How to build apps similar to Airbnb 2025
In the tech world of 2025, the market for accommodation booking and rental apps continues to grow robustly, with Airbnb still leading as the giant in this sector. Airbnb’s resounding success has inspired many businesses and developers to create similar platforms, bringing innovative solutions to the global accommodation market.
If you’re nurturing the idea of developing an app like Airbnb with unique features, 2025 is the ideal time to bring your project to life. With the latest technologies and current user trends, this article will guide you through building a successful booking app, from initial planning to complete product deployment.
Highlights:
- The global digital travel market is expected to reach $812.56 billion by 2029 with 13.8% growth rate and currently valued at $600.5 billion in 2023.
- Airbnb has approximately 275 million users in 2025, with over two billion stays booked worldwide, more than five million hosts and eight million global listings.
- Revenue reached $11 billion in 2024, with quarterly growth of 11% in Q2 and 10% in Q3, totaling 491 million Nights and Experiences booked.
With Airbnb now valued at approximately $91 billion in 2025 and over 275 million global users, it’s clear why the platform has become a dominant force in the travel industry.
Today’s sophisticated booking systems enable travelers to instantly reserve from over 8 million listings worldwide, purchase experiences, and compare prices directly from their devices—contributing to Airbnb’s impressive $11 billion annual revenue.
In this article, we’ll break down Airbnb’s continuously evolving business model and provide actionable insights on how to develop your own competitive app in the rapidly growing digital travel market, projected to reach $812 billion by 2029. Let’s dive in!
The Airbnb Story
With Airbnb now valued at approximately $91 billion in 2025 and over 275 million global users, it’s clear why the platform has become a dominant force in the travel industry. From humble beginnings in 2008 when two roommates rented air mattresses in their San Francisco apartment, Airbnb has transformed into a global phenomenon with over 8 million listings spanning 220+ countries.
The platform’s tremendous growth is reflected in its financial performance. Airbnb’s revenue reached $11 billion in 2024, with quarterly growth of 11% in Q2 and 10% in Q3, totaling 491 million Nights and Experiences booked. These figures illustrate why the global digital travel market, currently valued at $600.5 billion, is projected to reach $812.56 billion by 2029 with a growth rate of 13.8%.
What makes Airbnb’s story particularly compelling is how it revolutionized the hospitality industry by enabling ordinary people to monetize their spaces. By 2025, more than five million hosts worldwide have collectively earned billions through the platform, demonstrating the power of the sharing economy model when executed effectively.
How Does Airbnb Work For Hosts And Travelers
Airbnb’s business model is a two-sided marketplace connecting hosts with travelers. Understanding this ecosystem is crucial for developing a similar application.
For Travelers
Airbnb provides access to diverse accommodation options often at more competitive prices than traditional hotels. The platform offers secure payment processing, verified reviews, and 24/7 customer support. Travelers also pay a service fee of around 14% of the booking subtotal.
What makes Airbnb particularly effective in 2025 is its advanced AI-powered matching algorithms that connect travelers with suitable accommodations based on preferences, budget, and past behavior. The platform’s success also stems from its robust verification systems, which have significantly reduced fraud and enhanced trust between hosts and guests.
Recent data shows that 58% of guest bookings were made via Airbnb’s mobile app in 2024, up from 53% in 2023, highlighting the critical importance of mobile optimization in today’s travel marketplace. Additionally, about 75% of Gen Z users book through the app, indicating strong future potential as younger demographics gain more purchasing power.
For Hosts
Airbnb offers an opportunity to earn income by listing their properties—whether entire homes, private rooms, or unique spaces. The platform handles the marketing, booking, payment processing, and provides host protection programs. Hosts earn by setting their own prices, with Airbnb taking a commission ranging from 3% to 15% depending on the location and cancellation policies.
How To Make An App Like Airbnb
The success of Airbnb has inspired many developers to clone the app like Airbnb. There are more details like a high-level business and tech architectural challenges. But don\’t confuse yourself with them for now!
All you need to do is follow these steps to create your Airbnb app clone into simple steps. Break down this guide to build an app like Airbnb, save time and money in the process.
Read more: How To Develop A Running App?
Step By Step Make Apps Like Airbnb
Step 1: Market Research and Validation
Before writing a single line of code, conduct thorough market research to identify opportunities. In 2025, the vacation rental market has several specialized niches you could target:
- Luxury accommodations
- Business travel-focused rentals
- Eco-friendly or sustainable stays
- Local experience-centered accommodations
- Long-term rentals for digital nomads
Identify your target audience, analyze competitors, and determine your unique value proposition. What will make your platform stand out in a market dominated by established players?
Step 2: Define Your Business Model
Develop a clear monetization strategy. While Airbnb primarily generates revenue through service fees from both hosts and guests, you might consider:
- Commission-based model (3-15% from hosts, 14% from guests)
- Subscription-based model for hosts
- Premium listing features
- Advertising opportunities
- Value-added services (photography, cleaning, key management)
Step 3: Legal Considerations
The regulatory landscape for short-term rentals continues to evolve in 2025. Many cities now have specific licensing requirements and restrictions. Ensure your platform complies with:
- Local short-term rental regulations
- Tax collection and remittance systems
- Payment processing regulations
- Data privacy laws (GDPR in Europe, CCPA in California, etc.)
- Identity verification requirements
Step 4: Design the User Experience
Create intuitive user flows for both hosts and travelers. The UX/UI should facilitate easy listing creation, searching, booking, and communication. Key considerations include:
- Clean, visually appealing interfaces
- Simple onboarding processes
- Advanced search functionality with filters
- Seamless booking and payment flow
- Clear communication channels
In 2025, voice search and AR/VR virtual tours have become standard features in leading travel apps, allowing users to visualize properties more effectively before booking.
Step 5: MVP Development and Testing
Start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) that includes core functionalities:
- User registration and profiles
- Property listing creation
- Search and filtering system
- Booking and payment processing
- Messaging system
- Review and rating system
Testing is crucial—conduct thorough QA testing and gather feedback from initial users to identify and fix issues before scaling.
Step 6: Launch and Growth Strategy
Plan a strategic launch targeting your initial market segment. In 2025, effective growth strategies include:
- Incentivized referral programs
- SEO optimization for property listings
- Strategic partnerships with local businesses
- Content marketing featuring unique properties
- Performance marketing on platforms where your target audience spends time
Step 7: Iterate and Expand
Use data analytics to understand user behavior and continuously improve your platform. Add new features based on user feedback and market trends, and consider expanding to new geographic markets once you’ve established a strong presence in your initial target area.
Read more: Top Benefits of Mobile Application Development Businesses Should Know
Core features for guests and hosts
| Travelers | Hosts |
| Advanced Search Filters – Detailed search options including amenities, neighborhoods, and special features AR/VR Property Tours – Immersive virtual exploration of properties before booking Secure Messaging System – In-app communication with hosts Seamless Booking Process – One-click instant booking options Secure Payment Gateway – Multiple payment options with fraud protection Review and Rating System – Transparent feedback mechanism Trip Itinerary Manager – Tools to organize the entire trip, not just accommodation Local Experience Discovery – Recommendations for activities near the booking location Loyalty Program – Rewards for frequent users Emergency Support – 24/7 customer service and safety features | Property Management Dashboard – An intuitive interface for managing multiple listings, bookings, and communications Smart Pricing Tools – AI-driven pricing recommendations based on demand, seasonality, and competitor rates Calendar Synchronization – Automatic syncing with other platforms to prevent double bookings Virtual Tour Creator – Tools to create immersive property tours using 360° photos or AR/VR technology Automated Messaging – Templates and chatbots for common guest inquiries Performance Analytics – Comprehensive insights on listing performance, occupancy rates, and revenue Mobile Property Management – Full functionality through mobile apps for on-the-go management Verification Systems – ID verification, property verification, and insurance options Payment Processing – Secure, multi-currency payment collection with detailed financial reporting Task Management – Tools for coordinating cleaning services, maintenance, and guest check-ins |
Tech stack for apps like Airbnb
A robust Airbnb-like app in 2025 requires a comprehensive technology stack:
Frontend: React Native for mobile, React.js for web interfaces
Backend: Node.js/Express or Python/Django, with microservices architecture
Database: PostgreSQL for relational data, MongoDB for non-relational data
Cloud Infrastructure: AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure with containerization (Docker/Kubernetes)
Key Technologies:
- AI/ML: For recommendations and pricing algorithms
- Payment Processing: Stripe, PayPal with cryptocurrency options
- Real-time Communication: WebSockets for messaging
- Maps & Location: Google Maps API or Mapbox
- Security: OAuth 2.0, JWT, multi-factor authentication
- Analytics: Google Analytics 4, custom dashboards
- AR/VR: ARKit/ARCore for virtual property tours
Modern apps also incorporate edge computing for faster response times and quantum-resistant cryptography for enhanced security as these technologies have become essential in 2025’s development landscape.
Luxstay – An App Like Airbnb
Luxstay provides an excellent case study of a successful Airbnb alternative that found its niche in the Asian market, particularly in Vietnam and surrounding countries. Starting with a focus on luxury accommodations, Luxstay evolved to offer a comprehensive platform catering to various segments while maintaining high-quality standards.
Key success factors include:
- Regional Specialization: Deep understanding of Asian hospitality preferences and local regulations
- Quality Control: Strict verification processes for all listed properties
- Local Experiences: Integration of cultural activities and tours with accommodations
- Localized Support: 24/7 customer service in multiple Asian languages
- Flexible Payment Options: Supporting regional payment methods beyond credit cards
By 2025, Luxstay successfully differentiated itself by focusing on authentic local experiences while maintaining international standards of service. This demonstrates how focusing on a specific region or market segment can be more effective than competing directly with Airbnb on all fronts.
Why Choose Us To Create App Like Airbnb
Our development team specializes in creating custom booking platforms with the latest technologies. We offer:
- Industry Expertise: 10+ years of experience in travel technology development
- Full-stack Development: End-to-end solutions from concept to deployment
- Custom Solutions: Tailored features designed for your specific market niche
- Scalable Architecture: Systems that grow with your business
- Ongoing Support: Continuous maintenance and updates to keep your platform competitive
We’ve successfully delivered multiple booking platforms that process millions of transactions annually, with a 98% client satisfaction rate and 40% faster time-to-market compared to industry averages.
Conclusion
Building an app like Airbnb in 2025 presents both challenges and opportunities. The global digital travel market continues to expand rapidly, with projections reaching $812.56 billion by 2029. Airbnb’s success—with 275 million users, over 8 million listings, and $11 billion in annual revenue—demonstrates the potential for well-executed accommodation platforms.
The key to success lies not in creating an exact Airbnb clone, but in identifying underserved niches or regions where you can provide unique value. Whether focusing on luxury stays, business travelers, sustainable accommodations, or local experiences, differentiation is crucial in this competitive landscape.
Technical implementation requires careful planning and a robust technology stack that incorporates AI-driven recommendations, AR/VR property tours, and secure blockchain-based transactions—now standard features in leading travel apps.
By following the step-by-step approach outlined in this guide and partnering with experienced developers, you can create a competitive platform that carves out its own space in the digital travel ecosystem. The opportunities are vast for those who can combine technological innovation with genuine understanding of traveler needs in 2025 and beyond.
Remember that success in this space comes not just from technical excellence, but from building trust, ensuring quality, and creating memorable experiences for both hosts and travelers. With the right approach, your app can become a valued platform in the ever-expanding world of digital travel.