About Airbnb
Airbnb is a global online marketplace that connects people who want to rent out their homes with people who are looking for accommodations in specific locales. It fosters a sense of belonging by offering unique travel experiences, ranging from single rooms to castles and houseboats. Founded in 2008, it has revolutionized the hospitality industry, operating in over 220 countries and regions.
Airbnb Affiliate Program Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Industry | Travel & Hospitality / Gig Economy |
| Product Type | Short-term Rentals, Experiences, Hosting Services |
| Affiliate Program Type | CPA (Cost Per Action) & Partner/Creator Partnerships |
Airbnb Affiliate Program Offers
| Feature | Details |
| Promotional Materials | Referral links, social media widgets, localized landing pages (via Creator program). |
| Affiliate Cookie Duration | 28 – 30 Days (Typically, a referred user must complete a listing or booking within this window). |
| Accepted Traffic Source | Social Media (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube), Blogs, Direct referrals, Email lists. |
| Accepted Countries | Global (Available in most countries where Airbnb operates, with some restrictions in sanctioned regions). |
| Explicit Content | Prohibited (Sites with adult content are strictly banned). |
| Religious/Political Content | Restricted (Content promoting hate speech, discrimination, or extreme political views is prohibited). |
Airbnb Affiliate Commissions & Payments
| Feature | Details |
| MLM (Multi-Level Marketing) | No (It is a single-tier referral program; you do not earn from sub-affiliates). |
| Commission Rate | Dynamic CPA: Typically $40 – $100+ per new host referred (varies by location).
Creator Program may offer custom fees. |
| Commission Structure | Flat fee paid once the referred host completes their first reservation. |
| Payout Frequency | Monthly (or upon completion of successful referral criteria). |
| Payout Methods | Bank Transfer, PayPal, Payoneer (varies by region). |
| Minimum Payout | Generally No strict minimum for Host Referrals (paid out per success), but Creator platforms may have a $50 threshold. |
Suitable Affiliates for Airbnb
This program is best suited for content creators who can demonstrate the financial benefits of hosting or the unique lifestyle of travel.
- Travel Bloggers: Can create guides on “How to fund your travels by renting your home.”
- TikTokers / YouTubers: ideal for “Side Hustle” content, showing income proof from hosting.
- KOC (Key Opinion Consumers): Real users sharing their authentic hosting success stories.
- Influencers (Lifestyle/Interior Design): Can showcase how to decorate a home to make it “Airbnb ready.”
- Finance/Business Creators: Focus on the “Passive Income” aspect of becoming a host.
Airbnb Affiliate Software
Does this brand use affiliate management software?
Yes.
- General Users: Use the In-House referral dashboard found inside the Airbnb user account settings.
- Professional Creators/Partners: Airbnb utilizes Impact Radius (Impact.com) to manage its Creator and high-level affiliate partnerships.
3 Alternatives for Airbnb Affiliate Program
Since Airbnb no longer pays for guest bookings (only host referrals), travel bloggers looking to earn from hotel/stay bookings should consider these alternatives.
| Comparison Factor | Vrbo (Expedia Group) | Booking.com | Plum Guide |
| Average Bill | High (Whole home rentals) | Medium (Hotels & Homes) | Very High (Luxury Curated) |
| Entry Fees | Free | Free | Free |
| Withdrawal Threshold | ~$50 USD | €100 (approx. $110) | Varies (often $50) |
| Payment Frequency | Monthly | Monthly | Monthly |
| Commission | 2% – 4% per booking | 25% – 40% of their fee (approx 4-5% of booking value) | 7% of booking value |
| Conversion | High (Family/Group travel) | Very High (Market Leader) | Lower (Niche Luxury) |
| Marketing Materials | Deep links, Banners, API | Widgets, Banners, Search Boxes | High-quality imagery, Links |
