Airbnb is a revolutionary digital platform that has redefined the way people travel, connect with guests with hosts, and experience various types of accommodations at different places around the world. While the success of the company is undeniable, its brand identity, particularly its logo, has undergone an interesting transformation over the years. It reflects the growth of the company and its evolving vision. The article explores the history and evolution of the Airbnb logo over the years. It discusses the key role played by the logo in enhancing the brand equity of the online platform.
The Genesis of the Airbnb Logo (2007 – 2008)
In 2007, when Airbnb was founded by Brian Chesky, Joe Gebbia, and Nathan Blecharczyk, the company’s logo was of a simple and unassuming design in a font that was reminiscent of Bold Comic Sans or Rundschrift Pro Regular. It featured the wordmarks “AirBed&,” “Breakfast,” and “idsa connecting 07” on separate lines.
Also, when it came to the colour palette, the text on the top line appeared in sky blue, the middle one in pink, and the last one in a smaller font in blue. And in spite of the use of bubbly fonts and fun colours, the wordmarks gave off a professional appearance. This minimalist approach reflected the modest beginnings of the startup and its focus on providing a simple solution to travellers looking for affordable accommodations.
(2008 – 2009)
Another logo iteration was designed in 2008 and was in use for two years. It had the inscription “AirBed & Breakfast” executed in title case and in a rounded sans-serif font. And below the big-sized inscription in blue and pink was written “Forget hotels” in a smaller size but in a lightweight black colour and sans-serif font.
(2009 – 2010)
The logo was changed further with the change in the identity of the company from being a travel service to something that symbolised a sense of belonging to a community. The redesigned logo featured the wordmark “AirBnB” with rounded contours in a sans-serif typeface. The colour shade of the wordmark was altered to brighter ones. Besides, the wordmark was enclosed within a 3D white border all around.
(2010 – 2013)
In 2013, the redesigned logo had a few things in common with the earlier iterations. These include the 3D white outline with a shadow and the wordmark “airbnb,” rendered in cursive-style lettering in a sky-blue colour. The sans-serif font with rounded contours had a gradient, which made the top appear lighter compared to a bottom in a saturated colour.
The Bélo (2013 – 2014)
As Airbnb gained traction and expanded its reach, the need was felt to have a more distinctive and memorable brand identity. So, in 2014, the company unveiled its iconic “Bélo” logo, designed by the London-based renowned design agency, DesignStudio. The Belo represented four principles, namely, people, love, places, and Airbnb. In fact, Belo came to symbolise the philosophy of the company.
The Bélo, which is a combination of the words “belong” and “logo,” was a visual representation of the mission of the company to create a sense of belonging for travellers worldwide. The logo featured a stylized cursive inscription of the name of the company, “airbnb,” in white and blue. In fact, the inscription appeared to be divided into two parts, where “air” seemed to have overlapped the “bnb” component. The inscription in lowercase appeared welcoming and evoked a sense of reliability and security.
(2014 – 2021)
The redesign of the logo in 2014 featured the letter “A” with rounded contours and shaped like a loop in the middle. Symbolising a location pin and the head of a person, the letter “A” shows the process of selecting an accommodation. Besides, the symbol looks like a person’s heart in an upside-down position to represent the attention given by Airbnb to customers.
(2021 – Today)
The redesign of the logo in 2014 featured the letter “A” with rounded contours and shaped like a loop in the middle. Symbolising a location pin and the head of a person, the letter “A” shows the process of selecting an accommodation. Besides, the symbol looks like a person’s heart in an upside-down position to represent the attention given by Airbnb to customers.
The Elements of the Airbnb Logo
Font
The wordmark in the Airbnb logo is executed in a sleek, lowercase sans-serif typeface. It is similar to the JT Energy Bold and BR Candour Semi Bold fonts. The rounded letters in the wordmark exude a sense of sophistication and solidity. It conveys a sense that the brand is both approachable and dependable. The choice of this font shows the commitment of Airbnb to reliability and trustworthiness. It also projected an air of professionalism and stability.
Colour
The vibrant pink and crisp white colour palette used in the Airbnb logo is a masterful blend of warmth and energy. The soft and vivacious colours radiate kindness and friendliness and portray the company as a youthful and spirited entity. This thoughtful colour combination creates a sense of tender care and approachability. It invites travellers to embrace the unique experiences offered by Airbnb.
Moreover, the distinct pairing of pink and white colours has set the Airbnb logo apart from its competitors. This is because it deviates from conventional colour schemes that are often seen in the logos of other companies belonging to the industry. This bold and stylish choice captures attention and reflects the innovative and forward-thinking approach of the brand. It blends sophistication with a playful and welcoming spirit.
Finally
While the Airbnb logo has gone through several transformations, the brand identity of the company has evolved in parallel. It reflects the growth and expanding offerings of the company. The company has since transformed into a comprehensive travel ecosystem and offers unique experiences, adventures, and immersive cultural explorations.
Today, the Bélo logo is a powerful testament to Airbnb’s journey. It symbolises the commitment of the company to establishing connections, creating a sense of belonging, and providing unforgettable travel experiences to people from around the world.