Voodoo Acquires BeReal for €500 Million to Expand Authentic Social Networking
French mobile games publisher Voodoo has announced its acquisition of the social networking app BeReal for €500 million. Known for its innovative approach to social media, BeReal encourages users to share spontaneous, unfiltered photos with close friends once a day. The acquisition aims to leverage Voodoo's expertise in mobile app development and user growth to elevate BeReal’s platform and expand its reach.
I’m thrilled to announce that @BeReal_App is now part of @VoodooPlatform.@BeReal_App is the most successful social app launched in nearly a decade.
— Alexandre Yazdi (@YazdiAlexandre) June 11, 2024
They have created a unique behavior: sharing authentic content with true friends, and a visionary app, where every user is an… pic.twitter.com/I2KkM4NWPN
BeReal, launched in 2019, gained significant popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic by offering an alternative to highly curated social media platforms. Users receive a daily notification prompting them to take a photo within a two-minute window, capturing genuine moments without the pressure of filters or edits. This unique feature resonated particularly with Gen Z, contributing to BeReal's growth to over 40 million active users across key markets such as the USA, Japan, and France.
Despite its early success and high user engagement, BeReal faced challenges in sustaining its rapid growth. Reports indicated a plateau in user acquisition, prompting the company to explore additional funding and potential acquisition options. Voodoo’s acquisition of BeReal marks a strategic move to revitalize the platform by introducing new features and enhancing its market presence.
Aymeric Roffé, CEO of Voodoo’s social app Wizz, will take over as BeReal’s CEO, while co-founder and former CEO Alexis Barreyat will remain involved temporarily to ensure a smooth transition. Voodoo plans to integrate its technological know-how and product development strategies to further innovate BeReal's offerings. This includes potential monetization strategies and expanded marketing efforts.
“BeReal achieved incredible user loyalty and growth, showing there is a universal need to share real, unfiltered experiences with close friends,” said Alexandre Yazdi, Voodoo co-founder and CEO. “We are very excited to bring our teams together and leverage Voodoo’s know-how and differentiated technologies to scale BeReal into the iconic social network for authenticity.”