BeReal is testing its messaging feature, “RealChat,” which should allow users to send personal messages.
BeReal is recently getting attention from young users, thanks to its unique posting concept and camera layout. For the unversed, the main idea behind the photo-sharing app is to encourage users to post their authentic and real shots at an unspecified time of the day. The app sends the users notifications, alarming them that it is time to post their pictures on the platform. When they open the app, they only get two minutes to post an image using a layout employing their front and back cameras simultaneously. This layout, however, gave BeReal’s older and more established competitors an idea, resulting in the same filters we see now on TikTok and Snapchat. This threatened BeReal’s budding success. And without messaging capability, its users are less likely to stay on its platform.
The company wants to resolve this by injecting its own messaging feature into the app, giving users other options to communicate aside from commenting on each other’s posts. It will be a one-on-one messaging feature with BeReal-customized emojis that users can use for reactions. Aside from texts, users can also send a private BeReal to someone without the conventional time limit requirement of the app.
Other features of the messaging app include options for blocking and reporting. According to BeReal, users can also delete their messages, albeit the recipients will still be able to see the deleted text on their end unless they delete it themselves. Moreover, it is important to note that the messaging capability will only be available to users who are friends on the platform. Also, the company stressed that chats wouldn’t be encrypted.
According to TechCrunch, the test will start with Ireland-based users. BeReal, nonetheless, shared that it would test RealChat in “some countries,” which might mean the test is larger than expected.
