BeReal Rolls Out 2 New Features Similar to iOS Live Photo, Private Groups

BeReal, the acclaimed real-time snap app that bagged Apple's 2022 iPhone App of the Year, is set to unleash a duo of new features, Behind the Scenes (BTS) and RealGroups.

These game-changing additions promise to redefine how users interact within the platform, zeroing in on spontaneity and privacy in a landscape dominated by curated content.

BeReal Behind the Scenes Feature

Behind the Scenes (BTS), the app's rendition of iOS Live Photos emerges as the highlight of this update. Functioning akin to Apple's Live Photos, BTS captures a fleeting few seconds of video before immortalizing a static shot.

This opt-in feature allows users to add a layer of authenticity to their posts by offering a sneak peek into the moments preceding the captured picture.

Users retain control, activating or deactivating BTS at their discretion, ensuring a more personalized experience. Available presently on iOS, Android users eagerly await its imminent arrival next week.

BeReal RealGroups

RealGroups is another feature facilitating intimate interactions within the BeReal community. This invite-only functionality allows users to create private groups, fostering more genuine connections among a select circle.

What sets RealGroups apart is the ability of the group's administrator to control the daily notification, prompting users to capture their daily BeReal and providing a more personalized touch to the app's core gimmick.

While the app encourages creating a RealGroup to stay connected with friends during significant life changes, users must choose wisely, as they are limited to participating in only two groups.

App Popularity

While BeReal's ethos hinges on spontaneous authenticity, its burgeoning user base speaks volumes about its relevance in social media.

Amidst the buzz surrounding BeReal's latest features, questions about its survival in the ever-changing social media landscape linger.

TechCrunch notes that while Pew's survey suggests that 13% of U.S. teens have engaged with the platform, conflicting reports from analytics firms present varying figures.

BeReal itself reported 20 million daily active users worldwide in April, a number that rose to 25 million by September. Though subject to interpretation, these statistics underscore the platform's significance in the social media sphere.

While these groundbreaking features take center stage, BeReal does not stop there. The platform introduces additional functionalities, including a Tagging feature allowing users to notify and share content with friends and a forthcoming 2023 Recap feature for reflecting on the year's highlights.

While enhancing the user experience, these supplementary features play second fiddle to the monumental impact expected from BTS and RealGroups.

BeReal's trajectory deviates significantly from traditional social media paradigms. The app continues to evolve by leveraging spontaneity and privacy as its cornerstones, creating an ecosystem where authenticity reigns supreme.

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(Photo : Tech Times Writer John Lopez)