BeReal and the BeReal Friends of Friends Feature: How It Works and How to Use It

BeReal has carved out a niche by celebrating everyday moments shared without filters. As the app grows, new social features like BeReal friends of friends invite users to explore content beyond their immediate circle. This article explains what BeReal friends of friends are, how they work, and practical tips to use them in a way that feels natural, respectful, and enjoyable for everyone involved.

What are BeReal friends of friends?

BeReal friends of friends refers to a social layer within the app that surfaces posts from people who are connected to someone in your BeReal friends list, but who are not directly in your own network. In other words, you can come across moments from people who are one step removed from you—friends of your friends—without needing a direct connection. This concept expands your social canvas while keeping the core BeReal ethos intact: authenticity, spontaneous moments, and no artificial curation. When people talk about BeReal friends of friends, they’re describing a bridge to a broader, yet still organic, stream of real-life moments.

How to access and manage BeReal friends of friends

Access to BeReal friends of friends is typically found in the app’s discovery or social tabs. The exact navigation can vary by device and version, but the idea remains the same: you opt into a broader view that includes your friends’ connections. Here are general steps you might follow:

Open BeReal and go to the main feed or Discover area.
Look for a section labeled Friends of Friends or a toggle that expands your feed to include this broader network.
Review individual posts, which are real-time moments from users who are connected to your friends. You can like, comment, or simply observe.
In settings, you can usually control whether BeReal friends of friends appear in your feed or are hidden from your view, helping you tailor your experience.
If you prefer more privacy, you can limit visibility by adjusting who can see your own BeReal posts and who can discover you through mutual connections.

BeReal friends of friends gives you a chance to discover shared interests and potential new connections, all framed by the platform’s emphasis on authenticity. If you’re new to this feature, start slowly to understand how the content feels and how it affects your daily usage.

Benefits of BeReal friends of friends

Broader discovery while preserving authenticity. BeReal friends of friends can introduce you to people who share similar routines, hobbies, or locations, without compromising the spontaneous nature of BeReal.
Opportunities for meaningful connections. You might find someone who becomes a new friend or collaborator because you recognize a shared interest in sports, art, or local events through BeReal friends of friends posts.
Authenticity over polish. Since BeReal emphasizes real moments, the content from BeReal friends of friends often feels relatable and grounded, even when you don’t know the creator personally.
Less pressure to perform. The BeReal philosophy isn’t about chasing likes; BeReal friends of friends can reinforce that mindset by presenting candid moments from familiar corners of your extended network.

Privacy and safety: What to know about BeReal friends of friends

With BeReal friends of friends, you’re expanding visibility beyond your direct circle. That can be exciting, but it also raises questions about privacy and boundaries. Here are practical considerations to keep in mind:

Control over your own visibility. BeReal’s design typically respects user choices, so you can decide how broadly your posts are discoverable—whether you appear in others’ BeReal friends of friends feeds or remain within your own circle.
Consent and comfort. People may be comfortable sharing moments with close friends but not with a wider audience. If you post, consider the potential reach and how it aligns with your comfort level and personal boundaries.
Respectful interactions. The openness of BeReal friends of friends doesn’t obligate you to respond to every post. When you do engage, keep comments kind and relevant to the moment shown.
Data considerations. As you explore BeReal friends of friends, remember that content is still real-time and intended to capture authentic moments. Be mindful of sharing sensitive information or moments that might embarrass someone who isn’t aware their post could be seen by a broader audience.

Best practices for using BeReal friends of friends

Engage thoughtfully. When you encounter BeReal friends of friends posts, focus on genuine curiosity about the moment rather than evaluating or comparing lives. A simple, friendly comment can go a long way in building positive connections.
Protect your own privacy. Regularly review your privacy settings to decide who can see your BeReal posts and who can discover you through mutual connections. Your comfort should guide how you participate in BeReal friends of friends.
Be mindful of timing. BeReal moments are meant to be spur-of-the-m moment experiences. Responding or commenting promptly can reflect your interest in the moment without turning BeReal into a high-pressure platform.
Curate your presence. If you’re posting content you’d prefer to be seen only by your direct friends, adjust visibility accordingly. The goal is to keep your BeReal experience aligned with your personal preferences and comfort level.
Foster a respectful community. When engaging with BeReal friends of friends, treat everyone with empathy and avoid judgment. Authenticity works best in an atmosphere of respect and inclusivity.

Limitations and considerations

While BeReal friends of friends can enrich your experience, there are limitations to consider:

Availability varies. Not all users may have access to the BeReal friends of friends feature at all times; it could depend on your region, app version, or settings.
Information exposure is gradual. You’ll see posts from people one degree of separation away, which means the content can feel distant and sometimes less familiar than the posts from direct friends.
Quality of interactions may vary. Unlike curated feeds, BeReal moments are spontaneous. This can lead to a mix of moments that are delightful and some that feel less relevant, depending on your interests.
Moderation and safety gaps exist. With a broader audience, the potential for misunderstandings or unwanted interactions increases. Stay aware of your boundaries and report issues if they arise.

Maximizing authenticity with BeReal friends of friends

To keep the experience aligned with BeReal’s philosophy, approach BeReal friends of friends as a chance to witness relatable moments rather than a platform for performance metrics. Here are some practical tips:

Focus on moments, not personas. The value of BeReal lies in genuine, unscripted snapshots. Let BeReal friends of friends complement your feed without forcing a curated image of other people’s lives.
Share selectively. If you choose to post in the broader BeReal community, consider what you’re comfortable with beyond your strongest circle. A little transparency goes a long way without overexposing personal detail.
Engage with intention. Leave comments that reflect a real connection to the moment—contextual remarks, questions about the activity, or shared interests noted in the post.
Respect privacy boundaries. If someone’s post involves private aspects of their life, treat it with discretion and avoid sharing into other networks without consent.

Frequently asked questions about BeReal friends of friends

How does BeReal decide which BeReal friends of friends posts to show me? The platform uses your existing connections and activity to surface posts from people who are connected to your BeReal friends. This approach aims to create a familiar yet expanded social environment, keeping content relevant while broadening discovery.

Can I turn off BeReal friends of friends entirely? Yes. If you prefer a more intimate feed, you can adjust settings to limit visibility to your direct circle and disable broader discovery when needed.

Is commenting on BeReal friends of friends posts appropriate? Yes, provided your comment is respectful and focused on the moment shared. The BeReal ethos supports authentic, supportive interaction rather than casual critique.

Conclusion

BeReal friends of friends offers a thoughtful way to expand your social horizon without sacrificing authenticity. By understanding how BeReal friends of friends works, managing your privacy, and following best practices, you can enjoy a richer, more connected BeReal experience. The goal remains clear: celebrate real moments with people you know and, through BeReal friends of friends, meet others who share your everyday interests. Embracing this feature with intentionality helps maintain a healthy balance between discovery and privacy, ensuring BeReal remains a platform for genuine connection rather than a crowded photo gallery. As you explore BeReal friends of friends, let curiosity guide you, kindness shape your interactions, and authenticity be the thread that ties your wider network together.