Become a Superhost on Airbnb
Becoming an elite partner on the channels you list on is one of the best ways to maximize your visibility and revenue.
The major travel websites give high-performing hosts and property managers opportunities to climb the ranks: if you meet or exceed certain criteria on a given channel, chances are, you’ll automatically get promoted to some level of “elite” status.
On Vrbo, for instance, that means you can become a Premier Host.
On Airbnb, it means you can become a Superhost and follow in the footsteps of established hosts who are already thriving.
What is a Superhost on Airbnb?
According to Airbnb, Superhosts are “experienced hosts who provide a shining example for other hosts, and extraordinary experiences for their guests.”
Though Airbnb doesn’t necessarily endorse or sponsor any of its hosts or listings, Superhosts are the crème de la crème of the platform. They are dedicated lodging providers who personify Airbnb’s lofty standards for top-notch hospitality.
How do you become a Superhost on Airbnb?
To become a Superhost on Airbnb, your account has to be in good standing while also meeting a set of specific requirements. All listings on your account are taken into consideration by Airbnb, which measures your performance over your previous 12 months of hosting. You do not, however, need to have hosted for those full 12 months to qualify for the program. The requirements of becoming a Superhost on Airbnb mean you have:
- Completed at least 10 trips OR you’ve completed 3 reservations that total at least 100 nights
- Maintained a 90% response rate (or higher)
- Maintained a 1% cancellation rate (1 cancellation per 100 reservations) or lower; exceptions are made for cancellations filed under Airbnb’s Extenuating Circumstances policy
- Maintained a 4.8 overall rating
What are the benefits of becoming a Superhost?
Clearly, Airbnb expects a high level of performance from its Superhosts—and the benefits make it totally worth the effort. The first thing that happens after you earn Superhost status is badging: a special Superhost badge will automatically appear on your listings, which instantly identifies your excellence and sets you apart from non-Superhost competitors. Score!
Though the program’s benefits vary by market and country, you can count on a few near-certainties as an Airbnb Superhost:
- Extra cash: When you’re a Superhost on Airbnb, your listings become more visible to browsing travelers and you become more trustworthy. That Superhost badge on your listings tells shoppers how dedicated you are and ultimately leads to more conversions, which is why Airbnb Superhosts often enjoy a big bump in earnings.
- More guests: Indeed, the Superhost badge is like a magnet for potential guests who are hunting for top-notch lodging providers. More than that, though, shoppers can filter their search results on Airbnb so that they only see Superhost providers. When you appear in that list, you’re among the elite—and travelers know it.
- Exclusive rewards: As a Superhost, you get an extra 20% on top of the usual bonus when you refer new hosts to Airbnb. And, once you spend four consecutive quarters with Superhost status, you receive a travel coupon. Score again!
How do you monitor your Superhost progress?
Airbnb makes it pretty simple to check your Superhost status.
If you navigate to “Performance” and click “Superhost,” you can track your progress in all the criteria required to become a Superhost.
Airbnb will also reach out to you via email if you’ve gained or lost Superhost status, or if you’ve retained it following the company’s quality assessments. Ultimately, though, the power is in your hands to monitor your progress and maintain Superhost-level performance once you’ve earned a spot among the platform’s top hosts.
Becoming a Superhost: Quarterly Assessments
Again, you don’t have to apply to become a Superhost. Airnbnb automatically elevates top performers throughout the year following quarterly assessments, which currently begin on January 1; April 1; July 1; and October 1. Each assessment period lasts about five days, at which point Airbnb notifies you of your Superhost status.
It’s important to note that Airbnb reviews all hosts every quarter based on their previous 365 days of hosting. That’s why you need to maintain an elite level of hosting even after crossing over to Superhost status. If a quarterly assessment reveals areas where you need to improve, be sure to make those adjustments in order to gain or keep Superhost status when the next quarterly assessment rolls around.