Locket vs BeReal: A Practical Comparison for Real-Time Sharing

In today’s social landscape, two apps approach “authentic sharing” from different angles: Locket brings real-time moments to your device’s home screen, while BeReal nudges you to post your genuine moment once a day. If you’re deciding which app to embrace—or whether to use both—this guide breaks down how each platform works, what sets them apart, and how to make the most of their features without sacrificing privacy or ease of use.

Overview: What each app aims to do

Locket focuses on intimate, ongoing sharing within a close circle. By using home-screen widgets, Locket creates a private photo feed that appears on your device, so you’re constantly connected to the latest snapshots from people you care about. The emphasis is on a living, decorative stream of real moments that you can glance at without opening an app.

BeReal, by contrast, is built around a daily prompt that invites users to reveal a real moment from their day using both the front and back cameras. The goal is authenticity: no filters, no curated perfection, just a snapshot of real life as it happens. BeReal feeds show content from friends and followers in chronological order, with reactions that feel more casual and spontaneous than traditional social networks.

Core features: how they work

Locket: continuous, private sharing

Private circles: You invite friends and family to join your Locket network, and you curate who can view your photos.
Home-screen widgets: Shared photos appear as widgets on iOS or Android devices, providing a peek into friends’ days before you even open an app.
Photo updates: Friends post new images regularly, creating a living collage of everyday moments.
Control and privacy: You decide what to share and when, with settings that govern who can see which lockets.

BeReal: daily authenticity prompts

One moment per day: BeReal sends a notification at a random time, inviting you to capture a photo using both cameras.
Two-camera capture: Front and rear cameras record simultaneously, adding a slice of reality to your day.
Simple feed: The app displays friends’ BeReal posts in a straightforward feed, without the pressure of highly polished visuals.
Reactions and memories: People can react with RealMojis, and you can save memories of posts if you wish.

Key differences at a glance

Locket prioritizes ongoing, private sharing that lives on your home screen. BeReal centers on a single, daily authentic moment shared with a broader social circle.

Locket offers a steady stream of recent images from your selected group. BeReal’s cadence is daily and time-bound, encouraging spontaneity.

Locket leans toward a curated, intimate collection you access through widgets. BeReal emphasizes unfiltered real-life snapshots with minimal editing.

Locket’s audience is usually a defined circle of friends or relatives. BeReal exposes your moment to a wider set of connections, depending on your settings.

Locket keeps content largely within a private network; BeReal is more about public share (within your network) but without heavy curation or filters.

Privacy, safety, and trust: what to expect

Both apps handle personal moments, so privacy and trust matter. Locket’s widget approach means you’ll see and share images that live on your device’s home screen, but you control the audience for each photo. BeReal’s design prioritizes authenticity over polish; it’s important to review who can view your BeReal posts and how your data is used by the app’s servers. In both ecosystems, you should regularly review permissions, understand who has access to your content, and be mindful of sharing sensitive information in public or semi-private channels.

Security considerations to keep in mind:

Always use a strong device password, and enable biometric unlock where available.

Review friend lists and permissions periodically; remove anyone who no longer should see your content.

Understand data retention: some content may be stored or surfaced in ways you don’t expect. Check the app’s privacy policy and settings.

Use cases: when to choose Locket, when to choose BeReal

When Locket shines

You want a private, visually engaging way to keep in touch with close friends and family throughout the day.

You enjoy sharing lots of moments and don’t want to post something every day to a broader audience.

You value a decorative, glanceable feed that lives on your home screen and serves as a personal reminder of others’ days.

When BeReal shines

You want a spontaneous, authentic snapshot of daily life without overthinking editing or captions.

You enjoy seeing real moments from friends and acquaintances, filtered by a mutual network rather than a private circle.

You’re curious about others’ routines and environments, and you prefer a lightweight, low-pressure posting experience.

How they can complement each other

For some users, Locket and BeReal aren’t mutually exclusive. BeReal can capture your daily reality in a simple, authentic way, while Locket can serve as a private, ongoing stream of shared moments with a core group. Using both apps allows you to sustain intimate connections through Locket’s widgets while occasionally sharing broader, more candid moments via BeReal. The key is to manage expectations and preserve your own comfort level with what you share and where.

Practical tips for getting the most from both apps

Regularly review your audience. For Locket, prune your circles if you’re expanding or tightening privacy. For BeReal, understand who can view your posts and how to adjust visibility.

Start with a routine. If you use BeReal, keep notifications enabled at times you’re likely to be active; if you miss a moment, there’s still value in the posted BeReal you share later.

Curate thoughtfully. Locket’s value lies in meaningfully shared moments—avoid clutter by focusing on close connections and a consistent posting habit.

Balance spontaneity with privacy. BeReal’s spontaneity is great, but be mindful of exposing interiors, addresses, or sensitive contexts in your daily shots.

Experiment with layouts and captions. Locket’s widget feed can be a living gallery—use captions to add context or preserve memories for the future.

Conclusion: choosing your path to authentic sharing

Whether you lean toward Locket’s private, ongoing photo widgets or BeReal’s daily nudge toward authenticity, both apps offer a refreshing counterpoint to highly polished social feeds. Locket can strengthen close-knit connections by keeping your favorite moments accessible on your home screen, while BeReal invites you to show up as you are—no filters, no fanfare, just the real moment. If you’re unsure where to start, try using BeReal to capture a single moment each day and supplement with Locket to maintain a steady stream of personal, private sharing with trusted friends. Over time, you may discover that the two approaches aren’t rivals at all but complementary tools for a more human digital life.

In the end, the best choice is the one that fits your habits, privacy comfort, and social goals. Locket and BeReal each offer a distinct pathway to feeling more connected in a world full of scrolling. By understanding what each app prioritizes, you can craft a sharing routine that feels natural, private, and genuinely enjoyable.