BeReal Video: Capturing Real Moments in Motion
BeReal has built its identity on spontaneous, unfiltered sharing. The introduction of BeReal video adds a new dimension to the app, letting users capture genuine moments not just in still images but in motion as well. This guide explores what BeReal video is, how it works, and practical ways to use it to strengthen authentic connections with friends and followers while keeping the vibe that makes BeReal unique.
What is BeReal video?
BeReal video is a feature that enables users to post short clips alongside or in place of their BeReal photo during a daily prompt. Unlike heavily edited content common on many platforms, BeReal video emphasizes spontaneity and a snapshot of real life, showing things that a single photo might miss—the way light shifts in a room, a quick shared laugh, or a candid action in progress. For many users, BeReal video feels like an extension of the same principle: sharing reality without overthinking every frame.
How BeReal video works
While the exact steps can vary with app updates, the general flow is straightforward and designed to stay true to BeReal’s spirit of immediacy.
- Receive your BeReal prompt at a chosen moment.
- Open the camera within the BeReal app and switch to video mode if it’s available in your version.
- Record a short clip that captures the moment as it happens. Most users keep clips brief to preserve authenticity and attention to the ordinary details of daily life.
- Review and post your BeReal video along with any accompanying photo, or post the video on its own if you prefer.
- See friends’ BeReal video responses in your feed and react with RealMoji or comments, just as you would with photos.
As with BeReal photos, the goal is to share a genuine slice of life. BeReal video invites audiences to experience motion—the little dynamics of a scene that a still image can’t convey.
Why try BeReal video?
- Deeper authenticity: Movement adds context to a moment, making it easier to tell a story without overproducing it.
- New creative balance: A short video can capture sounds, textures, and actions that photos miss, enriching your everyday storytelling.
- Stronger connections: Friends may feel more connected when they can “hear” or “watch” a moment unfold, not just see a snapshot.
- Low-pressure content: The goal remains to be real, not perfect. Short videos are naturally less polished, which aligns with BeReal’s ethos.
Getting started: a simple, no-stress workflow
If you’re new to BeReal video, here’s a practical approach that keeps things easy and authentic.
- Update to the latest BeReal app version to access video features. If you don’t see a video option, check for a(n) update or look for the feature in a phased rollout in your region or device type.
- Choose a moment when the surroundings are natural and unforced. The best BeReal video moments often show real-life scenes—coffee at dawn, a quick walk to work, friends’ candid banter.
- Record a brief clip (10–20 seconds is a good starting point). Don’t worry about perfect lighting; natural light tends to look the most real.
- Pair the video with a short caption that adds context without overexplaining. You might describe where you are or what just happened, then post.
- Engage with peers after you post. Watch others’ BeReal video responses, react honestly, and leave supportive, authentic comments.
Creative ideas for BeReal video
To keep your BeReal video engaging while staying true to the platform’s spirit, try these ideas:
- Morning routines in motion: a quick clip of brewing coffee, opening a window, or packing a bag for the day.
- Small scenes of daily life: a snapshot of your desk, a street scene, or a pet’s antics.
- Behind-the-scenes moments: how you prepare for a meeting, a quick workout, or a craft you’re working on.
- Social moments with friends: a spontaneous reaction, a shared laugh, or a group activity captured as it unfolds.
- Nature in motion: a quick outdoor moment, like a breeze through trees or waves at the shore, to convey atmosphere.
Best practices for authenticity in BeReal video
- Keep it unedited: Avoid adding filters or overlays. The appeal lies in unfiltered reality.
- Show the context: A video that frames a moment rather than a single action often feels more relatable.
- Be brief but meaningful: Short clips are easier to consume and share, and they encourage genuine reactions.
- Pay attention to sound: If you can record a moment with ambient sound, it adds a layer of realism (but don’t sacrifice privacy or comfort).
- Respect privacy: Be mindful of what you reveal about others. When in doubt, blur faces or ask for consent before recording a group moment.
Privacy and safety considerations
As with any BeReal feature, privacy settings and personal boundaries matter more than ever with video. Consider these guidelines:
- Turn off precise location sharing if you prefer not to reveal where you are. BeReal’s default settings may still expose some location data in the moment of capture.
- Be mindful of sharing identifiable information in the background (office numbers, license plates, or personal documents).
- Think twice before posting a clip that could be misused. If a moment feels private, it’s okay to skip posting or to remove a share later.
- Use the app’s controls to manage who can view your BeReal video. Limit visibility to close friends if you want a more intimate circle.
Troubleshooting common issues
Some users run into minor hiccups when they first start using BeReal video. Here are quick fixes:
- If the video option isn’t visible, ensure you’re on the latest app version and that your device supports video capture in the BeReal environment.
- If recordings appear choppy, close other apps that may be using camera resources, then retry.
- After posting, if your video doesn’t appear in the feed, check your network connection and try refreshing the app.
- Privacy settings not behaving as expected? Revisit the app’s permissions (camera, microphone, storage) and adjust them accordingly.
Final thoughts: is BeReal video right for you?
BeReal video is not about perfect production or high-gloss storytelling. It is about motion that captures a moment as it unfolds—an extension of BeReal’s mission to show real life in real time. If you value authenticity, enjoy brief, unscripted moments, and want to deepen your connections with friends through a shared, candid format, BeReal video can be a natural addition to your social routine. Start small, stay true to your moment, and let the motion of daily life speak for itself.