This TikTok Video Is Going Viral For Showing You How To Spot Hidden Cameras In Airbnbs

Be sure to have a bright light handy!

Staff Writer

If you're planning to take a vacation and hit up an Airbnb anytime soon, this TikTok video has some advice that just might be worth listening to.

TikTok user Marcus Hutchins, who describes himself as an ex-hacker and cybersecurity teacher, has gone viral with a recent video that shares tips for spotting tiny cameras hidden inside common household objects.

In the video, which had over 17 million views as of September 9, Hutchins said devices that could contain a camera are often "conveniently placed where a creeper would want to look."

@malwaretech

Reply to @safarijackza How to find hidden cameras in AirBnBs #safety #travel

According to Hutchins, the most common places you may want to check for a hidden camera would be any suspicious devices or holes that are facing the shower, areas where you'd get dressed, or the bed.

In a room he describes as a staged setup, Hutchins first shows how he finds a camera in a fire alarm placed right above the bed.

Using his trick of shining a bright light at the device, Hutchins immediately spotted the blue-ish reflection of a hidden camera.

He did note that the hack also works for mirrored objects, proving this to be true by shining a light on an alarm clock and again spotting a hidden camera.

Now, if you're worried that the cameras inside your rental space may also have night vision, Hutchins recommends turning off the lights and using the front-facing camera on your phone to see if you can spot the infrared LED lights that the cameras will use.

According to Airbnb's community policies, concealed or undisclosed recording devices in common areas should always be in visible locations as well as be mentioned in the listing. The company also noted that devices should never monitor or record private spaces.

  • Emily Silva was a Vancouver-based Associate Editor at Narcity Canada. She worked on the Trending Desk covering everything from what's trending across the country to what's happening near you. Originally from Cambridge, Ontario, Emily recently switched things up by making a move to the West coast. For the past four years Emily worked as an assignment reporter and writer at CTV News Kitchener. She also held previous roles at MuchMusic and Rogers TV. Emily graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism from Ryerson University with a minor in Sociology.

Tax brackets in Canada: Here's what you'll pay in each province on your 2025 tax return

A few tax changes for 2025 mean you could be paying a lot less this spring. 👀

Costco has a new store opening in 2026 and the unique warehouse is a first in this province

It'll have thousands of products that aren't available at regular stores. 👀

11 Air Canada jobs that pay up to $44 an hour and get you travel perks

You don't have to travel for work to get these travel perks! ✈️