Externship Project
BeReal Externship: Improving Retention Through Post-Experience Design
BeReal introduced a new social model centered around authenticity and daily sharing. While the concept gained rapid adoption, sustaining consistent engagement remains a challenge. This project explores how BeReal can improve retention by strengthening the experience after posting, without compromising its core identity.
Role
Product Management Extern (Product Strategy, UX Direction)
Scope
User behavior analysis, product strategy, feature definition
Timeline
8 weeks
Platform
Mobile (iOS)
The Problem & Key Insight
The Problem
BeReal's simplicity creates a limitation. Users:
  • Post once
  • View a few updates
  • Leave the app
There is minimal incentive to:
  • stay longer
  • return frequently
  • build habits
The experience ends too quickly.
User Journey (Current State)
[Insert your diagram based on above]
Key Insight
The product performs well until the moment of posting. After posting:
  • engagement drops
  • value disappears
  • session ends
This creates a weak retention loop.
Design Goal: Increase daily engagement and retention by extending the post-sharing experience, introducing lightweight habit loops, and adding emotional value to past content — all while preserving BeReal's identity: 👉 authentic, low-pressure, non-performative
Research Insights
1
The experience is front-loaded
Most value happens before or during posting.
Research Insights (Continued)
1
No lasting value
Content does not build meaning over time.
1
Weak habit reinforcement
Notifications trigger behavior, but nothing sustains it.
Opportunity: Instead of redesigning the core mechanic, focus on: 👉 What happens after posting — This is the biggest gap in the product.
Product Concept: Post-Experience Layer
A system that enhances engagement, memory, and habit formation — without introducing pressure or over-gamification.
Engagement
Extend the session beyond the moment of posting through meaningful interactions.
Memory
Surface past content to build emotional connection and perceived value over time.
Habit Formation
Introduce lightweight loops that encourage consistency without pressure or aggressive gamification.
Core Features
Core Feature 4
Soft Streak System
A minimal streak mechanic that:
  • tracks consecutive posts
  • provides subtle feedback
  • avoids aggressive gamification
Logic
Increment
On daily post
Reset
After inactivity
Grace Recovery
Optional
Goal
Encourage consistency without pressure.
Core Feature 5
Memory Recaps
Users receive:
"1 week ago"
"1 month ago"
Function
  • surfaces past BeReals
  • builds emotional connection
Goal
Increase perceived value of content.
By surfacing memories, users are reminded of the authentic moments they've captured — reinforcing the emotional value of staying consistent on the platform.
Core Feature 6
Post-Interaction Layer
After posting, users can:
Engage with reactions
Explore friend activity
Revisit posts
Goal
Extend session duration.
Core Feature 7
Close Circle Mode
Users can share with:
  • a smaller group
  • more intimate audience
Goal
Reduce friction for hesitant users.
Improved User Journey & Product Strategy
[Insert improved journey diagram]
Key Shift
From: Post → Exit
To: Post → Engage → Reflect → Return
Product Strategy Approach
Do not disrupt BeReal's identity. Instead:
  • enhance depth
  • strengthen habit loops
  • increase emotional value
Feature Prioritization
Success Metrics
  • Increase DAU retention rate
  • Increase average session time
  • Increase posting consistency
  • Improve return rate after posting
Reflection: This project focused on balancing growth with product integrity. The challenge was improving engagement without turning BeReal into a high-pressure, addictive platform. It reinforced that strong products are not just about adding features, but about strengthening the right moments in the user journey.
Skills Demonstrated
Product Strategy
User Journey Analysis
Growth Thinking
Feature Prioritization
Behavioral Design