Think of it as Tinder for lodging.
Noting that photos of homes' interiors have a large influence on bookings, Airbnb plans to implement an automated system next year that will reportedly scan photos to determine how attractive they are to potential guests. “We are trying to promote listings with more attractive images,” Maxim Charkov, the search lead at Airbnb, told Bloomberg.
[seealso slug="airbnb-beginners-guide"]
At some point, Airbnb may also provide a "digital interior designer" that will help hosts "enhance listings and spruce up homes to increase bookings," Charkov said. “Maybe you should improve your images; maybe you should provide these amenities that are popular. We want to bring the insights back to the host."
Airbnb already uses a predictive behavior algorithm to match up potential renters and guests. That technology has boosted matches by 4%, according to the company.
The move comes as Google and Facebook, among others, have taken steps toward analyzing photos that users post on the Internet for clues about brand affiliation. Tumblr also announced in August that it's working with Ditto Labs to do the same.
The initiative could also help Airbnb better compete with hotel chains, which are adept at presenting slick photos of their lodgings to entice customers.