Your Airbnb profile is more than a requirement: it’s your cover letter and can make the difference between receiving a reservation… or losing it.
Why is it mandatory to have an Airbnb profile?
Registering on Airbnb is free, but in order to host or book a property it is mandatory to create a personal profile. This is the basis of trust in the Airbnb ecosystem, where both hosts and guests must show their identity, although they can decide what data they make public.
The platform asks for basic information such as full name, date of birth, email address, phone number and gender. Although much of this information can be hidden from the public, all of it is required to use the service.
What does the Airbnb personal profile include?
The profile has two sections: mandatory and optional.
Mandatory information
- Name and surname
- Date of birth
- Genre
- E-mail address
- Contact telephone number
This data is not always publicly visible, but it is essential to verify your identity within the platform.
Optional (and highly recommended) information
- Clear profile picture (preferably smiling 😄)
- Brief biography
- Languages spoken
- Current and previous occupation
- City of residence
- Verifications (official document, mail, phone)
- Emergency contact
👉 A well-written biography conveys closeness and trust. Take advantage of this space to connect!
Why is it so important to complete your profile?
Whether you are a guest or a host, Airbnb is based on mutual trust. An empty profile or one with little information generates distrust, and that can directly affect your conversion rate.
As host:
- A complete profile conveys professionalism.
- Clear photos and an authentic biography humanize your proposal.
- Increase the likelihood that guests will book with you versus another similar host.
- This is your opportunity to highlight your values and hospitality style.
📌 Did you know that many travelers discard properties if the host has no photo or has barely completed their profile?
References and verifications: more bookings guaranteed
In your profile you can accumulate personal references and activate identity verifications. Public references reinforce your reputation, while verifications – although not visible to everyone – build trust in the Airbnb system.
A verified and recommended profile is up to 40% more likely to receive a booking than an incomplete one.
What happens if you do not complete your profile?
While you can technically post an ad without detailing your bio or uploading a clear photo, the results will speak for themselves: fewer views, fewer bookings and lower trust scores.
And, most importantly, Airbnb reserves the right to suspend accounts with false or inconsistent data.
How to optimize your profile as a professional host?
- Professional and close-up photo: No dark selfies. A quality image with a light background makes all the difference.
- Guest-focused biography: Why do you like to host travelers? What can they expect from you?
- Languages: Indicate all the languages you speak. This extends your international reach.
- Local experience: Share if you live nearby, know the area or can give recommendations.
- Update frequently: A static profile can look abandoned.
💡 Tip: look at examples of Superhosts in your area and learn from their style.
Personal profile vs. ad profile: which weighs more?
Many hosts focus exclusively on the photos of the accommodation and the description of the ad. While these are key factors, the personal profile is the final filter of trust. If the guest is hesitant, they will go to see “who is behind the accommodation”.
If your profile does not convey closeness or looks abandoned, it could be a deciding factor against you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it mandatory to complete the personal profile to post a listing on Airbnb?
Yes, although some parts are optional, you need an active and verified profile to be able to post.
What type of photo should I use in my Airbnb profile?
A clear image of your face, preferably smiling, with a neutral background. Avoid group photos or photos that are too informal.
Can I use Airbnb without showing all my personal data?
Yes, you can hide some information from the public, but Airbnb needs to verify your identity to protect all users.
Do references influence my bookings?
Yes, personal references and previous good ratings increase your trustworthiness to new guests.
Conclusion: your profile is part of your product
A complete Airbnb profile is not just a formality. It’s a tool that increases your conversion, improves your reputation and reduces cancellations. As a host, every detail adds up. Take a few minutes to review and update your profile regularly: it’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your performance on the platform.
Want to learn more ways to optimize your Airbnb bookings?
Next update
This content will be reviewed and updated in September 2025 to keep it aligned with Airbnb’s current policies and functionality.
