The BeReal App Gains Momentum as an Anti-Instagram Response

In 2022, the photo app BeReal topped the list of the most downloaded apps on Apple's App Store, and has since been called the "anti-Instagram app".

BeReal is built without likes or followers and more as a constant publishing channel where users can share their unfiltered reality rather than chasing more followers or likes. The app has now been acquired by the French app developer Voodoo for $537 million, which many interpret as the app having the potential to compete with Meta's own platforms such as Instagram and even TikTok.

This is what Alexandre Yazdi, co-creator of Voodoo who now bought BeReal, writes:

"BeReal achieved incredible user loyalty and growth, demonstrating that there is a universal need to share real, unfiltered experiences with close friends. We are very excited to bring our teams together and leverage Voodoo's expertise and differentiated technologies to scale BeReal into the iconic social network for authenticity."

With 20 million downloads and over one and a half million downloads in the first week on the App Store, the app got off to a real flying start. The reason is believed to be that many were tired of Instagram's feed being filled with ads over and over again.

According to many, it has not improved on Instagram - most recently by using so-called "ad breaks" you as a user are forced to watch an ad before you can continue scrolling on the platform.

Kamera & Bild has previously reported on cheating, mental health issues, and the pursuit of followers and likes, which are just some parts of the problems that have been widely discussed regarding social media and specifically Instagram.

Check out the BeReal app here, or Camera & Image's feed on Instagram here.

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