BeReal burst onto the social media scene by offering a refreshingly simple concept: one unfiltered photo per day, taken simultaneously with both the front and back cameras. This focus on authenticity struck a chord with Gen Z users and drew millions of monthly active people looking for a low-pressure, real social experience. In 2025, BeReal officially launched its native advertising platform in the United States, giving brands new ways to connect with audiences in a way that feels organic rather than intrusive.
Brands Embracing BeReal (and Seeing Results)
Although the platform originally discouraged traditional advertising formats, many brands have found creative ways to connect with users on BeReal, often in ways that feel more real than polished. Early adopters have turned simple, candid content into measurable engagement and buzz.
Chipotle
Chipotle became one of the first major brands to use BeReal to generate excitement and engagement. The fast-food chain posted reusable promo codes for free meals, and all of the codes were claimed within minutes showing how quickly BeReal users respond to genuine, value-focused content.
e.l.f. Cosmetics
Beauty brand e.l.f. Cosmetics leaned into the platform by sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of product shoots, team moments, and real office life. They also offered promo codes to new followers, a tactic that drove quick adoption and helped grow their BeReal presence organically.
Levi’s, Nike, Netflix, Amazon and More
With the official launch of BeReal’s advertising tools, over 200 brands, including Levi’s, Nike, Netflix, and Amazon, have tested ad formats like in-feed ads and full-day takeovers that are designed to blend into the user experience without feeling disruptive. In some early activations, Levi’s saw five times the engagement compared with other social networks.
Authenticity Drives Engagement
What stands out about successful BeReal campaigns isn’t flashy creative or highly polished production. It’s authentic, real-time storytelling. Brands that post candid moments, invite user participation, or tap into conversations about their culture or products tend to perform best. This aligns with broader insights about how Gen Z interacts with brands: realness and relatability far outweigh perfectly curated aesthetics.
In fact, early reports from people in the industry have pointed to strong performance signals from BeReal advertising efforts. One marketer highlighted results including a 38-point lift in brand recall and a 1.63 % click-through rate (CTR) for campaigns that leaned into BeReal’s unique environment. The success illustrates how impactful native, community-aligned ads can be.
Lessons From BeReal Marketing
Brands succeeding on BeReal today share a few common strategies:
- Lean into raw content instead of polished production.
- Reward audience participation with real value (discounts, early access, unique experiences).
- Use the platform’s tools creatively, whether that’s dual-camera images or candid behind-the-scenes posts.
- Engage consistently, not just once. Frequent real content builds familiarity and trust.
These tactics align with broader trends in social marketing where authenticity, trust, and community engagement increasingly outweigh traditional ad formats.
Where BeReal Fits in the Marketing Mix
BeReal’s native advertising tools and community experiments show that the platform is committing to brand engagement that feels human. For marketers, this means thinking beyond conventional ad units and toward authentic participation and storytelling. Brands willing to meet users where they already engage with real, unfiltered moments stand to benefit from high attention and strong affinity.
How Media Placement Services Can Help
Navigating new platforms like BeReal can be a challenge, especially when digital platforms seem to change overnight. Media Placement Services helps brands understand where real engagement meets strategic goals. From evaluating platform fit and identifying the right creative approach to planning and buying media that resonates with the audience, our team supports your brand every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring innovative platforms like BeReal or optimizing your broader media mix, we help ensure your marketing investments deliver a measurable impact.
