Airbnb has already made a name for itself by disrupting the hotel industry, but the company may extend its influence into another industry. Soon, Airbnb may try shooting its shot in television by making its own tv shows, according to Reuters.
“The more we put content out there, the more you’re going to bring people to the platform,” Airbnb’s top policy and communications executive, Chris Lehane, said to Reuters.
The company is set to open its own studio to reel in more customers to its app and other offerings. The move could prove lucrative as travel and home decor shows have historically seen success.
Airbnb currently has a show on Apple’s upcoming streaming service, Apple TV Plus, called “Home.” The show will explore different homes around the world, the people who own them, and their architectural significance.
Airbnb also helped produce the upcoming documentary “Gay Chorus Deep South”, which is set to be featured in this year’s Tribeca Film Festival. It follows the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus on their 2017 “Lavender Pen Tour” which took the group through five states in the Deep South.
Airbnb may be able to do anything they put their mind to considering their past history. Last year, customers spent more money on Airbnb than its traditional hotel competitors Hilton and Marriott. In December, the company also announced its Backyard initiative to build and sell homes.
Airbnb is currently privately valued at $31 billion and bolstering up its offerings ahead of going public next year. Pivoting to original shows is one way for Airbnb to set itself apart from the competition.
