Creating a Better TV Experience for Airbnb Guests
When guests arrive at a short-term rental, one of the first things they try to use is the TV.
But many hosts quickly discover that standard smart TVs are not built for properties with constantly changing guests.
Different apps, confusing remotes, and leftover accounts can make the experience frustrating.
For hosts managing multiple turnovers each week, even small issues with the TV can lead to extra support messages and guest confusion.
Cleaner welcome experience
Guests start with a clearer on-screen first impression.
Less guest confusion
Simpler flow helps guests find what they need faster.
More consistent stays
A repeatable interface across properties and turnovers.
Why the Guest TV Experience Matters
The TV may seem like a small detail, but it plays a big role in how guests experience a property.
A clean, simple TV interface helps guests relax and feel comfortable in the space.
On the other hand, when the TV experience is confusing, it can quickly create friction.
Common issues guests report include:
- Difficulty finding streaming apps
- Confusing remotes or inputs
- Previous guest accounts still logged in
- Inconsistent interfaces between properties
These small frustrations add up over time.
When the TV feels confusing
- Guests need extra help just to get started
- Hosts receive avoidable support messages
- The stay feels less polished overall
When the experience feels intentional
- Guests understand the TV flow right away
- Operations stay calmer between turnovers
- Guests get a more consistent stay experience
Designing TVs for High-Turnover Properties
Short-term rentals have very different needs than traditional homes.
Instead of a single household using the same device every day, rentals involve a constant rotation of new guests.
That means the TV experience should be designed with turnover in mind.
StayHost TV is being built to create a more structured guest experience, including:
This approach builds on what we cover in Android TV for short-term rentals and applies it directly to the Airbnb guest journey.
- A clean welcome screen
- Simple navigation guests can understand quickly
- Property branding and information
- A consistent interface across properties
Why Hosts Are Joining the Beta
The founding host beta is designed for hosts who want to help shape a more intentional guest TV experience.
Founding hosts get:
- Early access to the platform
- Founding host pricing
- A direct feedback loop into roadmap priorities
- Early visibility into how the product evolves
Help Shape the Future of Guest Streaming
We are inviting a limited number of hosts into the founding beta program.
Apply to become a founding host and help guide what we build next.
FAQ
Does StayHost TV work for Airbnb properties?
Yes. It is designed specifically for short-term rental environments.
Do guests still use their own streaming accounts?
Yes. Guests sign into their own services during their stay.
How many hosts are in the beta?
The founding host beta is intentionally limited to a small group of properties.