Customer Reviews (500)

VA.EB • 2025-03-27T20:14:53-07:00

bereal too real man 😞

Stanley_owner • 2025-03-27T19:03:48-07:00

Love it to see what your friends are doing as long as family

matt the duck guy • 2025-03-27T18:41:13-07:00

Me and my friend use it to keep in touch even when time is not convenient for a chat or call. Just wish you can post unlimitedley.

Summary of Key Insights

BeReal is an app with a generally positive sentiment, praised for its unique concept of authenticity and connecting with friends. However, recent updates have introduced significant user dissatisfaction, primarily due to changes in the user interface, the introduction of ads, and the removal of features like the "friends of friends" view. The app also suffers from recurring technical issues, including login problems, notification glitches, and camera malfunctions. While users appreciate the core idea of sharing unfiltered daily moments, they are increasingly frustrated by changes that make the app feel more like other mainstream social media platforms.

Key Strengths:

  • Authenticity and unfiltered content
  • Connection with close friends and family
  • Simple and easy-to-use interface (prior to recent updates)
  • Kid-friendly alternative to other social media

Key Weaknesses:

  • Negative impact of recent updates on UI and features
  • Intrusive and frequent ads
  • Recurring technical issues (login, notifications, camera)
  • Loss of features like "friends of friends" and swipe navigation in archive
  • App instability and glitches

Overall Sentiment: Mixed, with a decline in positive sentiment due to recent updates.

Quantitative Metrics:

  • Overall Rating: Based on the provided score distribution, the average rating is approximately 4.01 stars.
  • Score Distribution:
    • 5-star: 46.6% (233/500)
    • 4-star: 17% (85/500)
    • 3-star: 11.8% (59/500)
    • 2-star: 7.4% (37/500)
    • 1-star: 17.2% (86/500)

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: The reviews span a considerable period, with some mentioning specific dates (e.g., August 2024, March 2025), indicating a range of recent and older feedback.
  • Analysis Methods:
    • Sentiment Analysis: Used to gauge the overall tone (positive, negative, neutral) of the reviews.
    • Keyword Extraction: Identified frequently mentioned issues, features, and sentiments.
    • Thematic Analysis: Grouped related comments to identify recurring themes and pain points.

Key User Pain Points

  • Negative Impact of Recent Updates: Users frequently complain about changes to the UI, the removal of features like "friends of friends," and the addition of features that make the app feel like TikTok or Instagram. Many express a desire to revert to the original design.
  • Intrusive Advertising: The increasing frequency and intrusiveness of ads are a major source of frustration. Users report that ads disrupt their experience and detract from the app's original purpose.
  • Login and Verification Issues: Many users report problems with logging in, particularly with receiving verification codes via SMS. This prevents them from accessing their accounts.
  • Notification Problems: Users experience inconsistent or delayed notifications, making it difficult to post "on time."
  • Camera Issues: Some users encounter problems with the camera, such as it not working or not flipping.
  • Glitches and Instability: The app is reported to be glitchy and unstable, with issues such as posts disappearing, messages not sending, and the app crashing.
  • Loss of Streaks/Memories: Some users report losing their streaks or memories due to updates or technical issues.
  • Lack of Customer Support: Several reviewers express frustration with the lack of response from customer support.
  • Limited Music Integration: Users frequently request integration with other music streaming services, such as Amazon Music and YouTube Music.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Bring Back Old Features/Layout: Revert UI changes to the original version.
  • More Music Streaming Options: Add support for Amazon Music, YouTube Music, and other streaming services.
  • Restore Streak Functionality: Implement a way to restore lost streaks (e.g., by watching ads).
  • More Control Over Privacy: Provide more options for controlling who can see posts (e.g., permanent "friends only" setting).
  • Improved Notification System: Ensure timely and reliable notifications.
  • Ability to Tag All Friends: Add a "tag all" feature for easier tagging.
  • Email Login Option: Allow users to sign up and log in with email addresses instead of just phone numbers.
  • Unlimited Posts: Allow users to post more than the current limit.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Authenticity and Unfiltered Content: Users appreciate the app's focus on real, unfiltered moments.
  • Connection with Friends and Family: BeReal is seen as a good way to stay connected with close friends and family, especially those who live far away.
  • Simplicity and Ease of Use: The app is generally considered easy to use (although recent updates have complicated this).
  • Kid-Friendly Alternative: Parents see BeReal as a safer and more appropriate social media option for younger teens.
  • Unique Concept: The core idea of sharing a daily snapshot at a random time is still valued.
  • Memory Preservation: Users appreciate being able to look back at their past BeReals.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Address Technical Issues: Fix login problems, notification glitches, camera malfunctions, and app instability. These issues prevent users from using the app effectively.
  • Reduce Advertising: Significantly reduce the frequency and intrusiveness of ads. Explore alternative monetization strategies that don't negatively impact the user experience.
  • Re-evaluate Recent UI/Feature Changes: Conduct user testing and gather feedback on the recent updates. Consider reverting unpopular changes or offering users the option to choose between the old and new layouts.
  • Improve Customer Support: Respond to user inquiries and address reported issues in a timely manner.

Medium Priority:

  • Implement Requested Features: Add support for more music streaming services, restore streak functionality, and provide more control over privacy settings.
  • Enhance Notification System: Ensure that notifications are delivered reliably and on time.
  • Optimize App Performance: Improve loading times and reduce lag.
  • Address Memory Loss Issues: Investigate and resolve reports of lost streaks and memories.

Low Priority:

  • Add Tag All Feature: Implement a "tag all" feature for easier tagging.
  • Add Email Login Option: Allow users to sign up and log in with email addresses.
  • Unlimited Posts: Reconsider the limit on the number of daily posts.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • "BeReal Memories" Service: A service that allows users to easily download and back up their BeReal memories.
  • Enhanced Music Integration Plugin: A plugin that seamlessly integrates BeReal with multiple music streaming services.
  • "Authenticity Filter" for Other Social Media: A tool that encourages users to share unfiltered content on other platforms.
  • Private Social Network for Families: A social network with BeReal-like features designed specifically for families.

Trends and Observations

  • Strong Negative Reaction to Updates: A recurring theme is user dissatisfaction with recent updates that change the app's UI and functionality.
  • Ads are a Major Pain Point: Users consistently complain about the increasing frequency and intrusiveness of ads.
  • Technical Issues Persist: Login problems, notification glitches, and camera malfunctions are ongoing issues.
  • Desire for Simplicity: Users value the app's original simplicity and authenticity.
  • Language: Predominantly English reviews, suggesting a primary user base in English-speaking regions.

Conclusion

BeReal has a strong foundation based on its unique concept of authenticity and connecting with friends. However, recent updates have alienated many users by introducing intrusive ads, changing the UI in ways that mimic other social media platforms, and removing popular features. To regain user trust and prevent further decline, BeReal needs to prioritize addressing technical issues, reducing advertising, and re-evaluating its recent design and feature changes. By listening to user feedback and focusing on its core strengths, BeReal can reclaim its position as a unique and valuable social media platform. Overall, a strong recommendation is to revert many of the recent changes and focus on stability and performance improvements.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bereal-photos-friends-daily/id1459645446?uo=2