Mar 9 • GENERAL DISCUSSION 💬
How AI is Changing Airbnb’s Search Algorithm in 2025 – What You Need To Know Know
Airbnb’s search algorithm has evolved again; if you are not keeping up, you are falling behind.
In 2025, artificial intelligence will drive search rankings, guest experiences, and booking behaviour. No two guests will see the same results anymore.
Personalisation is more advanced than ever, and for hosts, this means that optimising listings with artificial intelligence in mind is no longer an option. It is essential.
Here is what you need to know to stay ahead.
Artificial Intelligence Now Determines Search Rankings
Airbnb’s search algorithm no longer operates on simple ranking factors such as reviews or pricing alone.
Instead, it is an artificial intelligence-powered system that tailors results in real-time based on each guest’s behaviour, travel history, and browsing habits.
How Airbnb Uses Artificial Intelligence to Rank Listings
• User and Listing Categorisation: Artificial intelligence maps properties into “interest clusters” and matches them to guests based on previous behaviour.
• Journey Ranker Model: A predictive ranking system that refines results based on guest interactions, including clicks, wishlist saves, and past bookings.
• Adaptive Learning: The algorithm adjusts in real-time. If a guest consistently clicks on waterfront properties but ignores city apartments, it will prioritise similar listings.
• Flexible Search Boundaries: The system expands the search radius when inventory is low instead of displaying no availability.
A guest who regularly books properties with a hot tub but never selects shared accommodation will see fewer shared listings, even if they do not apply that filter manually.
Personalised Search Results Have Reached a New Level
The search results one person sees differ from another’s, even if they search in the same location.
Airbnb now prioritises:
• Behavioural Cues: Past searches, click-through rates, and time spent viewing a listing.
• Contextual Data: Travel dates, group size, and even device type, as mobile users tend to prefer shorter descriptions.
• Guest Sentiment Analysis: The system scans guest reviews and prioritises listings with positive language, such as “spacious” or “quiet neighbourhood.”
For example, if a traveller frequently books pet-friendly homes and interacts with listings mentioning nearby parks, Airbnb will surface more properties that match these preferences.
If your listing does not align with these behavioural signals, it will be ranked lower in search results.
How Airbnb’s Artificial Intelligence Compares to Competitors
Unlike other platforms that rely on static ranking models, Airbnb’s search system is dynamic and highly personalised.
Here is how it compares:
• Airbnb: Provides high-level personalisation at an individual guest level. The system adapts search results in real time based on guest behaviour, preferences, and engagement.
• Booking.com: Uses a medium-level personalisation approach, grouping guests into segments based on past stays. Search results are less tailored compared to Airbnb.
How Hosts Can Stay Competitive in 2025
With artificial intelligence shaping the guest experience, hosts must rethink their strategy to remain visible.
1. Optimise Your Listing with Relevant Keywords
• Use terms that match common guest searches, such as “cosy retreat” or “city centre apartment.”
• Ensure amenities are detailed, as the algorithm prioritises properties highlighting guest needs, such as “fast Wi-Fi for remote work.”
AI ranks properties higher if their descriptions match frequent guest searches.
2. Use Smart Pricing to Stay Competitive
• Listings that use artificial-intelligence-driven pricing tools, such as PriceLabs and Beyond Pricing, perform better than those with manual pricing. (Note: NEVER USE AIRBNB SMART PRICING TOOL )
• Airbnb prioritises listings that are competitively priced based on real-time demand.
A Boostly Customer in Spain who followed pricing recommendations during a major conference saw a 32 per cent increase in revenue by utilising the tips and tactics shared by one of our experts.
3. Improve Guest Engagement and Response Times
• A response rate of over 90 per cent significantly improves rankings. Airbnb’s system prioritises hosts who engage quickly.
• Instant booking provides a 15 per cent visibility boost.
4. Upgrade Your Listing Photos
• Airbnb prioritises listings with professional, high-resolution images.
• The system analyses image quality and detects specific amenities, such as a workspace or kitchen appliances.
Hosts who add high-quality tagged photos see up to a 40 per cent boost in visibility.
What the Future Holds for Artificial Intelligence in Airbnb Search
Beyond 2025, Airbnb is expected to continue refining its artificial intelligence-powered features.
• Artificial Intelligence Travel Assistants: Future updates may include personalised trip-planning tools that recommend stays based on full itinerary planning.
• Cross-Platform Data Integration: Airbnb may combine guest data from restaurant bookings, experiences, and previous travel patterns to enhance recommendations.
• Fairer Search Rankings: The company is working on bias mitigation techniques to ensure that listings from diverse hosts receive fair visibility.
Final Thoughts: The Hosts Who Adapt Will Succeed
Airbnb’s artificial intelligence-powered system is not a passing trend. It is the future of hospitality.
Hosts who fail to optimise their listings for artificial intelligence-driven search will lose bookings to those who do.
What Should You Do Now?
• Fine-tune your descriptions with artificial-intelligence-friendly keywords.
• Use dynamic pricing tools to remain competitive.
• Improve guest engagement and optimise your response rate.
• Invest in professional photography, as the algorithm prioritises high-quality visuals.
Hosts who embrace these artificial intelligence-driven changes will outperform the competition, attract more bookings, and increase their revenue.
Hope this helps
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How AI is Changing Airbnb’s Search Algorithm in 2025 – What You Need To Know Know
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