How to get Airbnb to feature your listing: what I learned

Category: Listing Optimization

By: James Wu

Posted: 2025-12-31T22:51:04.931Z

I've noticed some listings get featured in Airbnb's collections — "Trending," "Guest Favorites," "Top Rated," etc. These listings seem to get massive visibility and bookings. How do you get featured? Is there an application process? Or is it purely algorithmic?

Reply by Nolan Peters:

I got the "Guest Favorite" badge on 3 of my listings and "Trending" placement once. Here's what I've learned: **"Guest Favorite" badge (most achievable):** Airbnb awards this algorithmically based on: - Rating of 4.9+ overall - Minimum (approximately) 5+ reviews - High scores in every category (cleanliness, accuracy, communication, location, check-in, value) - Low cancellation rate - Consistent quality over time This badge appears on your listing thumbnail in search results and significantly increases click-through rates. In my experience, CTR increases 20-35% with the badge. **"Trending" placement:** This is based on recent booking velocity: - Sudden spike in bookings relative to your history - High save-to-wishlist rate - Increasing search impressions - Often triggered by: new listing launch, price drop, seasonal demand surge, event in your area You can't directly apply for this, but you can trigger it by: - Running a promotional price for 1-2 weeks - Updating your listing (new photos, updated description) which can refresh search presence - Listing during high-demand periods when your market surges **"Rare Find" badge:** Given when your listing is frequently saved to wishlists but books up quickly: - Keep occupancy high (80%+) - Price competitively so bookings happen fast - The badge itself then increases demand (flywheel effect) **Airbnb Collections (curated lists):** Some collections are algorithmic, others are curated by Airbnb's editorial team: - Have a unique/photogenic property (A-frames, treehouses, geodesic domes, historic homes) - Professional photos are almost mandatory - High reviews + quality scores **What you can control:** 1. Maintain 4.9+ rating (obsess over guest experience) 2. Professional photos (Airbnb's algorithm likely uses photo quality signals) 3. High booking pace (competitive pricing drives this) 4. Complete listing (every field filled, every amenity checked) 5. Superhost status (baseline requirement for many features) The truth: most of these features are algorithmic results of being a great host with great photos and competitive pricing. There's no application or shortcut — just consistent excellence.

Reply by Maria Gonzales:

Something nobody mentions: **Airbnb Luxe and Airbnb Plus programs.** **Airbnb Plus** (currently available in select markets): - Properties are inspected in person by Airbnb - Must meet 100+ quality standards - Your listing gets a special "Plus" badge - Featured in premium search results - Higher nightly rates justified by the badge To qualify: apply through Airbnb → they send an inspector → if you pass, you get the badge. Requirements include professional photos, consistent design, premium amenities, and quality standards. **Airbnb Luxe** (ultra-premium tier): - Properties valued at $1M+ - Must include luxury amenities (pool, private chef access, etc.) - Dedicated trip designer assigned to each booking - Average nightly rate: $1,000+ For most hosts, **Guest Favorite is the realistic goal** and the most impactful. If you're already at 4.8+, the gap to 4.9 is usually closed by: (1) faster response time, (2) better check-in experience, and (3) one memorable amenity or gesture that turns 4-star reviews into 5-stars.