Making a video good idea or what?

[Sudsrung0]

Morning from Thailand I hope everybody is happy?,

Yesterday I was going through VRBO web site maybe I will relist my property there, I've had inquiries but never a booking but one thing I noticed is you can make a video of your property on You tube and upload it there, Im not sure of the details on what they accept and how long, need to look in to it more.

Do you guys think it's a good idea and something Airbnb could look at implementing,

Im not technically minded maybe takes up too much bandwidth on their web site, something like that,

[Helen3]

This has been discussed here many times @Sudsrung0 

Airbnb don't allow videos because some unscrupulous hosts use them to provide direct contact details to promote direct bookings. 

[Huma0]

@Helen3 

But what if the video was on the Airbnb listing and not an external platform like YouTube? Sure, the host could still sneak in some contact details, but they could do that in the listing text (I've seen this very recently with a listing where the host's phone number was repeated multiple times and guests instructed to text BEFORE booking) or the photos. 

[Helen3]

It doesn't matter which platform the video is hosted on a host could still insert contact details.

normally Airbnb's algorithms picks up listings that try and promote direct bookings but it's not perfect.

is this London hosts you've seen who are doing this @Huma0 

[Huma0]

@Helen3 

No, it was a host who posted here recently I think asking for critique on her listing. I don't think she even realised it was against the rules or that she was necessarily trying to take direct bookings. I think it was more that she wanted to communicate with guests before they booked and thought text would be easier. I did point out to her she should remove her number.

Anyway, her number was plastered all over the place. She had it in several sections, including the description and the house rules.

[Helen3]

Yes unfortunately no system is perfect 

[Debra300]

@Sudsrung0,

I think videos can be helpful with clarifying a space's layout, surrounding area, and showcase amenities.  If you were to create a video, what would you include in the content?  I am considering making some clips that will show guests how to use the appliances, and put them on a thumb drive that I'd plug into the TV.