How To Capture and Save Photos Using Social Media App BeReal

BeReal is a unique social media app that aims to showcase authentic moments in your life. Here is a guide on how to use BeReal to capture and save photos.

What is BeReal

BeReal is a photo sharing app launched in 2020 that prompts users daily to capture and share photos within a 2-minute time limit. The key features of BeReal include:

  • Dual Camera Capture: BeReal simultaneously takes a photo using your front and back phone cameras. This allows you to capture a selfie and a photo of your surroundings at the same time.
  • Random Notifications: You get a notification daily at a different time prompting you to “BeReal”. This captures spontaneous moments.
  • Time Limit: You only get 2 minutes to take and share a photo when notified. This encourages authenticity by not giving time to stage photos.
  • No Editing: BeReal does not allow editing photos or using filters before sharing. The aim is to share real moments, not curated images.

The app has grown rapidly in 2022, especially among Gen Z users looking for a more authentic social media experience.

How to Use BeReal

Using BeReal to capture and share photos is simple if you understand the basic workflow:

Downloading and Setting Up

First, download BeReal from your device’s app store. When you open the app for the first time it will guide you to set up your profile.

  • Enter your name, phone number, and birthday
  • Allow access to your camera, photos, contacts and notifications
  • The app finds friends already on BeReal to follow
  • You can skip posting your first BeReal and do it later when notified

Taking Your BeReal

  • You will get a notification daily at a random time saying “Time to BeReal!”
  • Open the app within 2 minutes to capture your BeReal
  • The app opens your front and back phone cameras
  • Click the capture button to take both photos simultaneously
  • You can retake within the 2-minute limit if you don’t like the photos

Posting and Viewing Friends’ BeReals

  • After taking your daily BeReal you can make it public or visible only to your friends
  • Post it to share the authentic moment with your connections
  • You must post your own BeReal before you can view friends’ photos
  • Engage with friends by reacting to their BeReals with RealMojis

Saving Your BeReal Photos

If you want to save the photos you take on BeReal, either for memories or to share on other platforms later, you have a few options:

Save to Camera Roll

After taking your daily BeReal you will see a small download icon on the left. Tap this to save the photo directly to your phone’s local storage camera roll.

Take a Screenshot

Open the BeReal photo you want to save and take a screenshot using your phone’s screenshot function (typically holding power + volume down buttons simultaneously). This saves the photo to your camera roll.

Share Externally

In your BeReal photo tap the share icon (usually an arrow pointing up out of a box). This will allow you to share the BeReal externally via apps like Messages, Instagram, etc. When you share to another app you can then save it from there.

BeReal Privacy Concerns

While BeReal aims to cultivate authenticity between friends, you should be aware of some privacy concerns before using it:

  • BeReal accesses your camera, photos, contacts and location when you take photos.
  • Your name, phone number, birthday and other details are needed to create an account.
  • BeReal uses third-party cookies for analytics and advertising purposes.
  • Photos shared publicly can be seen by anyone globally. Change settings to share only with friends.
  • Friends can take screenshots of your photos without your knowledge.

Make sure you adjust BeReal’s privacy settings appropriately and are careful with sharing personal information publicly. This ensures you have control over your photos.

Conclusion

BeReal offers a unique way to share candid glimpses of your real life with friends and family. Follow the steps to set up your account, take dual photos when notified daily, and post or save your photos as desired. Just be aware of potential privacy risks when using any social media app. Used responsibly, BeReal can enrich your connections with loved ones offline.