisfy their desire for online entertainment and community."

In August, Snapchat rolled out a dual camera setting that enables users to choose from four layouts, including vertical, horizontal, picture in picture, and cutout. Instagram is also working on a BeReal-like feature, though it is an internal prototype, a Meta spokesperson wrote in an email to S&P Global Market Intelligence.

The copycat cycle of feature adoption among social media companies has been a persistent trend for the last decade, noted Open Influence's Dahan.

"Social media platforms are really getting to feature parity with one another," Dahan said.

As BeReal's features become more popular, it is possible a larger competitor could try to acquire it.

In June, BeReal raised $30 million in series A funding, led by venture capital firms Andreessen Horowitz, Accel Partners and DST Global. BeReal's valuation is approximately $600 million.

"Growth equity social media [companies] tend to have higher valuation multiples and valuation bubbles around them," said Third Bridge senior associate and TMT analyst Sandeep Sharma. "The next year or so will start giving us a clearer picture on how [M&A activity] might take place. Like with a lot of other startups, it's still very much at the early stages of the waiting game."

451 Research is part of S&P Global Market Intelligence.

• Stefan Modrich
• Real Estate Retail & Consumer Products Technology, Media & Telecom

Advertisement

How brands can authentically leverage BeReal

• Facebook Messenger

By Charlie Smith, Junior Strategist

August 4, 2022 | 5 min read

Listen to article 4 min

You might have seen a new platform at the top of the social media charts called BeReal. With its quick rise to fame, there are many questions that brands must answer before they consider joining the platform. Here’s what you need to know.

BeReal prioritizes authenticity before ads, which could pose a challenge for brands / Credit: Adobe Stock

BeReal’s mission is to be the antidote to traditional social media. No influencers, no filters, no likes and – most importantly – no ads. It promises “a new and unique way to discover who your friends really are in their daily life.” Since the beginning of the year, BeReal has seen a 315% leap in downloads, and as of April the platform had over 2.9 million active daily users, per Social Media Today data. So, what exactly has drawn so many people to it?

How it works

The BeReal app is simple. It sends a daily notification at a random time, to “BeReal.” You are then prompted to take a simultaneous snapshot from both your front and back-facing cameras, showing what you are doing and what your reaction is. It allows only two minutes to respond, and you can’t see anyone else’s BeReal until you have posted your own.

The random timing of the notification and the fact you can only do it once a day adds a game-like quality to the app. You can either share your images with friends and followers, or post on to the “discover” page to help increase your reach and gain new followers.

How brands can get involved

Having brands and adverts on the platform goes completely against BeReal’s ethos, and currently there are no pay-to-play advertising options.

That doesn’t mean there won’t be any in the future, however. Chipotle was the first brand to create an account and post a discount code giving the first 100 people who used it a free meal. As its vice-president for digital marketing said: “We see a massive opportunity to highlight our brand’s transparency in fun ways for our fans on BeReal.”

The fast-casual Mexican chain has taken BeReal’s values to heart by ensuring the content they put out isn’t glossy, and prioritizing the lo-fi nature of the platform instead. The brand identifies with promoting raw, authentic content by being transparent about its ingredients and the way it operates. This tactic is particularly effective with gen Z consumers as they demand humanization, humor and honesty from brands.

When approaching a new platform, it’s best to see what users are doing first, and experiment with how you can best fit in.

What it means for other platforms

Chipotle has managed to make BeReal a success because it makes content that feels native to the platform. This doesn’t mean that every brand should be rushing to open a BeReal account yet. Instead, we think there are three key lessons that we can take from BeReal and apply to the platforms you’re already on:

1. Put your audience first

Your brand doesn’t have to be on every platform – instead, you should pick your channels based on where your audience spends their time.

2. Would I engage with that? Be honest

So many brands create content that just sits on their channels with little or no engagement because it doesn’t appeal to their audience and the way they interact with them on social. Before you join a platform, make sure that your creative strategy doesn’t revolve around broadcasting, and instead is geared toward harnessing genuine relationships with your followers.

3. ‘Be real’ when it comes to creator partnerships

Some brands are particularly weak at building genuine partnerships with the creators they work with. Choose creators that genuinely fit your brand. Don’t just chase followers and prioritize long-term exclusive partnerships over one-off ads. One of the reasons Chipotle has been so successful when tapping into BeReal is because it adds value.

With its rise to fame showing no signs of stopping anytime soon, it might be time to get real with BeReal.

Charlie Smith is junior strategist at social media agency Coolr.

For more, sign up for The Drum’s daily US newsletter here .

More from Brand Purpose

Industry insights.

Let’s “Be Real” About BeReal

Author: Rohan Ganguli, Graphics: Acasia Giannakouros

The BRB Bottomline:

BeReal is a social media platform that has quickly taken a hold on younger generations. In the span of just two years, it has risen to the top of a fiercely competitive social media market against massive and long-standing competitors. Much of the app’s current success can be attributed to its skilled marketing team and the unique strategies it employs to gain traction. However, even after its initial burst of success, BeReal at this stage still has numerous challenges to overcome, such as gaining revenue, further increasing market share, and combating users not using the app as intended.

The Rise of BeReal

The social media landscape before bereal.

In the time leading up to social media platform BeReal’s release, the world of social media was getting slightly mundane, with the same big players dominating the market. During that period, Instagram and Facebook had maintained a steady foothold on the “personal social media” market in America. But, in 2020, BeReal threw its hat in the ring and shook up the market, by offering its unique twist on Instagram and Facebook’s existing photo-sharing features.

Of course, more social media platforms exist, but they aren’t as personable or authentic as BeReal. For example, there is LinkedIn, which focuses on professional development, Pinterest, which is mostly used for aesthetic image sharing, and Twitter, which serves more as an announcement platform for people to catch up on current events. However, these social media platforms all lack the authenticity that BeReal champions in its claim to fame. 

None of these competitors — LinkedIn, Pinterest, or Twitter — came close to unseating the long-standing kings of Instagram and Facebook. The outlook for new platforms in this seemingly competitive and brutal market did not appear to be very bright. That notion was reinforced when the sensational app Vine collapsed in 2016 , after only having been released three years prior; it seemed as if there was no space in the social media market for new competitors to flourish. 

The Signpost for BeReal’s Rise

However, in 2017, a new app seemed to be blowing up — Musical.ly. It wasn’t like any other social media platform, and quickly gained a large base of young users. Seeing the potential, Chinese company ByteDance bought Musical.ly for around $1 billion in late 2017, and rebranded it to “TikTok.” TikTok now has a user count of over a billion , and has staked claim to a significant portion of the social media market. And critically, the app’s rise and dominance signaled potential for new social media platforms to exist and thrive.

This Summer’s Sensation

This past summer saw another new app squeeze into the mainstream social media scene: BeReal. In just the time between April and October, its download count jumped from 7.67 million to over 53 million . People were eager to share their exciting, depressing, and mundane summer moments in real-time, and BeReal offered just the method to do so.

Within two years from its release, after securing large amounts of venture capital funding, BeReal was able to implement a unique marketing strategy in early 2022. The company started using college campus ambassador programs to market itself to this social media savvy and influential crowd. This allowed it to gain massive traction over the coming summer, and carve out a place in the saturated social media landscape. 

Current Events

What is bereal.

BeReal’s edge in the market comes primarily from its unique photo-sharing feature. Here’s how it works. 

BeReal sends a notification at a random time to all of its users worldwide. After this notification is sent out, individuals have two minutes to photograph what they are doing using the back camera of their phones. At the same time, the app takes a picture using the individuals’ front camera and posts the two photos overlaid on one another. The app also notes whether a user posted their BeReal on time — so everyone can see who is “lying” to them regarding the time they took the BeReal. There are no photo filters available, and the amount of times the photos are retaken is shared.

The focus of BeReal, intuitively, is to “be real.” It offers candid looks into random moments in the lives of each user — because both cameras are used, and the app’s notifications go off at the same time for everyone within the same time zone. This realistic insight into people’s lives allowed BeReal to quickly grow in popularity, especially among university students.

Who’s Using the App

BeReal is being rapidly adopted by younger people. Nearly 40% of Americans in the 18 to 24 age range have used BeReal, and an additional 24% in this demographic are interested in the app. While statistics aren’t available for ages under 18 yet, anecdotal evidence shows high schoolers and middle schoolers (age range of 12–17) are quickly catching on and using the app as well. 

Business Scope

How is bereal making money.

Well, it’s not. 

BeReal is fully funded by various VC firms. While it has a valuation of over $600 million , backed by a rapidly growing user base, it has generated zero revenue and is currently operating at a loss. In recent years, VC firms have given many startups that are not profitable the much-needed cushion to focus on building a user base before making money — in fact, huge names like Lyft, Uber, and AirBnb are still not profitable .

However, these big-name companies are all on track to become profitable in the near future, and despite not generating profits, still generate revenue — BeReal hasn’t done either yet. Its lack of a profit engine is a pressing issue, as one of the reasons for the downfall of Vine was its inability to generate revenue . Vine lacked monetization and advertising options, which social media apps typically make revenue with. As BeReal has not announced any plans to monetize its product, it will likely not be making a profit anytime soon.

Potential Revenue Generation

Incorporating advertising into the BeReal feed and other empty spaces on its interface is likely the option the app will go forward with in order to become profitable. Additionally, the discover feed may slowly become a space that BeReal lets businesses market on — under the guise of “being real.”

Targeting a more financially stable user base that spends more freely on premium features can pay dividends as well. The app’s primary user base of college students may not be as large a source of revenue compared to middle-aged spenders. 

BeReal seems to have already started focusing on this middle-aged market — Saturday Night Live recently premiered a short on BeReal, where actor Miles Teller uses the app during a bank heist. Nearly 47% of adults between the ages of 30 and 44 watch SNL , and this was likely a sponsored marketing push toward a more diverse user base than simply young people and students. 

Competition & Copying

Copying has always been an issue in business — and it’s particularly egregious in the social media sector, as social media features typically lack intellectual property protections such as patents. After TikTok’s user base rose rapidly, Instagram and YouTube both released new features: Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts . Both are video components of their respective apps and blatantly copy core features of TikTok. Instagram has also copied Snapchat’s features before, including the incredibly popular stories feature. These examples all point toward the ability of established companies to easily incorporate features from new competitors into their apps. 

While TikTok and Snapchat are still thriving — likely due to the lateness at which competitors copied their features — BeReal is in a critical stage where if Instagram or Snapchat implement the same features effectively, it could possibly lead to the collapse of BeReal. TikTok has already copied BeReal’s functionalities with their new feature TikTok Now , but anecdotally it doesn’t seem to be as effective a competitor (user statistics are currently unavailable for the feature).

“Realness”

How “real” are people on other apps.

Instagram’s users have already tried to incorporate realness into their profiles. “Finstagrams” and “spam accounts” — which are more personal Instagram accounts where users post more casual content — are mainstays of the platform. The “photo dump” trend that started near the beginning of this year (and is still continuing) was a similar movement of simply posting recent pictures that were more “real” than the typical stylized and carefully selected Instagram post. 

However, most of these devolved into the typical “fakeness” of social media. Photo dumps became highly curated, and spam and “finstagram” accounts can be cumbersome to maintain along with individuals’ main Instagram accounts. TikTok is also full of people that portray themselves as making quick videos and posting informal content, but generally aren’t; filters, makeup, long searches for the right lighting, and other planning and setup typically fill the behind-the-scenes for many videos on the platform. 

So Are People Being Real on BeReal?

The crux of BeReal relies on its “real” aspect — it’s live and in the moment. Furthermore, it’s literally a moment users don’t get to choose. But how real are people actually being on the app?

My answer to that question is: “kind of.” My answer is currently anecdotal — there doesn’t seem to be publicly-released statistics on how many people post late or are setting up “BeReal-able” moments. But from my personal experience, the number seems to be increasing. Many users wait until they’re doing something more interesting in their days to post , and while the timing of their posts give them away, there is no further deterrent that stops people from posting hand-picked scenes out of their lives. 

But to give credit to the app, BeReal is still much more candid than most apps — and is hopefully able to push forward towards a less curated age of social media, allowing people to be more raw and unfiltered when sharing moments in their lives. 

Take-Home Points

• The social media market has a degree of saturation, and the scope for new competitors in this seemingly fortified market has always seemed weak. Many apps have short-lived lifespans, but after the rise of TikTok in 2019, the social media landscape seemed to have space for new apps. 
• BeReal used unique marketing strategies, such as using college campus ambassador programs to market their app to a social-media-savvy and influential crowd, allowing the app to gain a large user base over the Summer 2022 period. 
• BeReal’s unique and core feature is that it sends a notification at a random time to all of its users worldwide — you have two minutes to photograph what you’re doing using the back camera of your phone, and at the same time it takes a picture using your front camera. 
• BeReal’s has a valuation of nearly $600 million, but it actually generates zero revenue and is operating at a loss. In order to survive, it may require incorporating features to generate money, like ads or sponsored content availability. 
• The crux of BeReal relies on the “real” aspect — it’s live and in the moment. In fact, it’s a moment users don’t get to choose. But it’s debatable on how “real” people are being on the app — late posts and setup for BeReals seem to be becoming commonplace.

BeReal is one of the fastest-growing social media platforms of 2022, with 10,000 daily active users in March 2021 to more than 15 million as of October 2022. BeReal encourages people to be more authentic, with unedited photo in real time. Only time can tell if BeReal can maintain its growth sustainably.

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BeReal Revenue and Usage Statistics (2024)

Updated: February 22, 2024

BeReal is the newest social app to make its mark, coming at a time when many were disillusioned with Instagram and its focus on algorithmic content. In 2022, it broke out in the US and UK with millions switching to the app, but has struggled to retain those users long term.

Built by ex-GoPro employee Alexis Barreyat and Kévin Perreau and launched in late 2019, the basic premise of the app is to take a photo with the back and front camera at a random time each day. 

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BeReal saw its first signs of growth in 2021, when it reached over 500,000 active users. At the time, the majority of this usage came from France, which is where the developers are based. 

In 2022, BeReal stepped up the marketing drive in the US and UK, specifically targeting college students with cash for referrals and billboards on campus. It appears to have worked, with BeReal’s usage increasing by 315 percent in a year and its downloads increasing by over 1000 percent. 

BeReal may also have been helped by Instagram, which has alienated parts of its audience in the US and UK with its hard pivot to Reels. The algorithmic nature of Instagram , in which users are more likely to see random videos from content creators than photos of their friends, is in stark contrast to BeReal. 

Instagram has launched a BeReal-like filter , which takes photos from both cameras at the same time. That appears to be the extent of Instagram competing with BeReal, which has not made in the same inroads as TikTok did in 2020. 

For now, BeReal is focused on growth and has not mentioned ways it will create revenue. It received $30 million in funding from Accel and a16z in June 2021 and a further $60 million in October 2022, valuing the company at $600 million, which suggests it has some monetization ideas. 

We have collected data and statistics on BeReal. Read on below to find out more.

BeReal Key Statistics

• BeReal had 23 million active users in January 2024
• BeReal has been downloaded 100 million times since launch, with the vast majority of those downloads happening in 2022
• The app is most popular in the United States, followed by the United Kingdom and Germany

BeReal Overview

Bereal users.

BeReal active users increased rapidly in 2022 from 920,000 at the start of the year to 73.5 million in August. This has since declined to 2023.

BeReal active users 2021 to 2024 (mm)

Note: 2023 data estimated, based on DAUs and downloads. Source: Apptopia

BeReal Downloads

BeReal has been downloaded 100 million times, with the vast majority of downloads happening in 2022.

BeReal cumulative downloads 2020 to 2023 (mm)

Sources: AppMagic , Appfigures

BeReal Downloads by Country

Almost half of all downloads of BeReal have come from the United States. The United Kingdom is second, with 10.3 million downloads.

BeReal downloads by country March 2023 (mm)

Sources: AppMagic

BeReal Cumulative Funding

BeReal received $30 million in funding from Accel and a16z in June 2021 and $60 million in a Series B in October 2022.

BeReal cumulative funding 2022 ($mm)

Source: TechCrunch

BeReal Age Demographics

BeReal age demographics are split almost equally between 16 to 25 year olds and 25 to 44 year olds. Hardly anyone over the age of 45 uses the app.

BeReal US age demographics 2022 (%)

Source: Data.ai

BeReal Gender Demographics

Similar to TikTok in its early stages, BeReal is more popular with women in the US and worldwide.

BeReal US gender demographics 2022 (%)

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BeReal - Statistics & Facts

What sets bereal apart from other social media, features and ethos: how bereal captivated users, bereal users: a united states-lead phenomenon, possible monetization strategy, key insights.

Detailed statistics

BeReal: monthly global app downloads 2022

BeReal iPhone DAU in selected markets 2022

BeReal: funding value 2021-2022, by investment round

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Current statistics on this topic.

BeReal: opinion of users in Europe on the app popularity life cycle 2022

BeReal U.S. visitors distribution 2022, by age and gender

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We Used BeReal for a Month. Here's What We Learned

⚠️ Can you truly "be real" on social media? ⚠️

What happens when you remove the filters, followers, and curation from social media? 

Enter: BeReal . 

While perfectly-curated feeds and posts were once the norm, BeReal challenges us to "get candid." 

But can we truly stop "performing"?

P.S., it's Alyssa here. I spend too much time scouring the depths of the internet, and I have the BeReals to prove it. 

This past month, Later set out to learn more about the app shaking up social media, and find out if we can truly “be real” online.

30 sum notifications and “real” moments later, here’s what we found. 

What is BeReal?

Created to capture “real” moments, BeReal challenges us to show our friends who we “really are, for once."

Every day, the photo-sharing app notifies users to share what they're doing in real-time. 

And they only have two minutes to do so.

Launched in late 2019, BeReal has since grown its user base by 315% in 2022 alone. 

The recent buzz has sparked social media giants to take note and create their own features with a similar spin, like TikTok Now and Instagram Candid Challenges . 

It even made its way to an episode of SNL:

⚠️ TIME TO BEREAL. ⚠️ but you’re robbing a bank #SNLPremiere pic.twitter.com/ofvre6mDuf — Saturday Night Live - SNL (@nbcsnl) October 2, 2022

But with only 9% of active Android users opening the app daily compared to Instagram’s 39% and TikTok’s 29%, we’re curious to see how BeReal will evolve. 

P.S. Later is a social media management tool trusted by over 4M businesses, creators, and social media managers. Create an account and start planning and scheduling your social media content , today:

How to Share a BeReal

Sharing a photo on BeReal is pretty straightforward.

First, when you receive the BeReal push notification, tap in to immediately open the app.

If you’re a new user, the app will prompt you to post when you set up your account. 

To capture your BeReal, frame what’s in front of you, make an expression at the front facing camera, and press the shutter button. 

If you wish to retake your BeReal, hit the “X” in the top right corner and follow the above steps before the two-minute timer runs out.

Once you’re happy with it, hit “Send.”

TIP: Double tap your screen to change your camera view before capturing your BeReal. 

How to Delete a BeReal

Felt you were being too real or changed your mind about your post? Here’s how to delete your BeReal: 

Tap the three dots at the bottom of your post and hit “Options.”

Tap “Delete my BeReal.” For public posts, there’s also an option to remove your post from the Discovery feed so it’s only visible to your friends. 

Select the reason you want to delete your BeReal and tap “Yes, I’m sure” to remove your post. You'll then be prompted to post a new BeReal.

Secret's safe with us!

How to Send a Friend Request on BeReal

You can’t possibly “be real” without witnesses. Here’s how to add your friends on BeReal: 

Tap on the icon representing two human figures on the top left corner of your screen. 

At the top of your screen, tap the search bar labeled “Add or search friends” and type in the username of the friend you want to add.

When their profile appears, tap “Add” to finish the request. You’re all set!

NOTE: Under the “Suggestions” tab, you also have the option to add friends from your phone’s contact list. 

3 Things We Learned Using BeReal for 30 Days

We used BeReal every single day for a month. Here's what we learned:

Let Go of the Need to Be "Perfect" on Social Media

That Said, We're Still Curating Our Lives

Brands Can Tap Into Authenticity, Too

Learning #1: Let Go of the Need to Be "Perfect" on Social Media

We’re accustomed to using social media as a highlight reel and putting our best faces (and moments) forward.

But with BeReal’s spur-of-the-moment notification to share spontaneous (and unedited) photos, that no longer applies.

Cue us shamelessly watching the last two minutes of Fleabag for the fourth time: 

Similar to the growing trend amongst creators to abandon "perfection" on social media (think Instagram photo dumps or unfiltered TikTok videos), BeReal forces us to show a less glamorized version of ourselves.

And with no clear likes or curation, there’s no pressure to garner engagement either. 

The entire concept of BeReal reminds us that “perfection” is on its way out and "authenticity" is in (more on that, later).

Learning #2: That Said, We're Still Curating Our Lives

In a nutshell, being authentic on social media requires you to be true to you — even if it's an online version .

But how authentic can we really be when we have control over what we share and how we share it?

“I’m interested in seeing more spontaneous, unfiltered posts but I’m not sure it’s possible to achieve true authenticity on social media," says Hannah McInall , Later’s Content Marketing Specialist.

“There’s always a level of curation when you know other people will see your content.” 

Hence our dilemma.

The more we used BeReal, the more we felt the urge to get creative with poses, put effort into our appearance, or move to a different location when the notification went off. 

Because who really wants to see another photo of your WFH desk? Boring, capital B. 

But it is authentic…right? 

And judging by the rise of “mundane” content like Emily Mariko making a salmon rice bowl, or Mia Lind going on a hot girl walk, maybe we’re all looking for something a little bit more boring and relatable — even if it’s slightly curated. 

The takeaway? Embrace the mundane and let your IRL moments inspire your content.

Learning #3: Brands Can Tap Into Authenticity, Too

While BeReal doesn’t currently allow formal advertising, some brands have joined the platform to introduce us to the people behind-the-scenes.

For example, here’s an Ulta Beauty employee giving us a glimpse into their day, no filters: 

While brands don't have to join BeReal, they can be inspired by its concept.

The truth is, “authentic” content is growing on mainstream social platforms — and brands need to think about how they can fit into the equation.

Because when you strip back the corporate mask and tap into authenticity, you can build an engaged community on any platform:

So, can you truly “be real” on social media? Not technically.

As long as there’s a screen separating you from your audience, you’re always going to perform in some way — but that doesn’t mean you can’t show more of yourself online.  

Maybe you don’t need to BeReal — you just need to be intentional about the content you choose to share (and why you’re sharing it). 

With Later , you can plan and publish your social media posts in advance for free . Join over 4M businesses, creators, and social media managers now and create an account :

Alyssa is a Toronto-based creative writer and Content Marketer at Later. If you can’t reach her, she’s probably glueing gems to her face, rollerskating, or thrifting. Keep up with her nonsense on Instagram – @alygagliardi .

Plan, schedule, and automatically publish your social media posts with Later.

Related articles, authenticity on instagram: how to grow your account with authentic content.

By Jessica Worb

Later Just Hit 50K Followers on TikTok. Here's How We Did It

By Lindsay Ashcraft

How We Plan Our Social Media Content Strategy at Later

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

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BeReal Basics: How to Use the 'Unfiltered' Social Media App

A French social media platform launched by Alexis Barreyat in 2020, BeReal recently reached the top of the free download charts on iOS, surpassing TikTok . The app initially gained popularity overseas, then attracted dedicated posters on US college campuses. Americans are now its primary user base . BeReal’s recent surge in downloads can be partially attributed to a string of viral TikToks referencing the social media app. 

BeReal sends users a prompt at a random time each day, urging them to snap a picture and send it to their friends. You only have two minutes to respond, and a two-image collage is captured from your front and back cameras.

The pristine, curated Instagram aesthetic has been declared dead multiple times, and BeReal capitalizes on a continuing quest for authenticity on social media, whatever that means. The company has received millions of dollars from investors like Andreessen Horowitz , a prominent player in Silicon Valley that has thrown cash at Clubhouse, OpenSea, and Substack in recent years.

In February, Harvard student Mariah Norman declared photo dumps on Instagram a passé endeavor so mainstream that the president does it. She was enamored by the unfiltered feed on BeReal and wrote, “Because there’s no time to find that perfect pose or background, the content you engage with on the app is charmingly mundane yet extraordinarily authentic and creative.” Norman also mentioned that BeReal sponsored a party with free admission for Harvard students who interacted with the app.

Jules Kourelakos, a student at Duke University, pointed out that while BeReal appears less performative than other social media options, users continue to capture a posed version of themselves. While the search for authenticity online may be a fruitless one, the app is well-designed and easy to pick up.

You need an account to get started on BeReal, which is available for iPhone and Android. Once you've downloaded the app, it will request access to your contacts to connect with friends who may use the service already (you can decline, if you wish). Unless your Rolodex is full of trendsetters, many of your friends may not use the platform yet. The app will ask for your name, birthday, and phone number. Leaving time-sensitive notifications on is crucial if you aim to post within the daily two minutes.

Dell Cameron

Andy Greenberg

Julian Chokkattu

While setting up an account, BeReal nudges new users to snap their first post on the spot. Your post each day is the toll to view friends’ posts on the discovery feed. Don’t feel like posting? Well, you’ll have to spend time on a different app, because everyone’s photos will be inaccessible on BeReal until you make a contribution for the day. Users are allowed to share time-stamped photos after the window has passed, but all images are treated like tardy homework with a “15 minutes late” disclaimer emblazoned across the top.

To create a post, the app needs access to your smartphone cameras. After flipping the camera around to see both sides with the reverse button and turning on the flash, if necessary, by tapping the lightning bolt, press the circle in the bottom middle of the screen to capture your photos. Even for late BeReals, a two-minute timer is onscreen and counting down as you take (or retake) pictures.

You get to decide whether a post is shared on the global feed or to only your friends. Your geolocation will be included with the post unless you toggle it off. Users are able to delete a post after sharing, but just one deletion is allowed per day. Once the post is live, you can add a caption.

Your friends can comment and leave RealMojis on your BeReals; strangers on the discovery feed are confined to RealMojis. Unlike TikTok or Instagram, content is wiped from the feed every day and replaced by the next batch of posts. Users have the option to save past posts using the Memories features, and old images are not public.

I turned my location off for privacy reasons and encourage everyone who tries BeReal to avoid publishing potentially sensitive content, especially if you have the settings open to the public. Casual snaps still have the potential to jeopardize your privacy.

On BeReal, what could easily become an anxiety-inducing race against the clock is skillfully contoured into a low-stakes posting experience. For example, only so many retakes are feasible within 120 seconds, so I felt less internal pressure to catch a flattering selfie.

Most of the photos I captured during my week of testing incorporated some kind of screen. BeReal caught me streaming a classic episode of SpongeBob SquarePants , reading about electric vehicle batteries on a laptop, playing Pikmin 3 Deluxe , and working from home on this article. A few users were out and about as I scrolled through the discovery feed, dining with family members or hiding in the back room at work. Various people were staring into screens like me: studying on a MacBook, playing Fortnite , looking up directions on an iPhone, watching Netflix in bed, listening to the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

BeReal is currently doing a full-court press on college campuses. The company employs marketer Emily Moravits , who previously helped lead the student ambassador program for dating app Bumble . The goal is for on-the-ground events, strategically located in university towns, to ignite a young, engaged user base for the app in North America that then spreads to a wider audience.

Buzz continues to grow, although BeReal has yet to prove its staying power. When attending the University of Kansas, I went to a boozy party for a hot, alternative social media platform, wandering home with multiple branded koozies and a new app on my phone. Yik Yak , which let people read anonymous posts from nearby users, shut down a few years later amid waves of controversy. A zombie version of the app relaunched in 2021.

Where Yik Yak oozes toxicity, BeReal feels like a safe haven, at least for the time being. If you convince a couple of friends to participate, the app can be off-the-cuff fun. BeReal is a rare social media experience that does not feel like a constant competition for maximum exposure. Enjoy the ride. Even if it doesn’t last forever, you may have a good time relishing the banal.

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What is BeReal, and How Do Brands Use it?

⚠️ Time to BeReal. ⚠️ 

The app notifies users daily to share a snapshot of what they are doing during a random two-minute window. 

This gives unedited and unfiltered glimpses into users’ lives in real-time. In an era where nearly anyone can create and share a manipulated image, this concept is extremely disruptive. 

What’s all the buzz about?

The new BeReal app encourages authenticity in an era of filters and Facetune.

Instead of feeling the pressure to portray picture-perfect lives, BeReal forces users to do just what it’s named: be real. 

Its tagline, “Not another social network,” pushes the status quo of social media. It forces a shift from aesthetic to realistic. 

What makes it different from other platforms? It’s main feature was the first of its kind, allowing users to capture footage with their device’s front and back-facing cameras simultaneously.

BeReal’s Features

• The special BeReal camera is designed to take both a selfie and a frontal photo simultaneously.
• Share your BeReal publicly and discover what other people are doing around you.

CHALLENGES.

• Some days, the BeReal comes with a unique challenge.
• Comment on your friend’s BeReal and chat with all their friends.
• React on your friend’s BeReal with a RealMoji, your own emojis representation.
• See where your friends are in the world when they post their BeReal.
• Access your previous BeReal in an archive.
• See your friends right on your Home Screen when they react to your BeReal with a widget.

iMESSAGE REALMOJIS STICKERS

• React with your RealMojis as stickers in your iMessage chats.

_____________

BeReal comes with some warnings!

/!\ WARNING /!\

• BeReal won’t make you waste time.
• BeReal is life, Real life, and this life is without filters.
• BeReal will challenge your creativity.
• BeReal is your chance to show your friends who you really are, for once.
• BeReal can be addictive.
• BeReal might frustrate you.
• BeReal won’t make you famous. If you want to become an influencer you can stay on TikTok and Instagram.
• BeReal doesn’t care if you have millions of followers or if you’re verified.
• BeReal may cause accidents, especially if you are riding bikes.
• BeReal is pronounced “BiRil”, not bereale, or Bèreol, it’s like B-Real from Cypress Hill.
• BeReal won’t let you cheat, you can try and if you manage to do so, come work with us.

Most of these warnings are comedic satire because this platform is said to promote a healthier lifestyle than other social media platforms. 

BeReal Helps Mental Health

“I feel like there is no pressure to look your best all the time, and also, it keeps me from envying other people’s lives. Sometimes I feel on Instagram it can seem like people have such amazing lives, and they always seem to be doing fun things, but then I see BeReal and I’m like “oh they are laying in bed just like me,” and I feel less bad about having days when I’m not doing much,” says users Aubry Norris. 

BeReal is a real break from the highly produced and commercial photography often found on Instagram. 

Instead of liking and scrolling through a never-ending feed, you are asked to respond to your friend’s post with an image of yourself. There’s not even a like or view count shown.

The app forces authenticity and even calls you out when you are not being your most genuine self by revealing how many retakes you took or if you posted late.

“With great social media reach comes great social pressure, and BeReal takes all of that out of the equation. The question will be, how will BeReal keep it real as the app evolves and faces pressure of a growing platform and business?  In the meantime, this is the ultimate time for brands to jump in and find ways to anticipate those BeReal 2-minute windows to create authentic and added value for brands. It just so happens that the best way to do that on BeReal is with the very real people and creators that are on the app.” – Alexandra Mathieu, Head of Strategy

How Brands BeReal

Now is the ultimate time for brands to tap into the app’s power as more and more people crave authenticity and simplicity in an overly curated world. 

Since the app is all about being Anti-Instagram, users aren’t going to be as receptive to brands posting ads. Participating on the app will require being more clever with creators.

Open Influence’s Creative Director Sierra Moore said that brands’ attitudes toward BeReal are similar to their initial approach to TikTok: hesitant and wary, then urgent and necessary.

“I feel like it could be a similar evolution [on BeReal],” she said. “We’re definitely open and hoping that we can find a brand to partner with to try it out.”

Look at how these top brands have used BeReal.

The codes were redeemed in less than a minute after posting

it’s time to ⚠️BeReal⚠️ pic.twitter.com/59o2RITFiC — pacsun (@PacSun) July 20, 2022

e.l.f. Cosmetics 

The first 150 users who friended e.l.f’s channel were given codes for a free product.

Trident X Sour Patch Kids

made gum together might as well BeReal together pic.twitter.com/l3nZ4UfZLn — trident gum (@tridentgum) July 18, 2022

Want to tap into BeReal, but don’t know how? 

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What is ‘bereal’ and will my business need to be on it.

We all know of the big social media platforms, from Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and TikTok… but get ready because a new platform is taking off! BeReal has been installed 7.67 million times since its invention in 2020 .

On Monday 25th July, 2022, BeReal reached the #1 spot on the free app list in the iOS App Store for Apple’s iPhones.

What is BeReal? 

BeReal is a social media app which promotes users to post ‘real’ and unfiltered pictures. Users of the BeReal app will be sent a push notification and any time in the day –

    ⚠️ Time to BeReal. ⚠️

Users then have just two minutes to take a photo and to share it with their followers, so there is no time for re-taking pictures to get the perfect angle, lighting or applying filters (the app doesn’t have any photo editing features). 

You can retake photos within the two-minute window, but your followers will know if/ how many times you do.  If you miss the two-minute deadline your BeReal gets tagged with ‘posted late’. 

Is this a positive change in how we use social media?

It’s no secret that current social media channels can have detrimental effects on its users – especially the younger audiences. ​​ Social media has been linked to poor self-esteem and self-image through image manipulation on photo sharing platforms. According to the Royal Society of Public Health,   children who spend more than three hours a day on social media are twice as likely to display symptoms of mental ill health. 

The ethos of BeReal could be the start of positive changes to already well established platforms such as Instagram. Meta has confirmed that it’s internally prototyping a new Instagram feature that’s suspiciously similar to BeReal, with the “IG Candid” feature by prompting the user to share an authentic photo at a random time each day.

Social media channels can have detrimental effects on its users – especially the younger audiences. ​​Social media has been linked to poor self-esteem and self-image through image manipulation on photo sharing platforms

Does my business need to be on BeReal?

With your social media business accounts,  like any social media channel it has to suit you and your business needs. The first question being:  

• What channels are your audience on? 

For example: if you work in the construction industry your audiences are more likely to have business profiles on LinkedIn rather than spending their time on BeReal. Remember it’s better to be on one social media channel and posting well rather than being on every social media channel and not doing this effectively. 

And the second: 

• Do you  have the resources to be able to post content regularly and is this content appropriate for your business?

BeReal is an app which wants you to use it every day to show the authenticity of the user. This channel may not be appropriate for your business… people are not likely to engage with a manager’s selfies but in the future this might be an interesting way to showcase products. 

For the time being, BeReal’s terms and conditions explicitly prohibit using the app for advertising or commercial purposes. So there’s no need to worry about your business promoting on BeReal – however, this could be the start of new features on the current platforms which you will need to be aware of.

Not sure which social media channels you should be promoting on? Contact Assisted to speak with our Social Media Team: 

Call: 01788 288020 or email: [email protected]

More From Forbes

How To Start Writing A Business Plan That Works

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For the entrepreneur, knowing how to start writing a business plan can be as exhilarating as it is overwhelming. The business plan is a foundational document and the blueprint of your business and is critical for securing funding, setting clear goals, and communicating your vision to the world.

Let’s explore the significance of a business plan, the essential elements it should include, and strategies to forge a plan that resonates with stakeholders and steers your business toward success.

Whether you are about to launch your first business or need to revitalize an existing business strategy, a business plan provides the foundation that supports your entrepreneurial journey.

Why a Business Plan Is Needed

A business plan is not solely for the benefit of a bank manager or an investor . The business plan is a document that helps bring clarity to your vision and can guide every decision and strategy within your company.

A well written business plan forces you to put your goals and ideas into concrete, manageable steps. It cuts through the noise, ensuring you stay focused on what truly matters for your business’s growth.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024.

For startups looking to secure that critical initial investment, a business plan is often the first point of reference for potential backers. It’s a chance to sell your vision, show your financial acumen, and demonstrate a roadmap to profit.

Identifying potential pitfalls early is a vital aspect of proactive business ownership. A good business plan helps you prepare for the unexpected and develop strategies to mitigate risk and safeguard the longevity of your business.

Setting clear, measurable goals in your business plan provides a framework for tracking your progress. This will give you the insight needed to pivot or double down on strategies as the market dictates.

Creating Your Story

Before you start drafting sections and compiling data, step back and consider the story of your business. Your plan should be like a good book, with a clear narrative arc that compels the reader from the first sentence to the last.

Any good story is rooted in an understanding of the world it inhabits. Your business's narrative begins with a comprehensive analysis of the industry in which you operate, as well as the consumers you aim to serve.

Think about how you define your unique selling proposition (USP) . What sets your business apart from competitors? All good stories have a unique twist, and your business plan should articulate what makes your venture different from, and better than, the competition.

Introduce your team into the story. Highlight their expertise, experience, and any relevant achievements that lend credibility to the business’s ability to execute on its vision.

Writing Your Business Plan Is Just the Beginning

A business plan can span from a quick roadmap sketched on the back of a napkin to a hefty document carefully crafted to align with industry standards. Regardless of size, it should contain certain fundamental elements .

The act of writing a business plan, while pivotal, is just the first step in an ongoing process of refinement and execution.

Here’s how to make sure your business plan is a living document:

1. Regular reviews and updates

Markets shift, consumer behavior changes, and your business will grow. Your plan must evolve with these factors, which makes regular reviews and updates a must-do.

2. Be realistic

It’s essential to be both ambitious and realistic in your plan. Don’t over-inflate projections or underestimate costs. An unrealistic plan is as unattractive to investors as a lack of vision and ambition.

3. Seek professional input

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Experienced business advisors, accountants, and mentors can provide invaluable feedback and spot issues you may have missed.

4. Start small

Your first draft doesn’t have to be perfect. Write down your initial thoughts, outline your ideas, and refine them over time. Starting with a large plan can be intimidating but working on it gradually can be a more manageable and effective approach.

The bottom line is that writing a business plan can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach and attention to detail, you can create a document that not only articulates your vision but actively works to make that vision a reality. It’s a living, breathing narrative that outlines your business’s course of action, and should be treated with care and enthusiasm.

Melissa Houston, CPA is the author of Cash Confident: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Creating a Profitable Business . She is the founder of She Means Profit, which is a podcast and blog . As a Finance Strategist for small business owners, Melissa helps successful business owners increase their profit margins so that they keep more money in their pocket and increase their net worth.

The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace any professional or expert accounting and/or tax advice whatsoever.

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How one millennial quit a corporate job, became self-employed, and set himself up financially to start a small business

• In 2017, Paul Millerd left his high-paying consulting job to work for himself.
• He set himself up financially by saving a 12-month cash runway and negotiating a gradual transition.
• This article is part of " Unlocking Small Business Success ," a series providing micro businesses with a road map to growth.

In 2017, Paul Millerd walked away from a six-figure consulting salary.

The decision also meant paying back his full $24,000 sign-on bonus to his previous employer, he said.

"It wasn't this cliché of, 'I'm going to boldly quit my job and run into the sunset and bet on myself,'" the 39-year-old solopreneur and author of " The Pathless Path " told Business Insider. "It was more of an exasperated only-option-left mindset. I wasn't loving my job. I was working with a boss that I wasn't getting along with."

Since graduating from college, Millerd had worked for five companies, convinced every move was "the final stop" but finding himself right where he found himself in 2017: burned out and looking for a different consulting gig.

It was time to try something new, but he wasn't sure what. He shared the steps he took that set him up to leave corporate America and exchange a comfortable paycheck for the unknown.

1. He had a 12-month cash runway

Millerd had about $50,000 in savings after paying back his bonus. It was enough to sustain him for roughly a year, according to back-of-the-envelope math.

He wouldn't necessarily have felt comfortable quitting without the cash cushion. "As soon as I calculated I could live a minimal life on 50 grand a year, I was out of there," he said, adding that he didn't always have savings. Business school "wiped out" what little he'd saved early on in his career and left him with about $70,000 in student-loan debt.

"As soon as that savings account built up, I became a little bolder in terms of taking risks," he said. "It was like, this is some potential freedom to try different things."

2. He negotiated a gradual transition with his company

Millerd didn't give two weeks' notice or leave immediately.

"I negotiated to stay on and train some people," he said. "I really had no plan, so I needed at least a couple of months."

If anything, he stayed "a month or a month and a half too long," he added, but it gave him time to prepare for his next chapter and think about what freelancing would look like.

"I set up my LLC," he said. "I started networking . I reached out to some small consulting firms to see if they needed contractors. I reached out to friends in business school. I built a website. I did some writing."

The networking paid off: It was at a business-school reunion that he landed his first freelance gig after reconnecting with one of his former professors who was looking for consulting work.

3. He lowered his expenses and funded a cheaper life through freelance projects

After leaving his firm in May 2017, the "first phase" of working for himself, as Millerd described it, was: "Get paid; lower costs."

He became a more conscious spender, he said: "A lot of people start with, 'Here's what I make; here's what I budget and spend.' I flipped this equation in my head. For me, it was, 'Everything I spend, I need to earn 30% more than that because of taxes.' So if I'm going to go out for ramen and it costs $20 in New York, that's going to cost me $26. I need to earn the $26."

It helped that he temporarily moved to Boston for his first freelance gig in late 2017. He sublet his New York City apartment, moved in with roommates in Boston, and "really simplified my life," he said, adding that he cut his cost of living from about $6,500 a month to $3,500 a month.

An early money mindset he adopted was "buying time" by living on as little as possible, Millerd, who moved to Taiwan in 2019 and decreased his expenses even more, said. The less he spent, the longer his runway would last.

"If you're spending $1,000 a month, you can buy six months for $6,000," he said. "That was the mode I was in from years two to three."

Lowering costs takes some of the earning pressure off, but it helps to have income coming in even if you have a cash runway.

"I think the smoothest transitions are what I did: Go from full-time work to freelance work, which is essentially doing full-time work, but you're just doing it in a more flexible contract way," said Millerd, who encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to start asking their employers about flexible, part-time work. "Go to your company and say, 'I don't want to quit. Would you be open to a pitch of me turning this into a four-day-a-week job? Could I do three days a week? Here's what I want to do. Here's how much I charge for this.'"

If your manager doesn't want to lose you, they may be more open than you think to part-time work, he said.

4. He had a 'break the glass' plan

In a worst-case scenario, if he drained his savings and couldn't land any freelance gigs, Millerd always knew he could find a way to make money.

Since leaving corporate America in 2017, his revenue streams have included freelance consulting, coaching , online course sales, book sales, and affiliate marketing.

If he never figured out how to make money working for himself , "there was always the sense that I had the capability of breaking glass in case of emergency," he said, adding: "I'm creative enough to figure out how to make money. I can go work at a restaurant. I'll take any job if I need to. Especially now with a kid, I don't have an ego when it comes to taking care of my family."

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Have a device you love? Save $600 when you switch to Verizon 
and bring your compatible smartphone and number. New line w/month-to-month agmt & Business Unlimited Plus 5G or Unlimited Pro 5G plan req’d. Cust must transfer smartphone & number to VZ; new line activation & number transfer must be completed in one transaction. Smartphone must be compatible w/VZ network. $600 credit applied to acct. over 24 mos; promo credit ends when eligibility requirements are no longer met. Credits begin in 1-2 bills, will include appropriate credit amounts from order date & do not appear in Biz Unlimited 5G plan fee section of your bill. Biz Unlimited 5G plan fee increases in month 25. Cust must retain smartphone & remain on selected plan in order to receive credit(s). Cannot be combined with other device offers. Business Unlimited 5G plan terms apply. Limited time offer.

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Don’t let a lost, stolen or damaged device destroy productivity. Because your business can’t wait. Verizon device protection options are available for eligible Verizon business wireless lines and devices. You must enroll within 30 days of device activation or during another qualifying event. Certain benefits are available with select plans. Claims limitations, line limits, deductibles, taxes, fees and terms apply.

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Taxes & fees apply. New line w/device payment purchase agmt & Business Unlimited Pro plan req’d. 0% APR. Up to $1,000 (iPhone 15 Pro Max, Pixel Fold, Galaxy S24 Ultra or Galaxy Z Fold5) credit, varying by smartphone trade-in, applied to acct over the term of your agmt (up to 36 mos); promo credit ends when eligibility requirements are no longer met. Credit will not exceed device price. Monthly credits begin 2-3 bills after trade-in is received by VZ. Smartphone trade-in must be received by VZ w/in 90 days & meet program requirements. Most trade-in device conditions accepted; exclusions apply. 10-line trade-in limit per order. Cannot be combined with other device offers. Limited time offer.

New Verizon customers can get $100 off a new smartphone.

New line w/device payment agmt & $34.99 or higher price plan req’d. 0% APR. $100 credit applied to acct after 2-3 bills. Can be combined with select offers. VZ reserves the right to charge back to your acct all or a portion of the value of any promotional credit you received as part of this offer in the event you no longer meet the eligibility requirements. Any such charge back may be subject to the terms of your VZ agmt. Offer available online only for a limited time.

Switch with your phone and number. Save $600.

New line w/month-to-month agmt & Business Unlimited Plus 5G or Unlimited Pro 5G plan req’d. Cust must transfer smartphone & number to VZ; new line activation & number transfer must be completed in one transaction. Smartphone must be compatible w/VZ network. $600 credit applied to acct. over 24 mos; promo credit ends when eligibility requirements are no longer met. Credits begin in 1-2 bills, will include appropriate credit amounts from order date & do not appear in Biz Unlimited 5G plan fee section of your bill. Biz Unlimited 5G plan fee increases in month 25. Cust must retain smartphone & remain on selected plan in order to receive credit(s). Cannot be combined with other device offers. Business Unlimited 5G plan terms apply. Limited time offer.

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