BeReal Community Guidelines: Navigating Authenticity, Safety, and Respect
BeReal has carved out a space in the social media landscape by prioritizing authenticity over perfection. The platform invites users to share real moments in real time, often with a single prompt that appears at a random moment each day. To sustain a healthy, inclusive, and safe environment, BeReal’s community guidelines outline expected behavior, privacy considerations, and moderation practices. This article explains the core principles behind these guidelines, practical rules for posting and interacting, and steps for reporting concerns. It is written to be helpful for everyday users, creators, and moderators alike, while remaining accessible and easy to follow.
The guiding principles of BeReal
At the heart of BeReal’s guidelines are four pillars: authenticity, respect, safety, and accountability. These elements shape how content is created, shared, and discussed within the community.
- Authenticity: Posts should reflect real moments and real life without excessive staging or deception. The simplicity of BeReal’s prompt mechanic is meant to showcase genuine experiences.
- Respect: Interactions should be civil and considerate. Diverse perspectives deserve space, and criticism should be constructive rather than hostile.
- Safety: Users should feel protected from harassment, threats, or dangerous content. Safety is a communal obligation that involves both platform policies and user behavior.
- Accountability: Violations have consequences. The platform may employ warnings, content removal, temporary suspensions, or permanent bans to preserve a healthy community.
Authenticity in practice: what to post and what to avoid
BeReal emphasizes honest, unfiltered snapshots of daily life. To preserve authenticity while respecting others, consider the following guidelines when creating posts and replies.
Embrace the moment captured by the app’s prompt, but avoid fabricating context or staging scenes that misrepresent reality. Editing is allowed but should not distort the truth of the moment. Extreme changes that alter the appearance of people or places undermine the spirit of BeReal. If a photo could be misunderstood, include a brief, clear caption that explains the scene, location, or purpose of the post sensitive to privacy concerns. Do not post content that sexualizes minors, exposes others’ private information, or reveals faces of non-consenting individuals in sensitive situations.
Privacy and consent: protecting yourself and others
Privacy is a fundamental element of BeReal’s community guidelines. Sharing content should respect the boundaries of friends, family, coworkers, and bystanders who may appear in your posts.
Do not share images or recordings of someone who has not given explicit permission, especially for sensitive moments or private settings. Avoid disclosing addresses, contact details, financial information, or other private data about yourself or others in public posts or comments. Be mindful of geotags or location cues. When sharing in public spaces, consider whether the post could reveal sensitive whereabouts or routines. If you upload content featuring others, you should own the rights to share it or have permission from the rights holder.
Safety, minors, and reporting concerns
BeReal attracts a wide audience, including younger users. The guidelines prioritize safety and provide clear steps for addressing risky or inappropriate behavior.
Users should follow local age requirements and take appropriate precautions when using the platform. Any form of harassment, bullying, or threats is not tolerated. Report such behavior promptly. Content that promotes self-harm, violence, illegal activity, or exploitation should be reported immediately. BeReal has zero tolerance for grooming or exploitation of minors. If you encounter anything suspicious, report it with details to the moderation team.
Respectful interactions: tone, ethics, and debate
Healthy discourse enhances the BeReal community. The platform encourages discussions that are thoughtful and inclusive, while discouraging language and behavior that alienate or harm others.
If you don’t want interactions or comments on a post, you can adjust privacy settings or limit who can respond. If you disagree, offer feedback that is specific, constructive, and focused on ideas rather than personal attacks. BeReal benefits from diverse perspectives. Avoid stereotypes or generalizations that undermine the dignity of others.
Content moderation and enforcement
To maintain a safe and authentic community, BeReal relies on a combination of automated detection, user reports, and human moderation. This multilayered approach helps identify violations and apply appropriate actions.
Algorithms may flag content that appears to violate guidelines, such as explicit material, hate speech, or dangerous content. - User reporting: The platform provides accessible reporting tools for posts, comments, or accounts that appear harmful or abusive.
Moderators review reported material and determine next steps, which may range from warnings to temporary suspensions or permanent bans.
How to report violations effectively
When you witness content or behavior that breaches BeReal guidelines, clear, timely reporting helps maintain community safety. Here are practical steps to report effectively.
Note whether the content is abusive, harassing, illegal, private, or potentially dangerous. Include brief details about why the post or account violates guidelines and any relevant timestamps or screenshots if safe and permitted. Do not engage in public shaming or retaliation. Use the in-app reporting tools and let moderators handle the case. If you need to follow up, keep communications concise and focused on policy violations rather than personalities.
Best practices for creators and communities
Whether you’re posting daily moments, building a small circle, or fostering a dedicated community, these practical tips help you stay aligned with BeReal’s spirit while supporting responsible engagement.
Use captions that explain the moment without sensationalizing it. This supports authenticity while providing clarity. Consider whether a post could expose someone’s privacy or put them at risk. When in doubt, hold the post or remove sensitive details. Encourage supportive comments, respond with empathy, and model constructive dialogue for new users. If you run a public community or group, set clear local rules that align with BeReal guidelines and communicate them to members.
Aligning with Google SEO while respecting BeReal values
For sites hosting BeReal guidelines or educational resources about BeReal, adopting SEO best practices helps people discover trustworthy information without compromising the user experience. Key points include:
Use descriptive headings (h1, h2, h3) and short paragraphs to improve readability and crawlability. Integrate terms like “BeReal,” “BeReal guidelines,” and “community guidelines” organically throughout the content without stuffing. Ensure content is accessible to all users, including those using screen readers. Include concise alt text for any images if present. Link to related BeReal resources or policy documents where appropriate to provide depth and context. Write in a human, authoritative voice with practical examples and actionable guidance rather than generic boilerplate language.
Conclusion: fostering a real and respectful BeReal community
BeReal’s community guidelines are more than a set of rules; they reflect a shared commitment to authenticity, safety, and mutual respect. By posting honestly, protecting privacy, engaging kindly, and reporting concerns when needed, users contribute to a space where real moments can be shared without fear or intimidation. Moderation works best when communities participate in good faith, uphold standards, and support one another in navigating challenges. While the digital landscape continues to evolve, these guidelines offer a practical framework for enjoying BeReal while maintaining a healthy online culture. Remember: authenticity thrives where respect and responsibility meet everyday moments.
