How to Add Music to Your BeReal: A Step-by-Step Guide

BeReal has taken the social media world by storm with its authentic, unfiltered glimpses into daily life. The app encourages users to share one photo per day, at a random time, showcasing what they’re currently doing. As BeReal evolves, users are looking for ways to add more personality and flair to their posts. One highly sought-after feature is the ability to add music, just like on other popular platforms. While BeReal doesn’t natively support adding music in the same way as Instagram or TikTok, there are clever workarounds to achieve a similar effect. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods to add music to your BeReal, making your posts more engaging and expressive.

Understanding BeReal’s Limitations

Before diving into the workarounds, it’s crucial to understand BeReal’s current limitations. As of the latest updates, BeReal does not have a direct feature to add music to your posts. The app focuses on spontaneous, unfiltered content, which is why features like filters, extensive editing tools, and direct music integration are absent. This minimalist approach is part of BeReal’s appeal, setting it apart from more polished and curated platforms. However, users have found innovative ways to incorporate music indirectly, leveraging other apps and tools to create a synchronized experience.

Method 1: Playing Music in the Background

The simplest and most common method is to play music in the background while taking your BeReal. This method relies on your phone’s microphone to capture the ambient sound, including the music playing from your device. Here’s how to do it:

1. Choose Your Music: Select the song or playlist you want to play. Consider the mood and message you want to convey with your BeReal. A cheerful, upbeat song can enhance a fun activity, while a mellow tune can complement a relaxing moment.
2. Start Playing the Music: Open your preferred music app (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, etc.) and start playing the chosen music. Adjust the volume to a level that’s audible but not overpowering. You want the music to be a background element, not the primary focus of the audio.
3. Prepare for Your BeReal Notification: Keep your phone nearby and be ready for the daily BeReal notification. This notification will prompt you to take your photo within a two-minute window.
4. Take Your BeReal: When the notification arrives, quickly switch to the BeReal app and take your photo. The microphone will capture both your voice (if you speak) and the music playing in the background. Make sure the music is still playing while you take the photo.
5. Preview and Post: Before posting, preview your BeReal to ensure the music is audible and at the desired volume. If the music is too loud or too quiet, you might need to adjust the volume and retake the photo. Once you’re satisfied, post your BeReal.

Tips for Success:

• Optimize Volume Levels: Finding the right balance is key. The music should be audible but not drown out other sounds. Experiment with different volume levels to achieve the best result.
• Minimize Background Noise: Choose a quiet environment to minimize distractions. Background noise can interfere with the music and make it harder to hear.
• Use Headphones (Carefully): If you want the music to be more prominent but don’t want to disturb others, you can use headphones. Play the music through your headphones at a moderate volume, ensuring that the microphone still picks up the sound. However, be cautious not to have the headphones too close to the microphone, as this can create distortion.
• Consider Copyright: Be mindful of copyright issues when using copyrighted music. While BeReal is primarily for personal use, it’s always a good practice to be aware of copyright laws.

Method 2: Using a Screen Recording App

Another method involves using a screen recording app to capture both the video and audio of your activity, including the music. This approach is slightly more involved but offers more control over the final product. Here’s how to do it:

1. Download a Screen Recording App: There are many screen recording apps available for both iOS and Android. Some popular options include:
• iOS: The built-in Screen Recording feature (accessible via Control Center), DU Recorder, Apowersoft Screen Recorder.
• Android: AZ Screen Recorder, XRecorder, ADV Screen Recorder.
2. Configure the Screen Recording App: Before starting, configure the app to record both the screen and the audio. Ensure that the app has permission to access your microphone.
3. Choose Your Music: Select the music you want to include in your BeReal. Start playing the music in your preferred music app.
4. Start Screen Recording: Begin recording your screen using the screen recording app. Make sure the music is playing while you record. Capture the activity you want to feature in your BeReal.
5. Stop Screen Recording: Once you’ve captured the desired content, stop the screen recording. The app will save the recording as a video file.
6. Edit the Video (Optional): You can use a video editing app to trim the video, adjust the volume, or add other effects. This step is optional but can help you refine the final product.
7. Extract a Still Frame: Since BeReal requires a photo, you’ll need to extract a still frame from the video. Most video editing apps allow you to export a single frame as an image. Alternatively, you can take a screenshot of the video at the desired moment.
8. Post to BeReal: Open the BeReal app and wait for the daily notification. When it arrives, take a photo of the still frame you extracted from the video. You can also add a caption to provide context.

Tips for Success:

• Choose High-Quality Apps: Select screen recording and video editing apps that offer high-quality output. This will ensure that your BeReal looks and sounds its best.
• Optimize Video Settings: Adjust the video settings in the screen recording app to achieve the desired resolution and frame rate. Higher settings will result in better quality but may also consume more storage space.
• Keep Recordings Short: BeReal is about spontaneity, so keep your screen recordings short and to the point. A few seconds of footage is usually sufficient.
• Pay Attention to Audio Quality: Monitor the audio quality throughout the recording process. Ensure that the music is clear and audible.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Apps for Combined Media

Some users have explored using third-party apps that allow combining photos and music into short video clips, which can then be screenshotted for BeReal. While this isn’t a direct BeReal feature, it’s a creative workaround.

1. Choose a Third-Party App: Select an app that lets you combine photos and music. Popular options include:
• TikTok: While primarily a video platform, TikTok allows you to upload photos and add music.
• Instagram Reels: Similar to TikTok, Instagram Reels lets you create short videos with music and photos.
• Clips (iOS): Apple’s Clips app is designed for creating fun, shareable videos with text, effects, and music.
• Other Video Editors: Many video editing apps offer features for combining photos and music.
2. Create Your Combined Media: Use the selected app to create a short video or slideshow with the photo you want to feature in your BeReal and the music you want to add.
3. Screenshot a Still Frame: Once you’re happy with the combined media, play it and take a screenshot of a suitable frame to use for your BeReal.
4. Post to BeReal: When the BeReal notification arrives, upload the screenshot as your BeReal photo.

Tips for Success:

• Keep it Concise: Aim for a visually appealing and easily understandable still frame.
• Choose Relevant Music: Make sure the music complements the photo and adds to the overall message.
• Ensure Good Quality: The quality of the final screenshot is crucial, so make sure the initial photo and music combination is high-resolution.

Method 4: Voice Memos and Storytelling

While not directly adding music, you can use voice memos or storytelling to create an auditory experience alongside your BeReal. This involves narrating what you’re doing, humming a tune, or sharing a brief anecdote.

1. Prepare Your Narration: Think about what you want to say or hum. This could be a description of your activity, a brief song snippet, or a funny observation.
2. Take Your BeReal: When the BeReal notification arrives, take your photo while simultaneously narrating, humming, or speaking. Make sure your voice is clear and audible.
3. Post to BeReal: Post your BeReal with a caption that complements your narration.

Tips for Success:

• Be Engaging: Make your narration interesting and captivating.
• Keep it Short: BeReal is about spontaneity, so keep your narration brief and to the point.
• Speak Clearly: Ensure your voice is clear and easy to understand.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Adding music to your BeReal using these methods may present some challenges. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:

• Music Not Audible:
  • Solution: Increase the volume of your music player. Ensure that your phone’s microphone is not obstructed. Test the audio by recording a short video with your phone’s camera to check the sound levels.
• Poor Audio Quality:
  • Solution: Use a quiet environment to minimize background noise. Close any unnecessary apps that may be using the microphone. Try using headphones with a built-in microphone for better audio capture.
• Copyright Issues:
  • Solution: Be mindful of copyright laws when using copyrighted music. While BeReal is primarily for personal use, it’s always a good practice to be aware of copyright restrictions. Consider using royalty-free music or original compositions.
• Technical Difficulties with Screen Recording Apps:
  • Solution: Ensure that the screen recording app has the necessary permissions to access your microphone and screen. Update the app to the latest version. Restart your device. If the problem persists, try using a different screen recording app.

Future Possibilities: BeReal’s Potential Music Integration

While BeReal currently lacks native music integration, there’s always the possibility that the app will introduce this feature in the future. As BeReal continues to evolve and respond to user feedback, it may incorporate music options similar to those found on other social media platforms. This could include:

• Direct Music Library Integration: Allowing users to select songs directly from a music library within the app.
• Sound Effects: Adding a library of sound effects to enhance BeReal posts.
• Music Stickers: Implementing music stickers similar to those on Instagram Stories, allowing users to add song snippets to their BeReal photos.

Until then, the workarounds described in this guide offer effective ways to add music to your BeReal and make your posts more engaging.

Ethical Considerations and Copyright

When adding music to any content, including BeReal, it’s important to consider ethical and legal implications, particularly concerning copyright. Copyright law protects the rights of music creators, and using copyrighted music without permission can lead to legal issues.

• Personal Use vs. Commercial Use: BeReal is typically used for personal, non-commercial purposes. However, it’s still essential to respect copyright laws.
• Fair Use: Fair use is a legal doctrine that allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Factors considered in determining fair use include the purpose and character of the use, the nature of the copyrighted work, the amount and substantiality of the portion used, and the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work.
• Royalty-Free Music: Using royalty-free music is a safe and legal way to add music to your BeReal. Many websites offer royalty-free music libraries with a variety of genres and styles.
• Creative Commons Licenses: Creative Commons licenses provide a flexible range of permissions for creators to share their work. Some Creative Commons licenses allow commercial use, while others are restricted to non-commercial purposes.

Always check the terms and conditions of any music you use to ensure you have the necessary rights.

Alternative Approaches to Enhance Your BeReal Posts

Besides adding music, there are other creative ways to enhance your BeReal posts and make them more engaging:

• Captions: Use captions to provide context, share a story, or add humor to your BeReal. A well-crafted caption can make your post more relatable and interesting.
• Dual Camera Angles: BeReal uses both the front and back cameras simultaneously. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to create unique and visually appealing photos.
• Lighting: Pay attention to the lighting in your environment. Good lighting can significantly improve the quality of your BeReal.
• Filters (Indirectly): While BeReal doesn’t offer direct filters, you can use external photo editing apps to apply filters to your photos before posting them to BeReal. Just be mindful of maintaining the authentic spirit of the app.
• Props and Accessories: Use props and accessories to add visual interest to your BeReal. This could include anything from a favorite book to a quirky hat.
• Themes: Create themed BeReal posts to add consistency and creativity to your content. This could involve focusing on a particular color, activity, or style.

Conclusion

While BeReal’s minimalist design doesn’t currently offer direct music integration, these workarounds provide creative solutions for adding a musical element to your posts. Whether you choose to play music in the background, use a screen recording app, or create combined media with third-party apps, you can enhance your BeReal experience and share more engaging content with your friends. Remember to consider copyright issues and explore other creative ways to enhance your posts. As BeReal continues to evolve, keep an eye out for potential future updates that may introduce native music integration. In the meantime, experiment with these methods and find what works best for you. Happy BeRealing!