Making the Most of an Airbnb Video: Tips for Hosts

Key Takeaways

• While Airbnb doesn't currently support video uploads for property listings, creating one can still increase your property’s visibility and engagement on third-party platforms and social media.
• Effective Airbnb videos tell a story that creates an emotional connection with potential guests.
• Plan shots, use natural lighting, showcase the guest experience, tell a narrative, and edit carefully to create the most engaging Airbnb video possible.

There are millions of properties listed on Airbnb, and knowing which to pick gets tricky for renters. Photos and descriptions that showcase a listing’s atmosphere and amenities don’t always do it justice. Some hosts even exaggerate or oversell their property as being more spacious or luxurious than it really is.

Most renters just want accurate expectations. They want to know what they’re getting when they book their stay, and that’s why Airbnb videos can be an effective way to showcase your property. 

Enter the Airbnb video, pairing the professionalism of good photography with the honesty of a thorough description. Prospective renters get to see what their potential accommodations really look and feel like. 

A little planning and care go a long way in leveling up how your property looks to prospective guests. Let’s talk about what it takes to make a great Airbnb video and where you can publish one.

What Is an Airbnb Video?

An Airbnb video is basically an on-screen property tour. Unlike photos and written descriptions, videos let viewers experience a vacation rental interior and exterior, unique features and amenities, and overall ambiance.

Creating an Airbnb video involves filming a walkthrough of the property and editing the footage into a polished presentation. The goal is for viewers to get a sense of what it would feel like to stay at your property, helping them make an informed booking decision.

Can I Add a Video to My Airbnb Listing?

No, you cannot add a video to your Airbnb listing as of publication in May 2024. Currently, Airbnb only allows hosts to upload photos to a listing.

However, there’s still value in creating an Airbnb video and publishing it to other third-party platforms. You can always include a link to the video in your listing so that prospective guests can still see it!

If you offer any Airbnb Experiences, you can publish videos to those listings. In fact, Airbnb offers a video editing service to help Experience hosts create video trailers for their listings. All you have to do is send video clips to Airbnb (you can take these videos with your phone) and their team of expert editors will assemble them into a professional video trailer that shows off your Experience. 

Why Should You Make an Airbnb Video?

Effective Airbnb videos do more than just showcase a space’s physical attributes—they tell a story that highlights your property's personality and charm. A good video creates an emotional connection with potential guests as they watch it.

Even though you can’t publish a video to a rental property listing, it can still pay off to film a video and publish it elsewhere. Videos can be a great marketing tool and a way to establish your brand voice. The way in which you narrate your space, painting a picture for guests of the type of experience they can have in it, adds a touch of personalization that can compel vacationers to book.

Caveats aside, don’t forget that if you host Experiences, you can publish a video to your listing!

A great Airbnb video sets your property apart with: 

• Better visibility: According to Airbnb, Experience listings with videos tend to get more bookings compared to those that only have photos. If you’re only looking to showcase your rental property, a video published to a third-party platform can still give prospective guests a better sense of your property, which ultimately increases their likelihood of booking. 
• Authentic previews: Videos are an immersive way to help guests visualize themselves partaking in your Experience or staying at your property. 
• Increased trust: The transparency of videos can help guests feel more confident in their booking decision. If you choose to personalize your Airbnb video with commentary as a host, guests may also develop an increased sense of connection to your property.
• More engagement: Time spent watching a property video is time spent exploring and considering your property.

If you want to take your Airbnb video to the next level, consider offering a virtual tour. Virtual tours utilize 3D cameras to let potential guests virtually walk themselves through your property. You’ll stand out from the crowd if you leverage this kind of unique video in your marketing.

Set the Scene: Showcase Your Space

While your property should be staged similar to how guests would find it, hosts can take some liberties to make it more attractive for video. Arrange furniture, add decorative accents, and bring in some color to create a welcoming and pleasant environment. Airbnb videos are where your interior design choices can shine.

Amp up the property’s curb appeal by cleaning up the exterior and tidying up landscaping. Amenities like balconies, jacuzzis, and fireplaces should be immaculate when presented on video. Show how rooms look at different angles, and stage furniture as needed to provide a sense of space and comfort. 

Capture the Details: Highlight Amenities

What makes your property different from the others? That answer should guide your video. Whether it's a stunning view or a luxurious spa bathroom, show off the details that set your listing apart from the competition.

Outdoor spaces like a pool, garden, or patio showcase the potential for outdoor hosting and relaxation. Your video should also show these amenities being used—give visual examples of how versatile your kitchen can be. Press your hand into the memory foam mattress and high-end bedding. Let guests envision themselves staying at your Airbnb.

Use close-up shots to highlight details and textures. Get up close and personal with plush bathrobes, gourmet kitchen countertops, and cozy reading nooks. 

Testimonials from previous guests can also help build trust and credibility with potential guests. Consider weaving guest feedback into your property tour narration, which helps to highlight the value of your amenities in a credible way.

Craft the Narrative: Tell Your Property's Story

• Identify unique selling points: Is it the historic charm of a vintage home, the modern amenities of a luxury apartment, or the tranquil setting of an eco-friendly house in the countryside? Plan to highlight your property’s most compelling when shaping the narrative of your video. Guest ratings are a great place to start if you’re looking for inspiration on what stands out to visitors.
• Create a theme or concept: Create a theme or concept for your video that aligns with the style and vibe of your property. It could be “cozy cabin getaway,” “beachfront paradise,” or, “urban oasis.” A clear theme helps to guide the storytelling process and make your video more cohesive.
• Tell a story: Start by introducing your property with an engaging opening shot that sets the tone for the rest of the video. Take viewers on the walkable journey they themselves will experience in the rental.
• Focus on your guest experience: Large properties can show off spacious rooms for big groups, while small apartments can show off convenient amenities and proximity to urban centers or destinations. Put yourself in the shoes of your potential guests and think about what they would want to see and experience during their stay.
• Add a call to action: End your video by encouraging viewers to book their stay. Provide steps for how to book and where to find more information about your property.

Where to Post Your Airbnb Video Clips 

Once you create your Airbnb video, the next step is finding the right platform to maximize exposure and reach more potential guests. Unfortunately, you can’t publish a video to your Airbnb vacation rental listing, but you should absolutely provide a link to your video in your Airbnb property listing. Here are some additional ideas for other places to post your video and drive traffic to your listing:

• Social media: Sites like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn are great for showcasing your property. Relevant hashtags and geotags can also increase visibility and engagement with your posts.
• YouTube and Vimeo: Tap into the large user bases for these video sites. Upload your film and optimize video titles, descriptions, and tags for relevant keywords to improve searchability.
• Your website or blog: It never hurts to feature Airbnb video on your own site, especially if you have a niche target audience that aligns with potential Airbnb guests. Hosts or operators with direct booking sites should feature their Airbnb videos prominently.
• Email marketing: Consider including your video in newsletters or promotional emails that showcase updates or improvements to your property. It might entice guests to book their next stay.
• Airbnb Guidebook: If you offer a digital welcome book or an on-site binder with information for the guests’ stay, include a link or QR code to your Airbnb video. You can also put a plug for your video, with steps on how to access and share it, in your welcome basket if you offer one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should my Airbnb video be? 

Aim for around 1-2 minutes to keep viewers engaged without overwhelming them with too much information.

Do I need to hire a professional videographer to create an Airbnb video? 

No. While a professional videographer can produce high-quality results, you can make a high-quality video on your own with the right equipment and techniques.

What should I include in my Airbnb video? 

Focus on showcasing the most appealing aspects of your property, including unique features, amenities, and surroundings. Highlighting the property's key selling points will help attract guests.

Where should I post my Airbnb video? 

First, publish your video to a major video hosting platform, like YouTube or Vimeo. Include a link to the video in your Airbnb listing. You should also maximize visibility by sharing it on your social media channels and your vacation rental’s independent website if you have one.