A new kind of social media momentum
A few years ago, BeReal quietly entered the social scene with a simple premise: share one unfiltered moment a day. No filters, no scheduled content, no carefully crafted personas—just people, being people. At first glance, it looked like another trend app that might fade with time. But what started as a refreshing break from curated feeds has now evolved into something much bigger, especially for marketers trying to keep up with a generation that sees right through traditional advertising.
Fast forward to now: BeReal just launched its official advertising platform in the U.S., and over 200 brands—yes, including some giants like Nike and Netflix—have already tested campaigns internationally. With this move, BeReal ads aren’t just a marketing tool; they’re a case study in how to genuinely connect with Gen Z without losing credibility. And that’s exactly what’s making waves.
Why Gen Z is paying attention
Here’s the thing: Gen Z has grown up on the internet. They’ve seen enough banner ads, sponsored posts, and influencers pushing collagen gummies to know when they’re being sold to. What they want now isn’t perfection—it’s presence. Realness. And that’s the exact angle BeReal has built its entire experience around.
So when a brand shows up in their feed on BeReal, it doesn’t feel like a billboard—it feels like part of the moment. The ad format is subtle. It flows with the feed. BeReal adverts are designed to mimic the look and feel of a normal post, only they’re promoting a message that adds to the experience rather than interrupting it.
That’s not just smart design—it’s smart psychology. And the results are showing. For instance, a Levi’s campaign on the app reportedly saw five times more engagement than similar campaigns on other social platforms. That’s a clear sign that the approach is working. The environment matters, and BeReal is creating one where users feel comfortable and brands can meet them without forcing their way in.
BeReal adverts are breaking the usual marketing rules
Traditional social advertising often relies on interruption. Flashy visuals. Fast cuts. Loud CTA buttons. But BeReal flipped the script. Their model doesn’t ask brands to shout louder—it encourages them to show up more thoughtfully.
Even the types of ads available—targeted in-feed posts and single-day takeovers—are built to blend in rather than stand out aggressively. It’s a platform that essentially asks marketers, “How would you talk to someone in a moment of honesty?” That’s a whole different creative challenge, and it’s forcing brands to think more deeply about how they show up in people’s lives.
The keyword here—no pun intended—is intention. Every brand that’s seen success on BeReal so far has leaned into authenticity, not performance. The outcome? Engagement that doesn’t feel like a transaction, but a conversation. That’s what makes BeReal ads such a compelling case study in modern marketing.
The real opportunity: What brands and entrepreneurs can learn
This isn’t just about jumping onto a new app—it’s about understanding why the platform is resonating in the first place. For any brand, startup, or marketer trying to figure out how to connect with Gen Z, there’s a huge takeaway here: you don’t need to over-polish your presence. You need to meet your audience where they are, in the way they’re already communicating.
If you’re a business owner or a marketer building your brand presence, there’s a powerful lesson in how BeReal ads are structured. Start with the value you bring to the audience. Speak like a human, not a campaign. Drop the scripts and let your product or message live naturally in the environment you’re part of.
That could mean a behind-the-scenes post, a day-in-the-life story, or something as simple as a quick tip relevant to the time of day your audience logs in. It’s not about reaching the most people—it’s about resonating with the right ones. That’s how BeReal is winning, and that’s how you can too.
Where this is heading next
With over 40 million monthly users and 85% of them falling into the Gen Z demographic, BeReal isn’t just dipping its toes in the advertising world—it’s diving in with a solid foundation. And with the uncertainty surrounding platforms like TikTok, marketers are already looking for alternative channels that offer strong engagement without all the noise.
BeReal ads have the potential to become a go-to marketing strategy for brands that prioritize community over clicks, and conversation over conversion. The early signals—strong engagement, high repeat use, and trust from both users and advertisers—point toward a shift in how marketing is done on social platforms.
It’s not about gaming the algorithm anymore. It’s about building presence in a way that feels real, respectful, and relevant. That’s the future. And BeReal, whether by design or timing, is stepping into that future at exactly the right moment.
FAQs
1. How do I market to Gen Z without sounding fake?
Be honest, be casual, and skip the hard sell.
2. What’s different about BeReal ads?
They don’t interrupt—they just blend in like a friend.
3. Why does “real” content work so well now?
People are tired of “polished”. “Real” feels more relatable.