Cost to Build an App like BeReal in 2025 | Complete Guide

Key Takeaways

• BeReal proves that authentic and real-time user engagement can disrupt even the most saturated markets.

• The average cost to build an app like BeReal in 2025 ranges between $40,000 and $200,000, depending on complexity, design quality, and technology choices.

• Key cost drivers include features, UI/UX design, platform choice, technology stack, testing, security, and post-launch maintenance.

• Strong monetization strategies such as in-app purchases, subscriptions, or ads are essential for long-term revenue.

• Ensuring scalability, security, and legal compliance helps protect user trust and supports sustainable growth.

• Choosing JPLoft, the right development partner can optimize costs, shorten timelines, and ensure a high-quality app launch.

Authenticity is magnetic.” – Anonymous

This idea captures the essence of BeReal, the social media app that’s reshaping how people connect online. Instead of curated, picture-perfect feeds, BeReal focuses on unfiltered, genuine moments. 

Its rise has sparked interest among entrepreneurs and startups eager to replicate its success, leading to the big question: How much does it cost to build an app like BeReal?

On average, the cost to create an app like BeReal in 2025 ranges from $40,000 to $200,000, depending on factors such as features, design, technology stack, and post-launch support.

In this blog, tailored for entrepreneurs, tech founders, and startups, we’ll uncover the cost to build an app like BeReal in 2025. 

Explore the factors that shape development expenses, reveal ways to optimize your budget, and highlight monetization models. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to turn your BeReal-inspired idea into a powerful, revenue-ready social media app.

BeReal in Numbers: The Rise of Authentic Social Media

Launched in 2020, BeReal has positioned itself as the “anti-Instagram,” encouraging users to share genuine, unfiltered moments once a day. Its concept quickly resonated with younger audiences tired of highly curated feeds. 

As of early 2025, BeReal has recorded approximately 115 million downloads globally and retains an active monthly user base of about 40 million. 

These figures don’t just reflect BeReal’s popularity; they also indicate a growing demand among users for platforms that prioritize authenticity over polished, curated content. 

This demand is influencing social media app development trends, as developers and entrepreneurs are beginning to shift focus toward building apps that emphasize transparency, real interactions, and minimalistic features rather than just flashy filters or endless editing options. 

BeReal proves that the formula for growth isn’t complicated; it’s about giving users what they crave: authenticity. It also sparks curiosity among business owners wondering, “How much does it cost to develop an app like BeReal?”

BeReal’s Standout Features

• Dual Camera Mode – captures both front and back simultaneously.

• Time-Limited Posting – users get one random notification daily.

• No Filters or Likes – eliminating performance-driven behavior.

• Community Feel – interaction is limited to friends, keeping the experience authentic.

Because of these features, BeReal has quickly joined the list of the best social media apps to watch. For startups, its rapid growth also provides a benchmark for understanding BeReal like app development cost, especially when evaluating what makes certain features expensive to build.

BeReal vs. Competitors

While BeReal thrives on authenticity, many entrepreneurs also study why social media apps fail, often due to poor scalability, weak monetization strategies, or lack of innovation. Learning from both success stories and failures is key to planning a sustainable app.

Average Cost to Build an App like BeReal in 2025

When it comes to app development, one of the first questions every entrepreneur asks is: What’s the average cost to build an app like BeReal? 

The average cost to create an app like BeReal ranges between $40,000 and $200,000, depending on the scope and scale of development.

This wide gap exists because BeReal like app development cost varies based on app complexity, design quality, technology stack, team expertise, and post-launch maintenance.

For instance, a basic MVP with essential features like dual camera mode, push notifications, and real-time sharing may be built at the lower end of the spectrum. 

On the other hand, the cost to develop a BeReal clone can be significantly higher for a feature-rich solution that includes AI-powered moderation, advanced security, and built-in scalability.

Cost Breakdown Table

As you can see, the complete cost to make an app like BeReal depends on your vision and whether you prioritize faster time-to-market or advanced scalability.

To give perspective, the cost to develop an app like Instagram often ranges higher than BeReal because of its complex video-sharing features, integrated marketplace, and advanced algorithms. This comparison highlights why clarity on features is essential when planning your BeReal-style project.

When analyzing the broader social media app development cost, developers also consider security protocols, compliance standards, and scalability options. These additional layers directly impact your final budget and make accurate cost forecasting critical.

Similarly, understanding mobile app development cost in general can help set realistic expectations. Apps with cross-platform support (iOS + Android) and advanced backend servers cost more than single-platform builds with simpler architecture.

Finally, working with the right development partner matters. For many entrepreneurs, understanding how to start a social media business goes hand in hand with choosing the right team, planning budgets carefully, and aligning features with long-term goals.

To understand this cost better, let’s break down the key factors that directly impact the budget.

Factors Impacting the Cost to Create an App like BeReal

When estimating the cost to create an app like BeReal, you can’t just look at a flat number. Multiple technical, design, and business-related factors shape the final budget. 

Let’s explore the most critical cost drivers in detail. 

1. App Features & Complexity

The number and type of features directly affect development costs. Core social media app features like dual camera mode, push notifications, and a posting timer are less expensive compared to advanced ones like AI moderation, AR filters, or geo-location sharing. 

The more interactive and unique features you add, the higher the development time and cost. If you aim to create a mobile app that truly engages, prioritizing innovative yet useful features becomes essential.

App Features & Complexity Cost Breakdown

2. UI/UX Design

BeReal is known for its simple but intuitive interface. Investing in premium design ensures higher user engagement and retention. Complex animations, smooth transitions, and accessibility features can push costs up significantly. 

A well-crafted design not only enhances user satisfaction but also builds long-term brand credibility in a highly competitive social media market.

For entrepreneurs exploring how to design a social media app, the key lies in balancing simplicity with innovation, offering unique features without overwhelming users.

3. Platform Choice (iOS, Android, or Both)

The average cost to make an app like BeReal varies depending on whether you build for one platform or go cross-platform. Opting for iOS app development or Android alone is cheaper, but it limits reach and market adoption.

Cross-platform development (iOS + Android) provides broader exposure but requires additional testing, optimization, and sometimes larger teams to deliver smooth experiences across devices.

4. Technology Stack

The frameworks, databases, and backend systems you choose play a major role in defining scalability and performance. Choosing an advanced mobile app tech stack like React Native, Node.js, and AWS costs more but ensures long-term growth, stability, and seamless user experiences.

If you also plan to create an AI app with personalized content feeds or smart notifications, the technology stack needs to accommodate machine learning models, which adds to the development cost.

5. Development Team Location

Hiring developers in the US or Europe costs significantly more compared to outsourcing to Asia. This factor alone can cut your overall cost to develop an app like BeReal by 40–50%. 

For startups, outsourcing to countries like India can deliver high-quality results at competitive prices, though communication and time-zone differences may add slight challenges to project management.

At the same time, partnering with a reputed mobile app development company UK can be a strong choice for businesses that want proximity, cultural alignment, and adherence to European compliance standards.

6. Security Features

Social apps handle personal data, so adding social media app security measures is critical. End-to-end encryption, GDPR compliance, and multi-factor authentication add development costs but build user trust. 

Ignoring security could lead to breaches, lawsuits, or data loss, issues that are far costlier than preventive investment in robust security protocols.

7. Third-Party Integrations

Adding APIs for location services, push notifications, payment gateways, or analytics influences cost. More integrations = higher budget, but they save time by leveraging existing solutions instead of building everything from scratch. 

Strategic use of APIs can enhance app functionality and user engagement without reinventing the wheel. Businesses often rely on AI app development services when integrating advanced analytics or recommendation engines into social apps, which further adds to costs.

8. Testing & Quality Assurance

Testing is often overlooked but vital. Proper social media app testing across devices, OS versions, and network conditions ensures smooth performance. 

A lack of thorough testing can result in frequent crashes, poor ratings, and loss of users. 

Comprehensive QA also includes usability tests to improve overall user experience before the official launch.

9. Maintenance & Updates

Post-launch costs are continuous and often underestimated. Regular updates, bug fixes, and new feature rollouts are part of social media app maintenance. 

Ignoring this can quickly make your app obsolete as operating systems and user needs evolve. A solid maintenance plan ensures long-term performance and consistent user satisfaction. 

10. Compliance & Legal Requirements

Depending on your target market, compliance with GDPR, CCPA, or child protection laws (COPPA) may require extra investment. These legal frameworks demand changes in data handling, storage, and user consent features. 

While it adds upfront cost, ensuring compliance protects your business from penalties and strengthens credibility with privacy-conscious users.

Factor-wise Cost Summary Table

Identifying cost drivers not only helps estimate the budget but also highlights areas where savings are possible. By knowing which factors add the most to expenses, businesses can strategically minimize costs while still ensuring quality and scalability.

Let’s evaluate the process of minimizing the overall BeReal like app development cost, below.

How to Minimize the Cost to Make an App like BeReal?

Building an app like BeReal requires significant investment, but smart planning can help reduce unnecessary expenses. 

Here are some proven strategies to minimize the cost to make an app like BeReal while still ensuring quality and scalability.

1] Start with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

Instead of developing a full-fledged version, start small with an MVP. Include only the core features like dual-camera capture, posting reminders, and notifications. 

This helps you test the market, gather feedback, and iterate without committing to a huge upfront budget.

2] Prioritize Features Based on User Value

Not every idea needs to go into the first version of your app. Focus on features that drive engagement and retention first. 

You can always expand later as your user base grows. For example, businesses exploring how to create a social media app often phase out feature rollouts to keep costs under control.

3] Choose the Right Development Approach

Native apps offer great performance but are more expensive. Hybrid or cross-platform frameworks like React Native can cut costs without compromising too much on performance. 

This approach helps reduce development time and resource costs, especially for startups working with limited budgets.

4] Outsource Development to Cost-Efficient Regions

Hiring in-house developers in the US or Europe can skyrocket expenses. Outsourcing to regions like India can save up to 50% on development costs while maintaining quality. 

However, make sure you choose experienced teams with proven expertise and a track record similar to the best mobile app development company, ensuring reliability and user-centric project delivery.

5] Use Pre-Built Modules & APIs

Instead of developing every feature from scratch, leverage pre-built solutions for authentication, cloud storage, or notifications. This reduces development hours and cuts down costs significantly. For instance, some companies use existing APIs when exploring Snapchat alternatives, saving both time and money.

6] Regular Maintenance Planning

Ongoing expenses like bug fixes, performance optimization, and security patches should be planned in advance. 

Partnering with experts in mobile app maintenance services ensures long-term savings, as preventive maintenance reduces the need for costly emergency fixes.

7] Automate Testing Processes

Testing often takes up a large portion of development time. By automating repetitive test cases, you can save both time and money while still ensuring your app delivers a smooth user experience. 

Automated mobile app testing also improves reliability, reducing the chance of bugs post-launch.

8] Hire the Right Team

Choosing the right partner can make or break your project. An experienced team knows how to optimize resources, suggest cost-effective solutions, and avoid pitfalls. 

Many startups prefer to hire dedicated developers instead of full in-house teams to save on salaries, benefits, and overhead costs.

Monetization Strategies to include in an App like BeReal

One of the biggest questions before starting development is: How much does it cost to create an app like BeReal? While the investment in the development process is substantial, effective monetization ensures that your app generates consistent revenue. 

Unlike traditional ad-heavy platforms, BeReal took a different approach, prioritising authentic user engagement. If you want to create a sustainable product, here are some effective mobile app monetization strategies you can adopt.

► In-App Purchases

Offer users the ability to buy add-ons such as exclusive filters, customization options, or special camera features. In-app purchases are one of the easiest ways to bring in recurring revenue without overwhelming users with ads. 

Many social media app development challenges revolve around striking the right balance between free features and paid ones, ensuring the premium options feel worth the cost.

► Subscription Model

Introduce premium plans where users get advanced features like enhanced privacy controls, cloud backups, or exclusive communities. 

Subscriptions provide stable monthly or yearly income, allowing you to recover the cost to build a BeReal clone faster. The key is offering true value that justifies the subscription.

Platforms analyzing the cost to develop an app like MeWe often highlight how sustainable subscription revenue can make niche social apps profitable.

► Native Advertising

Instead of disruptive ads, you can include subtle native promotions that blend seamlessly with the feed. This approach is popular because it doesn’t harm user experience.

For instance, platforms exploring how social media apps make money often rely on contextual, non-intrusive advertising to keep engagement high.

Many also look at Skype alternatives for inspiration, as communication-focused apps often monetize through embedded but relevant ad placements.

► Partnerships & Sponsored Content

Collaborating with brands for sponsored content and campaigns can be highly profitable. Brands are always looking for authentic ways to reach Gen Z and millennial audiences, exactly the demographic BeReal captures. 

Apps exploring how to develop an app like Reddit often integrate community-driven sponsored posts to maximize engagement.

► Exclusive Communities or Groups

Offer private, paid communities for influencers, creators, or niche audiences. These groups can generate income through memberships while also boosting engagement. 

Platforms studying how to develop an app like Threads have seen success by encouraging smaller, close-knit groups of users to interact in a more personalized setting.

► Paid Messaging & Communication Tools

Monetizing messaging through premium features like encrypted storage, business communication tools, or advanced group chats is another strategy. 

Developers often learn from how to develop a messenger app like Botim, where free communication is available but premium business and international features bring in revenue.

Similarly, entrepreneurs researching Discord alternatives also discover how niche communication features can be monetized effectively.

► API & Platform Licensing

Once your app grows, you can open its API for developers or license certain tools. For example, businesses looking at how to create an app like Twitter often monetize through developer-friendly APIs, allowing third-party integrations while generating income.

► Merchandise & Brand Expansion

As your app’s community grows, branded merchandise such as apparel, accessories, or digital collectibles can create an additional income stream while strengthening brand identity.

Entrepreneurs considering how to create an app like WhatsApp often explore similar brand-driven strategies to maximize revenue opportunities beyond core features.

Partner with JPLoft, and Build your App like BeReal

Launching a unique social app like BeReal requires the right tech partner who understands both innovation and cost efficiency. 

At JPLoft, we specialize in creating high-performing, scalable, and user-friendly applications that help businesses thrive in the competitive digital space. 

Whether it’s designing intuitive UI, building robust backends, or ensuring seamless app performance, our expert team delivers results tailored to your goals.

Partner with JPLoft, a trusted social media app development company, and bring your BeReal-like idea to life with confidence. 

Let’s turn your vision into the next big success story in the social media world.

Conclusion

The rise of BeReal shows how authentic, engaging social platforms can disrupt the industry.

If you’re planning to launch your own, understanding the cost to build a BeReal clone is the first step. 

From features and design to backend systems, every factor impacts the final investment. While the cost to develop a BeReal clone may seem high, the returns are equally rewarding with the right strategy. 

By balancing smart monetization, careful planning, and reliable development, you can manage the overall cost to develop an app like BeReal and position your app for long-term success.