Introduction
Do you want to grow your business in the online world? Or should I ask you, does an app like Airbnb inspire you to develop a mobile app like this one? Well! You would answer yes to both of these questions.
Are you ready to join the ranks of innovators and entrepreneurs who are shaking up the industry and changing the traditional way of finding accommodations? With its innovative platform, Airbnb connects travelers with unique and affordable accommodations. Airbnb has become a household name and a global leader in the hospitality industry.
The rise of mobile technology and the sharing economy, has created a revolution. By changing the way people travel, book accommodations, and experience the world with just a few clicks. Millions of travelers worldwide rely on Airbnb to find unique and affordable accommodations and experience local culture and communities.
However, you might be wondering, How can I develop a mobile app like Airbnb? How did Airbnb become so popular, and what features and functionality does it offer? And so on! If you are already reading this blog, then read the whole blog with concentration. Developing a mobile app like Airbnb is no small feat. but we cover everything to make you understand how you can develop an app like Airbnb.
Read it on…
What Is The Concept Of Airbnb?
To develop a mobile app like Airbnb, you must know the concept of the app. So, Airbnb is an online platform for hospitality services that connects travelers with hosts who rent out their properties or spare rooms to guests. The concept of Airbnb depends on the sharing economy, which allows individuals to monetize their assets (in this case, their homes or extra rooms) by renting them out to others for short stays.
Additionally, with the help of Airbnb, travelers can search for and book a wide variety of accommodations, including apartments, houses, condos, villas, and even unique and unconventional properties like treehouses, yurts, and igloos. Hosts can list their properties on Airbnb and earn income by renting them out to travelers.
The app operates in over 220 countries and has provided facilities to over 1 billion guest arrivals since its inception in 2008. Airbnb changed the traditional hotel industry and has become a popular, cost-effective option. Hence, it is the best choice for travelers who are seeking a unique and authentic travel experience.
Features And Work Of Airbnb Like Apps For Guests
It is important to know the features of Airbnb to develop a mobile app like that. A popular platform Airbnb provides a variety of features to guests to make their vacation or outing more enjoyable and comfortable. Here are some of the main features of in-app features for guests.
1) Search and filters
Users/guests can search for accommodations using various filters such as location, price range, amenities, and property type. They can also save their searches to receive notifications when new listings become available.
2) Wish Lists
Guests can save their favorite listings to wish lists for future reference. They can also share their wish list with friends or family members who may be traveling with them.
3) Messaging System
Airbnb’s messaging system allows guests to communicate with hosts directly through the app. They can ask questions about a property, request additional information or make special requests.
4) Reviews and Ratings
Guests can read reviews and ratings from previous guests. This helps them get information to decide on their bookings. They can also leave their review after a stay to share their experience with other users.
5) Reservation Management
Users can manage their reservations directly from the Airbnb app. They can view their upcoming reservations, check-in and check-out times, and communicate with their hosts directly through the app.
6) Payment Management
Guests can manage their payment information, including credit card details and payment history, directly from the Airbnb app. Additionally, they can also view their payment schedule and payment receipts.
7) Virtual Tours
Airbnb offers experiences like virtual tours, that guests can book directly from the app. These experiences are led by local hosts and offer unique ways to explore a destination.
8) 24/7 Customer Support
Airbnb provides 24/7 customer support through the app to help guests with any questions or issues that may arise during their stay. Guests can contact customer support through the app’s messaging system or by phone.
In-app Features
Use the following in-app features when you develop a mobile app like Airbnb.
- User Sign-up/ Login
- Manage account
- Wish List
- Search Filters
- Chat Notifications
- Bookings
- Maps
- Chatbot
- Request
- Payments
- Review
- Sharing
Fearures and Work of Airbnb Like Apps for Hosts
It is important to know the features of Airbnb to develop a mobile app like that. A popular platform Airbnb provides a variety of features to guests to make their vacation or outing more enjoyable and comfortable. Here are some of the main features of in-app features for hosts.
1) Listing Management
Hosts can manage their listings directly from the Airbnb app. They can edit their listing details, such as the description, pricing, and availability. Additionally, they can upload new photos or videos of their property.
2) Reservation Management
Hosts can also manage their reservations using the Airbnb app. They can view their upcoming reservations, check-in, and check-out times, and communicate with guests directly through the app.
3) Messaging System
This feature allows hosts to communicate with their guests before and after a stay. Hosts can send and receive messages directly from the app, which is a convenient way to answer questions, provide directions, or address any issues that may arise during the stay.
4) Smart Pricing
Airbnb’s smart pricing feature uses machine learning algorithms to automatically adjust the pricing of listings based on factors. Such factors are demands, seasonality, and local events. Hosts can enable this feature from the app to maximize their earnings.
5) Co-host Management
Hosts can also use the Airbnb app to manage their co-hosts who help manage their listings. Hosts can add and remove co-hosts. Additionally, they grant or restrict access to listing and reservation information, and view co-host earnings.
6) Reservation Request Management
Hosts can view and manage reservations directly from the Airbnb app. They can accept and decline reservation requests. Furthermore, they can view guest profiles and ratings, and communicate with guests to negotiate any special requests or requirements.
7) Host Dashboard
Airbnb’s host dashboard provides hosts with a comprehensive view of their listing performance, earnings, and reservations history. Hosts can access the dashboard directly from the app to view key metrics and analytics, such as occupancy rates, revenues per available room, and guest reviews.
8) Multi-Calendar View
Hosts can also use the app’s multi-calendar view to see all of their reservations across all of their listings in a single, easy-to-use interface. Thus, this feature allows hosts to easily manage their availability and avoid double bookings.
9) In-app Features
Use the following in-app features when you develop a mobile app like Airbnb.
User Sign-up/ Login
Manage account
Registration
Manage List
Booking Lists
Chatbot
Request
Account Details
Review
Sharing
Which Tech Stack Deos Airbnb Use?
The most important thing is to know the tech stacks Airbnb is using before starting to develop a mobile app. Uses a complex tech stack to power its platform.
1) PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE
- Swift
- Kotlin
2) FRONT-END
- React.Js
- Redux
- GraphQL
- JavaScript
- Express.Js
- Angular
3) BACK-END
- Node.Js for server-side code
- MySQL
- Redis
- Ruby On Rails
- Django
4) INFRASTRUCTURE
- AWS
- EC2 For computing
- S3 For storage
- CloudFront computing Delivery
- Google Cloud
5) MOBILE OPERATING SYSTEMS
- React Native
6) PAYMENT PROCESSING
- Braintree
7) MESSAGING
- Kafka
- Redis
Structure/Architecture of An App Like Airbnb
Another essential thing to know for developing a mobile app like Airbnb is its Structure or architecture. The architecture/structure of an app like Airbnb typically consists of several components:
1) USER INTERFACE
This component is responsible for presenting the app’s interface to users. It includes elements like the home screen, search function, and property listing. The UI must be user-friendly, visually appealing, and responsive.
2) APPLICATION LAYER
The application layer is responsible for processing user requests and managing the app’s business logic. It handles tasks like verifying user credentials, managing user profiles, and processing bookings. Additionally, the layer is typically built using a web application framework such as Ruby on Rails or Django.
3) DATABASE
The app needs to store data about users, properties, bookings, and payments. The database component stores and manages this data. Furthermore, the application layer accesses a database to perform CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations. A popular choice for databases is PostgreSQL or MySQL.
4) PAYMENT GATEWAY
The app must process payments from guests and payout to hosts. A payment gateway component, such as Stripe or PayPal. The payment gateway integrates into the app to facilitate transactions.
5) EXTERNAL API
The app may integrate with external APIs to provide additional functionality or data. For example, it may integrate with google maps API to provide location data or with a weather API to provide location data with a weather API to provide weather forecasts.
6) HOSTING AND DEPLOYMENT
The app needs to be deployed on servers to make it accessible to users. The hosting and deployment component involves setting up servers, configuring the app, and deploying updates. Popular hosting platforms include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Computing (GCP), and Microsoft's Azure.
How Can You Develop a Mobile App Like Airbnb?
So, here we are with a very essential part of this blog, steps for developing a mobile app like Airbnb. Developing an app like Airbnb involves several steps, including conceptualizing the idea, designing the user interface, developing an app, and launching it on OS. Here are key steps that you should use to develop a mobile app like Airbnb.
1) Idea And Planning
Before you start developing your app, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish with it. Research the market, analyze your competitors, and determine what features you want to include in your app.
Additionally, in the case of developing an app like Airbnb, you can consider its competitors. We sum up a list of their competitors for your reference. See below:
- Flipkey
- HomeToGo
- Vrbo
- Tripadvisor
- Booking.com
2) Choose a Tech Stack
After a clear understanding of your idea and the needs of your app, the second step is to choose the technologies you want to include in your app. As you already read all the technologies Airbnb used. Now you can easily choose a tech stack for your app by that reference.
3) Hire A Mobile App Development Service
The crucial step of any mobile app development is to hire a mobile app development service. Choose a mobile app development company wisely. You must hire an app development company that specializes in developing travel apps like Airbnb. See their reviews, analyze their skills, and evaluate the price they ask for a project. Tell them your needs and demands, of what you want for your project. Thus, a professional development team can handle the entire development process from design to deployment.
4) Design
Once you have done the above steps, the next step is to design your app. Although you already have an app development team to develop a mobile app you don't need to worry. The design includes making wireframes, designing the user flow, and selecting the color scheme and typography.
5) Development
After designing the app’s UI the next step is to develop the app. By choosing the right tech stack you can ensure a smooth development process. Additionally, you need to set up a backend system to store user data and facilitate communication between users.
6) Testing
Before launching the app, test the app thoroughly to ensure that the app is bug-free and user-friendly. You can use tools like TestFlight, Firebase Test Lab, or BrowserStack to test your app.
7) Deploy/Launch
After getting satisfaction with an app at the time of testing, deploy it on app stores. Additionally, you also need to promote your app on social media, forums, and other channels to reach your target audience.
8) Post-Launch
This is the most important step, the app development process is not just complete after deployment. You must evaluate its performance with the help of user feedback. Furthermore, you should also update it from time to time.
How Much Does It Cost To Develop A Mobile App Like Airbnb?
Cost is a major part of every project and if you want to develop a mobile app like Airbnb. The cost can vary depending on various factors. We include all major factor factors which can affect a cost; see below;
1) Mobile app development Service
The cost of development depends on the mobile app development service you hire. Thus, it may vary as per the size of the team and the experience of developers. You will need a team of developers, designers, and project managers to develop a mobile app.
2) Features
Another factor that influences the cost of development is the features of the app. Hence, the more complex features, the higher the development cost.
3) Technology
The technology that you choose for your app is also a major factor that affects the cost of development.
4) Location Of Development Company
The cost of developing a mobile app like Airbnb is very significantly dependent on the location of the development company. Developers from different regions may charge different rates per hour.
Here is a rough estimation of hourly rates that developers may charge:
- INDIA; $20-$80 per hour
- ASIA; $25-$100 per hour
- EASTERN EUROPE; $30 -$150 per hour
- NORTH AMERICA; $100-$250 per hour
- WESTERN EUROPE; $80-$200 per hour
For instance, if you approach an app development service from North America to develop a mobile app you need to pay around $100,000 to $250,000 or more. In contrast, if you hire
mobile app development services from India, you would be able to develop the same app for around $50,000 to $100,000.
Additionally, the cost of a mobile app development as per all these factors may range from $50,000 to $500,000 and more. However, it is important to note that these estimates are only rough approximations, and the actual cost may vary depending on various factors. I would like to recommend that you consult with a professional mobile app development service/company to get a more accurate estimation of cost.
Conclusion
Success does not come overnight, but persistence and hard work. As we include all the necessary things that you need to know to develop a mobile app like Airbnb successfully. Thus, with this knowledge and a clear vision, you can bring your app idea to life and create something truly extraordinary. So, using those steps introduces an innovative way that helps people to find accommodations and stays.
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