Here's the Exact Number of Photos That Could Transform Your Booking Rate

Want to know the single most effective change you can make to your property listing today? It might be simpler than you think.

In the competitive world of property rentals, what separates successful listings from those that struggle to attract bookings? While location, price, and amenities all play significant roles, one often overlooked factor can make a big difference: the number of photos you include in your listing.

Our recent analysis of thousands of property bookings reveals a clear pattern that every property owner should know. Let’s dive into what the data shows and how you can leverage these insights to maximize your booking potential.

How Many Photos Should You Add to Your Property Listing?

We analyzed 26,112 bookings across various properties and tracked how many photos each listing included. The results were eye-opening:

Photo Data

The trend is undeniable: properties with 40+ photos captured nearly one-third of all bookings (31.71%). This is more than double the next highest category (25-29 photos at 16.43%).

Why More Photos Lead to More Bookings

What explains this strong correlation between photo quantity and booking success? Several factors are at play:

Increased guest confidence: More photos reduce uncertainty and build trust. Guests want to know exactly what they’re booking.
Addressing specific concerns: Different guests have different priorities. Some care about the kitchen, others about outdoor spaces, and still others about bathroom facilities. More photos allow you to address all these potential concerns.
Creating an emotional connection: A comprehensive photo gallery allows potential guests to envision themselves in your space, creating an emotional connection that drives booking decisions.
Standing out from competitors: In a sea of listings, comprehensive visual content differentiates your property and keeps guests engaged longer with your listing.

Quality Matters Too: Tips for Your Photo Gallery

While quantity clearly matters, quality remains essential. Here are some tips to maximize the impact of your expanded photo gallery:

Start strong: Your first 5-7 photos should showcase your property’s best features
Cover all spaces: Include photos of every room, from multiple angles
Highlight special amenities: Dedicated photos for unique features like pools, views, or outdoor spaces
Don’t forget details: Close-ups of quality fixtures, furnishings, and thoughtful touches
Show seasonal variations: If possible, include photos from different seasons
Consider lifestyle shots: Photos showing how spaces can be used (a set dinner table, a cozy reading nook)

The Bottom Line: Aim for 40+

We get it, taking, selecting, and uploading 40+ photos might feel like overkill. You might be thinking, “Do travelers really need to see my coffee maker from three different angles?” But our data doesn’t lie: properties with 40+ photos are booking at rates that can’t be ignored.

Think of it this way: every photo is answering a question your potential guest hasn’t even asked yet. “Is there enough counter space in the bathroom?” Click. “How comfy does that reading chair look?” Click. “Can I see the sunrise from bed?” Click.

So grab your camera this weekend and start shooting. Your property deserves to be in that top-performing 31.71% bracket.