How to Use Airbnb Highlights to Secure More Bookings

What’s the first thing a guest sees after your main cover photo? It used to be a simple grid of images, but now, you have a powerful storytelling tool: Airbnb Highlights. In the precious few seconds you have to capture a traveler's attention, these curated visuals can mean the difference between a click and a scroll-by. Many hosts set them up once and forget them, but in today's competitive market, that’s a major missed opportunity.

This guide will show you how to master Airbnb Highlights. We'll go beyond the basics to explain how to optimize this feature to showcase your property's best assets, create an emotional connection with guests, and ultimately, increase your bookings.

What Are Airbnb Highlights and Why Do They Matter?

Airbnb Highlights are a curated collection of photos and short video clips that appear right at the top of your listing page. Instead of making potential guests hunt through your entire photo gallery, Highlights let you present your property's best features upfront. Think of them as your listing’s movie trailer—they set the tone, build excitement, and promise a fantastic experience.

The vacation rental landscape is more crowded than ever. Travelers are often overwhelmed with choices and want to quickly understand what makes a property special. Highlights serve this exact need. They act as a visual executive summary, giving guests a compelling reason to explore your listing further. By presenting your top selling points immediately, you cater to modern booking behaviors and stop guests from scrolling away to a competitor. Neglecting them means you're letting an algorithm make the first impression for you, instead of taking control of your property's narrative.

How to Set Up and Optimize Your Airbnb Highlights

While Airbnb's AI-powered photo tour can automatically categorize your images, the real power comes from your personal curation. The AI can identify a coffee maker, but only you can frame it as a “peaceful morning coffee corner.” Follow these steps to take full control.

Step 1: Identify Your Unique Selling Points (USPs)

Before you touch the editor, ask yourself: what makes my property stand out? What do guests consistently rave about in reviews? These are your “wow” factors. Make a list of your top 5-7 features. Examples include:

Breathtaking ocean or mountain view
Private hot tub or swimming pool
Fully-equipped chef's kitchen
Dedicated workspace with high-speed Wi-Fi
Cozy fireplace or outdoor fire pit
Pet-friendly amenities like a fenced-in yard
Walkability to key attractions

Step 2: Curate Your Best Visuals

For each USP, select your most compelling photo or a short video clip (2-5 seconds). Video is incredibly effective for showing ambiance—think steam rising from a hot tub, a crackling fire, or leaves rustling outside a window. Ensure all visuals are high-resolution, well-lit, and professionally presented. For more guidance, check out our tips on taking better listing photos.

Step 3: Write Captivating Titles

The default title might be “Kitchen,” but that doesn't sell the experience. Customize each Highlight title to be descriptive and appealing.

Instead of: Desk → Try: Dedicated Workspace & Fast Wi-Fi
Instead of: Patio → Try: Private Patio with Sunset Views
Instead of: Coffee Maker → Try: Morning Coffee Bar with Local Beans

Step 4: Arrange for Maximum Impact

Order matters. Place your single most impressive feature first. This is your primary hook. From there, arrange the other Highlights to tell a story or take the guest on a logical tour of the best parts of your property. For example: Breathtaking View → Cozy Living Room → Chef's Kitchen → Relaxing Master Bedroom → Spa-like Bathroom.

Pro Tips for Creating Highlights That Convert

Once you have the basics down, use these strategies to make your Highlights even more effective.

Think Like Your Ideal Guest

Tailor your Highlights to the type of guest you want to attract. A family will be drawn to a Highlight of the game room or backyard playset. A remote worker will click on the dedicated workspace. A couple on a romantic getaway will be interested in the hot tub and cozy fireplace.

Showcase Experiences, Not Just Amenities

Don't just show a bed; show a beautifully made bed with sunlight streaming in and a view out the window. Don't just show a grill; show a staged patio area with the grill, seating, and string lights, suggesting a perfect evening barbecue.

Keep Them Fresh and Seasonal

Your Highlights shouldn't be static. In the fall and winter, lead with the cozy fireplace. In the spring and summer, feature the swimming pool or outdoor garden. This small update shows your listing is actively managed and helps guests envision a timely getaway.

Your First Impression is in Your Control

Airbnb Highlights are more than just a photo carousel; they are your single best tool for making a powerful first impression. By carefully curating your property's best features, you can stop the scroll, create an emotional connection, and guide potential guests from casual browsers to confirmed bookings. Take 30 minutes today to review and refine your Highlights—it's one of the highest-impact updates you can make to your listing.