Airbnb Categories: What They Are, Why They Matter, and How to Get Your Listing Featured
In 2022, Airbnb introduced a major update that changed how people search for places to stay—Airbnb Categories. Instead of just searching by location or dates, guests can now explore stays based on themes like Beachfront, Tiny Homes, or Design. It’s not just a fancy filter. It’s a new way of thinking about travel, and for hosts, it’s a powerful way to stand out.
If you're listing your place on Airbnb, this isn’t just a small tweak you can ignore. Being included in a category means your property is part of a curated group, hand-picked by Airbnb to showcase the best of the best. And it can seriously boost your visibility, bookings, and income.
Let’s break down what Airbnb Categories are, which ones are most popular, and how you can position your place to be featured in one.
What Are Airbnb Categories?
Airbnb Categories group listings by experience, style, and location—not just price or geography. They give guests an easier, more inspiring way to browse. Instead of starting with “Where should I go?”, they start with “What kind of place do I want to stay in?”
It taps into how people actually plan holidays. Often, they’re not 100% sure where they want to go—but they know the vibe they’re after. Maybe it’s a treehouse in the rainforest, a sleek city apartment, or a cabin with a fireplace in the middle of nowhere.
Airbnb has over 50 of these categories. A few examples:
Beachfront – Literally steps from the sand. Think ocean views, sea breezes, and sunset wines on the deck.
Cabins – Timber homes in nature, often surrounded by trees, wildlife, and peace. Think weekend retreats and winter getaways.
Design – Architecturally interesting homes or interiors with a distinctive aesthetic.
Luxe – Premium, high-end homes with concierge services, luxury amenities, and five-star attention to detail.
Amazing Views – Panoramas you’ll want to photograph and post. Could be ocean, mountain, desert, or skyline.
Historical Homes – Properties with history and character, often restored or heritage-listed.
Off-the-Grid – Remote, peaceful properties where you can truly unplug.
These categories aren’t random. Airbnb curates them based on guest interest and the uniqueness of the properties. And yes—being featured in one can absolutely change how often your place gets booked.
Why It’s Worth Targeting a Category
1. You’ll Get Seen by More People (Even if They’re Not Looking for You)
The biggest win? Visibility. Categories are often browsed by people with no set destination. If your home is in the Tiny Homes or Trending category, someone from across the country (or globe) might find it—without ever searching your town or suburb.
2. You’ll Be Featured in a More Curated, Less Crowded Space
When someone searches “2-bedroom home in Melbourne,” they get hundreds of results. But if they’re browsing the Design category, they’ll only see the listings that truly fit. This cuts the noise and puts your listing in a premium spot.
3. It Tells Guests You’re Offering Something Special
Airbnb doesn’t hand out category spots for just any home. If you’re in one, it means your place stands out for a reason. That builds trust with guests. They know your place isn’t just “good enough”—it’s been recognised by Airbnb for a reason.
4. It Can Increase Bookings and Revenue
More exposure usually means more bookings. But not just more—they’re often better. Guests drawn in by categories tend to stay longer, leave better reviews, and appreciate what you’re offering. That can lead to a virtuous cycle of strong performance and even more visibility.
Most Popular Airbnb Categories
Some categories are consistently in demand. Based on trends and visibility, here are some of the top-performing ones:
Amazing Views – A constant favourite. Whether it’s ocean cliffs, rolling hills, or city lights, people will always pay more for a great view.
Design – Instagrammable interiors and unique architecture catch the eye and stand out in feeds and searches.
Beachfront – Still one of the most competitive and in-demand categories globally.
Cabins – Especially popular for weekenders, couples, or solo travellers wanting quiet and natural surrounds.
Trending – A rotating category of new listings gaining traction—ideal for newer hosts making a splash.
Tiny Homes – Minimalist, compact, and quirky. Great for solo travellers and couples.
Luxe – For guests who want everything handled and are willing to pay top dollar.
If your property naturally fits one of these, there’s real value in leaning into it.
How to Get Your Property Featured in a Category
You can’t just tick a box and ask to be included. Airbnb uses a combination of data, quality checks, and algorithms to assign listings. But you can increase your chances significantly with the right strategy.
Step 1: Know Your Home’s Strengths
What’s the most unique thing about your place? Is it the view? The design? The remoteness? A clever layout? Start with what’s true and build around that. Don’t try to fake it—Airbnb checks everything, and guests are quick to call out exaggeration.
Step 2: Make Your Listing Match the Category
If you’re aiming for Amazing Views, make sure your listing highlights the best vantage points—deck shots, sunset moments, wide angles. If you’re targeting Design, show off details—materials, styling, layout, and lighting.
Use your listing title and description to reinforce the theme. Be specific:
“Architect-designed bush retreat with floor-to-ceiling views”
“Scandi-inspired tiny home with outdoor bath under the stars”
Steer away from generic titles like “Lovely 2BR in Byron”. They don’t tell a story.
Step 3: Upgrade Your Photography
This part is huge. Airbnb’s algorithm and guests both respond to strong visuals. Your first photo is your headline—make it count.
Hire a professional photographer if you can. If not, learn some basics: shoot in natural light, tidy the space, and capture angles that show flow and atmosphere. Drone shots? Even better, especially for Beachfront, Cabins, and Amazing Views.
Step 4: Nail the Guest Experience
Categories tend to favour listings with consistently high reviews. Focus on getting those early wins:
Be proactive and friendly in your communication.
Make sure your place is spotless.
Include thoughtful extras (local guides, snacks, quality toiletries).
Keep the check-in smooth and stress-free.
Ask for feedback, and read your reviews. If guests keep complimenting the same thing—like your deck or your fireplace—double down on showcasing it.
Step 5: Stay Consistent
Don’t stop once you’ve “optimised”. Airbnb’s algorithm is dynamic. Keep updating your listing, improving your space, and responding to reviews. Consistency is key.
How to Request a Change to Your Airbnb Category
Sometimes, Airbnb assigns your property to a default category—or misses the mark entirely. If you’ve upgraded your space or believe your listing is a clear match for a different category, you can request a review.
Here’s how to do it:
Go to the Airbnb Help Centre
Head to airbnb.com/help and log in.Search for “Category Feedback” or “Listing Categories”
Find the relevant article on listing categories. This will guide you to the right support channel.Contact Airbnb Support
Scroll to the bottom of the help article and click “Contact Us.” Select the listing in question and explain why you believe it should be re-categorised. Be specific about new features or qualities that fit a certain category.Add Supporting Evidence
Include new photos, guest reviews that mention relevant qualities, or details about renovations. For example: “We recently added a solar power system and composting loo—our listing is now fully off-grid and better suited to the ‘Off-the-Grid’ category.”Wait for a Response
Airbnb may take a few days to get back to you. If your request is accepted, your listing category will be updated. If not, consider their feedback and keep working toward eligibility.
This process isn’t guaranteed, but if your listing has evolved or truly fits a different niche, it’s well worth pursuing.
Final Thoughts
Airbnb Categories aren’t just a design refresh—they’re a smart shift in how travel is discovered. And for hosts, they offer a powerful chance to break through the noise.
Focus on what makes your property genuinely special. Present it clearly and confidently, both in photos and words. Deliver a great experience, and if you’re not in the right category—ask for a change.
Whether you’ve got a hilltop retreat in the Blue Mountains, a breezy shack on the Sunshine Coast, or a minimalist hideaway in the bush, categories help you find the guests who’ll appreciate it most.
