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BeReal's trajectory mirrors that of another app that once dominated social media: Vine. In its prime, Vine captivated millions with its six-second video format but ultimately dwindled due to lack of monetization. Creators found little incentive to stay, shifting to platforms like YouTube and TikTok that offered better rewards.
Similarly, BeReal’s early avoidance of ads and monetization strategies, while initially appealing, led to financial sustainability issues. The decision to prioritize user growth over a solid revenue plan left BeReal vulnerable as user engagement began to decline. When revenue isn't generated, the app risks becoming an unsustainable cost for its owners.