Photos and Videos on Tripadvisor
Learn how to manage your photos and videos on Tripadvisor.
Photos and Videos on Tripadvisor
Guide to Your Tripadvisor Primary Photo
Guide to Your Tripadvisor Primary Photo You only get one chance to make a strong first impression to travelers. Make it count by leveraging our advanced technology which auto-selects your primary photo for you — or, follow our tips for choosing your own.
Your primary photo is the first image that travelers see of your property. It appears as your main image in search results and as the first image in your photo carousel. We know that a well-chosen primary photo can be a driving factor for travelers choosing their next place to stay. After all, 79% of travelers say they take photos and videos posted online into consideration when booking an accommodation.*
Since photos are such an important feature to travelers and owners alike, we’ve invested a lot of time and resources into our machine learning technology for photos. This technology alleviates the pressure owners often feel to pick a quality primary photo on their own, by auto-selecting a primary photo for them.
Auto-select uses advanced technology to analyze the quality and subject of photos on Tripadvisor to select the best available primary photo for a listing. Our technology looks at the physical attributes of a photo, such as image resolution and orientation, as well as the actual subject of a photo, whether it’s an indoor or outdoor shot, features people, or amenities, etc. User testing so far has demonstrated that this approach works. Auto-selected images are high-resolution images, rather than blurry ones, and feature bedrooms and swimming pools, over photos of travelers or bathrooms.
This new approach uses data to remove the subjectivity of manually choosing a photo and ensures primary photos are optimized for travelers searching for their next place to stay. However, if you’d prefer to manually select your primary photo (and opt out of the auto-selection feature) you can do so in the Management Center. Read below for instructions and best practices on choosing a primary photo.
How to manually change your primary photo- Sign into the Management Center
- Select the "View Media Suite" card on your Management Center homepage
- Then, click your "Primary Photo" in "Your Selected Photos" section
- Click “Manual: select your own primary photo"
- Choose the primary photo you'd like to use from the available options listed
- If you're happy with the preview of your new primary photo, displayed at the top of the page, click "Submit"
Note: It can take up to 3-5 business days for a primary photo change to take effect on your page. Once you’ve selected your photo, and it’s processing, you’ll see it in the Media Suite along with a date stamp and a note indicating that the request is pending.
Requirements for your primary photo- Show off your property’s best feature(s). Your primary photo should represent the best your property has to offer. Choose a photo that emphasizes what makes your property unique. Is it your historical facade, your trendy lobby, or your unparalleled views? Show travelers by highlighting whatever features set you apart in your primary photo.
- Choose well-lit and sharp images. Avoid images that are dark and/or blurry. These images are going to be resized based on where they appear on Tripadvisor — so they need to remain easy to view at all sizes, whether it’s a thumbnail on mobile or a full screen image on desktop.
- Change your primary photo with the season. Travelers want to picture themselves at your property right from the start. Choose a primary photo that represents the season travelers are shopping for. For example, if it’s near the holidays, highlight your cozy fireplace or seasonal decorations.
- Avoid images of people and scenery. Photos of your property or location are more helpful to travelers than photos of staff members, other travelers, or generic scenic views of your area.
- Or, leverage Tripadvisor machine learning and we’ll auto-select it for you! Skip the hassle of manually choosing a primary photo and let our technology do the work for you! If you don’t opt out of the “auto-select primary photo” option — we’ll automatically select the best available photo as your primary photo.
Tips for Taking Better Property Photos
Tips for Taking Better Property Photos Do-it-yourself advice from professional hotel photographers
If a picture is “worth a thousand words,” are the property photos on your profile telling potential customers what you want them to say? If you don’t have the budget to hire a professional photographer, there are ways to make your own property photos the best they can be.
When travelers are in the process of selecting accommodations, quality photos will help yours stand apart from the rest. Here are some tips from hotel photography pros, based on techniques they use for their own clients.
Consider Composition
“Spaces with really interesting lighting make for beautiful photographs,” advises Ken Wan, principal of ARC - Architectural Photography in Vancouver. Natural or artificial light work, so long as it’s abundant. “I also think spaces that allow the viewer to imagine themselves there, whether it’s a beautiful room with a view or an outdoor pool, can be really appealing and inviting.”
Conversely, he warns that using people in your images will communicate your property’s target clientele, and could turn off those who don’t fit that look.
All types of accommodations need photo inventories of entire rooms, especially the guest rooms. But there are other images you should incorporate into your portfolio as well.
DO try to include:
- Candid portrayals of staff acting naturally.
- Architectural details accentuated by natural light.
- Lifestyle details (décor, furniture, food), shot in soft light.
- Night time scenes that look “cozy.”
AVOID these types of images:
- Staff or guests looking at the camera.
- Pictures of empty lobbies, hallways, or room doors.
- Rooms that aren’t tidy or clean.
- Busy images with too much in them (don’t use a wide angle lens or a panorama view).
"Don’t be afraid to spend time moving furniture until the composition is right. Straighten the sheets on the bed, remove the dustbin, and straighten the pictures on the wall.” - Mark Bolton of Mark Bolton Hotel Photography
Set the Scene
Before you snap the first shot, stage your spaces correctly. Based in London, Mark Bolton of Mark Bolton Hotel Photography shoots hotels all over the world. “Don’t be afraid to spend time moving furniture until the composition is right,” he says. “Straighten the sheets on the bed, remove the dustbin, and straighten the pictures on the wall.”
Also consider the time of day to take advantage of natural light. Early morning on a sunny, clear day is ideal.
Maximize Your Equipment
You don’t need expensive and elaborate camera equipment to take good photos, but you should become familiar with the tools and settings on the camera to enhance the results. Relatively inexpensive accessories are also worth the investment.
Bolton suggests using a tripod, which facilitates a level shot. “Try to shoot with the camera level so you don’t get dodgy angles, known as converging verticals,” he says. “You can buy a very small spirit level to fit on your camera.”
He also recommends using a small aperture on your camera to get deep depth of focus, which will bring all foreground and background objects equally into focus. Conversely, larger apertures will blur the background. Switch off tungsten lights, and set the ISO values at up to 400 ISO so that you don’t get too much “noise” in the image. A higher ISO number increases the camera’s sensitivity to light.
Wan recommends taking a few test shots and viewing them on a computer. “What looks right in person often looks weird in photographs,” he points out.
Integrate On-Trend Imagery
If you want your property images to feel current, consider the trends in hotel photography. Bolton is seeing a lot of natural light in images, with compositions that pay more attention to lifestyle (décor and cuisine, for example) than the architectural elements. It’s an “editorial feel” that portrays personal interactions, and moments in time that incorporate the senses.
However, trends come and go, as Wan warns, so he advises that you concentrate more about the message you want to communicate. Those lifestyle photographs that show people will be dated after a few years as clothing and hair styles change.
Take the time to create a photo portfolio that lets your property shine. Enticing images send the right messages to the customers you want to attract.
Posted by: http://gobigorgohomeblog.com...
Bring Your Business to Life with Property Videos
Bring Your Business to Life with Property Videos Seeing is believing, show guests what they can expect at your accommodation with Property Videos, available only to Business Advantage subscribers.
Getting guests to understand exactly what your property offers can be challenging, but what if you could show them? Introducing Tripadvisor’s Property Videos.
Travelers are spending more time than ever watching videos: a recent study predicts that video will claim nearly 80% of all global web traffic by 2019.1 Videos allow users a special view into your property, capturing their attention and giving them a glimpse into what makes you special.
Property Videos allow you to bring your accommodation to life by displaying video content right alongside your photos on Tripadvisor. Leave a lasting impression and connect with travelers through the power of video.
Ready to engage potential guests with videos? Let’s get started.
How to add videos to your Tripadvisor listing
In order to publish Property Videos on Tripadvisor, you must have an active Business Advantage subscription. Learn more here: Business Advantage.
Once you've subscribed:
- Sign into the Management Center.
- Under the "Manage Listing" menu at the top, select “Property Videos"
- Click the “Property Videos” tab on the left-hand side.
- Click the blue “Add More Videos” button, then select videos from your computer. You can upload up to 30 Property Videos to your listing.
- Don't forget to add a title to let travelers know what your video is about.Then, click “Submit” to save your changes and upload the video.
- While most videos appear on your listing within 30 minutes, your video may take up to 24 hours to be available.
How to update or delete Property Videos:
- Follow steps 1 - 3 above to access the “Property Videos” section.
- Click the video you’d like to update or delete.
- To make changes, edit the title of the video and click “Save Updates.”
- To delete a video, click the blue “Delete” button below. Once you delete a Property Video it will no longer be displayed on your Tripadvisor page.
Tips for posting Property Videos:
- Review our guidelines: Ensure your video aligns with our Property Video guidelines before you post.
- Keep it short: Short clips are more engaging. All videos should not exceed three minutes.
- Switch it up: Showcase different areas of your property - whether it’s a walk-through of your Master Suite, a fly over video of your pristine golf course, or a welcome video from your staff. Just like with photos, it’s best to highlight a variety of areas!
- Combine with Announcements: If you’ve made changes to your property, consider posting a video on the updates, along with an Announcement. This can help draw travelers in.
- More tips: Read our guide to creating professional looking videos, on a budget.
- 1. https://www.l2inc.com/research/video-2016
Tripadvisor Photos: Six Common Questions from Hoteliers
Tripadvisor Photos: Six Common Questions from Hoteliers Tripadvisor Photos may appear in the “Traveler Photos” section of your Tripadvisor listing. Here are answers to key questions that you may have about these photos:
What are Tripadvisor photos?
Tripadvisor Photos are professional photos exclusively commissioned by Tripadvisor. Oyster, which was acquired by the Tripadvisor Media Group in late 2013, specializes in taking professional, honest photos of hotels. Oyster photographers visit hotels and take hundreds of still and Panoramic 360' photos at no cost to the property. These photos are then published on both Oyster.com and Tripadvisor.com.
Why is this a good opportunity for my property?
Travelers love photos: they spend more time on Tripadvisor property pages that have 30+ images, and many will not book until they have seen pictures of a hotel, inn or B&B. Oyster photos help you comprehensively showcase all areas of your property. These in-depth, unbiased photographs can help convince prospective guests to book. Plus, in addition to appearing on Oyster and Tripadvisor, these photos may get exposure through Oyster’s media partners such as USA Today, Fox News Travel, the Travel Channel and others.
What happens after Oyster visits my hotel?
Oyster will process the photos and post them on Oyster.com and Tripadvisor.com. You will not be able to review the images before they are published. You can use the images on your own websites as long as you include the Oyster watermark and link back to the site. Oyster may also write a review of your property on Oyster.com, this review does not appear on Tripadvisor.
Why doesn’t my property have Tripadvisor photos?
Oyster contacts hotels directly to arrange Tripadvisor photoshoots. If you don’t have Tripadvisor Photos, an Oyster photographer has not visited your property yet.
There’s a problem with one of the Tripadvisor photos on my listing. What do I do?
Report the issue by contacting Oyster here. Each request will be individually reviewed.
Can I remove an Oyster photo from my Tripadvisor listing?
To request a photo removal, you must contact Oyster support here. Each request will be individually reviewed.
Last Updated: June 2, 2014
Photos on Tripadvisor: Best Practices for Accommodations
Photos on Tripadvisor: Best Practices for Accommodations Quick photography tips designed to help hoteliers grab the attention of potential guests.
According to a 2015 study conducted by Microsoft,1 the average human attention span is rapidly declining. Since 2012 our attention span has dropped from twelve seconds to a mere eight seconds – making it shorter than that of a goldfish (at nine seconds). Given this, holding the attention of visitors to your Tripadvisor page can seem daunting. Luckily, the Tripadvisor Media Suite offers easy-to-use features that can help.
Not only do photos grab the attention of travelers and reach them on an emotional level, but research shows that travelers spend more time on property pages with at least 30 photos. Photos are an important way to tell your story and help visitors imagine themselves at your property. But, it’s not just about having a lot of photos - the type of photos you feature matter. Here are our tips on how to choose photos that will keep travelers engaged and influence their booking decisions:
DO: Use professional-looking photos
Beautiful photos are a must. In this day and age, there’s no excuse not to have professional-looking photos. Don’t worry - there’s no need to run out and hire a photographer. You can get professional photos on your own by following our top tips for taking better property photos.
DON’T: Use stock photos
Stock photos are boring and lack authenticity. Anyone can choose generic photos of a guest room, lobby, or dining space, but this doesn't show customers who you are and what you’re about. It also doesn't properly set traveler expectations, which can lead to poor reviews if the actual experience doesn't live up to the one presented. Your photos should tell your property’s story, and communicate what makes you special.
DO: Update your photos based on the season
Guests want to see exactly what they can expect when they visit your property - no matter the time of year they visit. If it’s the middle of winter, it’s time to emphasize your lobby’s warm and cozy fireplace over those summer pool shots. Be sure to keep your advance booking window in mind when choosing which photos to prioritize. If you typically have a long lead time on bookings, begin adding images for the upcoming season to align with traveler searches. Remember, you want to make it as easy as possible for guests to imagine themselves at your property.
DON'T: Delete photos from other seasons
While you know your typical advance booking window, travelers could be researching before or after that time frame and want to see what your property looks like for their travel dates. Instead of deleting those seasonal photos, use the Manage Photos tab in the Media Suite to adjust the order of your images. This allows you to prioritize ones within your current booking window, while still having others available to those booking last minute or earlier than usual.
DO: Include an array of photos
Potential guests want to see everything your property has to offer, so it’s important to include a mix of photos on your listing. Business Advantage subscribers benefit from Favorite Photos which allows you to hand-pick the first 30 photos in your photo carousel. As a general rule, you should include images of:
- Guest rooms: the bedroom area, storage spaces, bathroom, and any unique or high-quality room amenities (technology, toiletries, etc.)
- Views or outdoor spaces: the exterior of your building, pool, gardens, rooftop, views from your restaurant or bedroom, etc.
- Common spaces or interior amenities: dining spaces, your lobby, concierge, transportation
DON’T: Include every photo from your recent photo shoot
The photos from your recent photo shoot just came back and they look beautiful -- great! Keep in mind, while travelers love photos, there is such thing as too many. No one wants to see 10 shots of your exterior or lobby bar in slightly different lighting. So, before you post, narrow down the list to ensure each photo is showing something unique. Tripadvisor even allows you to sort your photos into albums such as Hotel & Amenities, Dining, Pool & Beach and Room/Suite. Business Advantage subscribers, you can select Cover Photos for these albums in the Media Suite.
DO: Post photos of various rooms - but always include your standard room
Room photos not only help potential guests decide if they want to stay at your property, but they can also be used to upsell guests to a more expensive room. Entice potential guests by including photos of all your room types - just be sure to label them accurately so guests get a true representation of where they will be staying.
DON’T: Post only the basic offerings at your property
Although it’s essential to include photos of your standard amenities, this doesn’t mean you can’t mix in some fun images as well. Cover the basics, but don’t forget to highlight the unique features of your property. Have a suite with an unrivaled view? Be sure to show it off. Do you use a certain brand of local coffee, have an “Instagrammable” wall or luxurious bedding? Spotlight these features with close-up photos - and don’t forget the captions - this way guests will feel like they’re getting an intimate and honest look into your business.
DO: Mix up the style and formats of your photos
Just as you should switch up the type of photos you display, it’s equally important to mix up the style of these photos. Instead of just including one classic shot of your hotel lobby, include close-ups of highlights like your front desk, a panoramic or wide-angle, or your lobby when it’s busy. Incorporating different angles and shots will make guests feel like as if they’re they’re discovering the space for themselves. Business Advantage subscribers also use tools in the Media Suite like Storyboard and Property Videos to grab the attention of travelers and bring your property to life.
DON’T: Get “too artsy” with your photos
While it’s important to change up the style and angle of your photos - don’t get too carried away. Visitors still need to be able to quickly tell what they’re looking at. Avoid fish-eye photos or distorted images which may be confusing. The last thing you want is for travelers to be confused, or worse, think you’re trying to cover something up.
Finally, remember that the above is meant as a guide rather than strict rules all properties must follow. So, do take these tips and incorporate them into your online visual strategy. But, don’t worry if you break a few of them. After all, every property is unique so do whatever is best for you and tells your authentic story.
Ready to upload and manage your property’s photos? Log into the Management Center to get started.
- 1. http://time.com/3858309/attention-spans-goldfish/
How to Make a Great Promotional Video for Your Business
How to Make a Great Promotional Video for Your Business Videos are a great way to show potential guests all that your property has to offer. Based on conversations with owners who have created their own videos, we have put together some tips to help you make professional-looking footage and highlight the best aspects of your business.
How do I start?
Before you begin shooting, decide which areas of your property you want to highlight. Consider what sets you apart from the competition and create a video that focuses on these features.
Storyboarding, or sketching out your desired images in sequence, is a great way to visualize your content before you pick up your camera. It is also helpful to shoot a “rough draft” that can be used to fine-tune your ideas and execution. Small, subtle improvements and a little rehearsal can dramatically improve your final product.
What equipment do I need?
Camera
Perhaps the most important factor in determining the quality of your video is your choice of equipment, beginning with the camera. There are essentially two kinds of devices: dedicated video cameras and digital cameras/mobile phones. If you are looking to shoot professional-quality promotional video, it is preferable to use a dedicated video camera.
Tripods
Using a tripod while you shoot is strongly recommended. This basic accessory can mean the difference between amateur and professional quality video. Even an inexpensive tripod can do the trick; as long as it prevents the camera from shaking, it will do wonders for your final product.
Audio
You will need to decide if your video will have background music or if it will feature somebody speaking directly to the camera. Keep in mind that people from different countries will view your video and may not understand the language in which your voiceover is recorded.
If you do decide to have a speaker, it is probably worth investing in a microphone. Many video cameras have an omnidirectional microphone that pick up all nearby noise. Oftentimes, they pick up unwanted details, such as gusts of wind. An external microphone that plugs into your video camera allows you to have greater control over what sound is recorded and its quality.
How do I make my video look as professional as possible?
Lighting
One of the most vital considerations to filmmakers is the quality and directionality of their lighting. Before hitting the “record” button, take a good look at your surroundings and make sure that you are receiving adequate light.
Shooting indoors gives you more control over your surroundings, but you need adequate light. If necessary, reinforce your setting with additional, balanced light that looks natural, bright, and avoids unflattering shadows. Your best bet is to shoot a test scene and adjust as necessary. Viewers should not be able to tell that you have supplemented the light.
In general, shooting outdoors is simpler. Just take a quick look through your lens to make sure that the sun compliments your subjects, rather than dominates them. Time of day can play a tremendous role in the quality and atmosphere of your video. There is a term in photography known as the “golden hour” that favors shooting during the first and last hour of sunlight because it provides a flattering, tranquil glow.
Camera Movement
Try not to move the camera while shooting - it generally does more harm than good. Unless there is a clear reason why it needs to move, keep the camera steady and let the action play out on-screen. Panning, or shifting the camera horizontally, is acceptable when necessary, but do your best to keep the camera from wobbling (again, a tripod is invaluable). Try to avoid sudden or jerky camera movements. Lastly, avoid walking while filming. This seldom yields a favorable result.
How do I edit my video?
Special Effects and Transitions
Well-shot footage usually requires little in the way of special effects. Transitions such as a fade, dissolve, or pan may be a good way to join two clips together, but choose wisely. Don’t get too fancy - over the top transitions can compromise the quality of an otherwise outstanding promotional video. The simplest method is usually best and leads to the most professional looking result.
Background Music
When selecting music to accompany your video, consider the message you want to convey. When properly used, music has the ability to reinforce the content of your video and can be extremely powerful. Try different songs until you find the right match.
Take into account your target audience and your location. If your property is all about relaxation, peace and tranquility, then choose music that reflects this atmosphere. If your clientele are younger and looking for a social scene, your music choice can be more upbeat and lively.
Get Feedback
Once you have edited your video and have a finished product, show it to your colleagues. Listen to their feedback and consider any changes that they suggest. After working on your video for a while, you may reach a point where it is difficult to remain objective, and other opinions are helpful.
Software and Online Tutorials
Many video cameras will come bundled with some sort of bare-bones video editing software, which should be adequate for your needs. Alternatively, some computers have video editing software pre-installed. For example, if you have a Mac, you most likely have iMovie. If you need to purchase software, check online and at your local electronics store.
If you need further instructions on creating your promotional video, there is a wealth of online tutorials. While searching the Internet, be sure to include your software along with your question. While programs yield similar result, processes can vary dramatically from application to application.
Last Updated: July 26, 2013
Telling Your Accommodations' Story Through Photos
Telling Your Accommodations' Story Through Photos How to use Business Advantage photo tools to capture the eyes, interest and bookings of potential guests on Tripadvisor.
Humans are visual learners. According to MIT, the human brain can process visual information 3x faster than it takes to process a single word. Tripadvisor users are no different. 79% of Tripadvisor travelers said that photos were important when choosing to book an accommodation1. High-quality images can help shape potential guest’s opinion of your accommodation and can be a deciding factor when choosing where to book.
That’s why Business Advantage includes powerful tools to help you engage and influence potential guests. Use them to tell your story to travelers and show the experience guests can expect at your accommodation.
Read below to learn about our Business Advantage photo tools, available to subscribers only.
Favorite Photos
With Favorite Photos you can highlight a collection of images at the top of your photos page on Tripadvisor. This is valuable real estate, available only to subscribers, so keep travelers engaged and interested by offering a variety of photos that inspire and give them the confidence to choose your property.
How to update your Favorite Photos:
- Sign into the Management Center
- Under the "Manage Listing" tab at the top of the page, select "Favorite Photos"
- Once in the “Favorite Photos” section, pick 5-30 images
Cover Photos
Make sure guests see your best photos first with Cover Photos. Hand-select high-quality images for your Tripadvisor albums so you capture their interest and show off your rooms, property features and amenities.
How to update your Cover Photos:
- Sign into the Management Center
- Under the "Manage Listing" tab at the top of the page, select "Cover Photos"
- Once in the “Cover Photos” section, pick a Cover Photo for each of the albums listed*
- Once you’ve selected the Cover Photo you’d like to use, click “Save”
*Please note: At this time, there are some albums which are visible to you in the Management Center, but not to potential guests or travelers. You can only change Cover Photos for those albums which are visible to potential guests.
Storyboard
Storyboard transforms your static photos and reviews into a high-quality promotional preview of your property. Our Storyboard builder is easy to use and will guide you along the way. Simply choose your best photos, review snippets, and tags and we'll do the rest for you. Read our full guide to creating a Storyboard here.
How to create your Storyboard:
- Sign into the Management Center
- Under the "Manage Listing" tab at the top of the page, select "Storyboard"
- Once in the “Storyboard” section, click “Create Storyboard” to begin
- Follow the prompts for each frame, once you’ve completed all ten click, “Publish Now.”
Tips for choosing Favorite Photos, Cover Photos & Storyboard photos
- Choose high-quality photos. Images should be at least 1060 pixels by 450 pixels and JPG, PNG or GIF file formats. For Favorite Photos, we recommend using landscape images. Also, photos that are well-lit tend to receive more clicks than those that are darker.
- Show travelers what makes your property special. Guests are looking for a complete picture of the experience they’ll have at your property. They want to see images that are varied, engaging and unique – so avoid generic stock-type photography or multiple photos of the same thing.
- Consider using compelling Traveler Photo(s). Using traveler-generated content shows a different perspective that other travelers will appreciate. Plus, it gives a real feeling of what the guest experience could be like at your property.
- Add captions to your photos. These captions will be visible to users – so think of them as headlines that would appear in a newspaper: State of the Art Fitness Center, Heated Swimming Pool, Lakefront Dining, etc.
- Make sure photos look good in all sizes. Remember that Cover Photos are thumbnail-sized, while Favorite Photos are landscape-oriented. Be sure to choose photos that look good when displayed in these specific locations. Don’t hesitate to try out several options until you find the ones that look best.
- For Cover Photos - choose an image that best represents the entire album. Be sure to choose a Cover Photo that’s captivating, so potential guests will want to explore the whole album.
- For Favorite Photos - choose eight or more images. If you have fewer than five Favorite Photos picked, your selections will not be saved. Also, if you have the minimum five photos selected and one is removed from the site, your Favorite Photos will disappear until you select more. Choosing eight or more images ensures Favorite Photos will still appear even if a photo is removed.
- For Favorite Photos & Storyboard - include a variety of photos. Tell the property's full story to the viewer. Mix it up and include many different shots such as your property’s exterior, common areas, guest rooms, amenities, etc.
- Don't forget to add Property Videos. Property Vidoes help your property come to life for potential guests. Read our guide to learn how to upload videos.
- 1. TripBarometer 2016
How to Add Photos and Videos on Tripadvisor
How to Add Photos and Videos on Tripadvisor
Photos and videos do more than just catch Tripadvisor travelers’ attention. Visual media, along with reviews, bring your business to life and give potential visitors another great reason to choose your property for their next trip, meal or activity. Here’s everything you need to know about managing your photos and videos on Tripadvisor.
Where do my photos and videos appear on Tripadvisor?
- The photo carousel – This is the large photo section at the top of your Tripadvisor listing. Travelers flip through this carousel to get a quick preview of your business.
- The media viewer – Visitors who click “All Photos” or an album on the right side of the photo carousel enter the media viewer, where all photos and videos related to your property are stored.
- For accommodations, photos and videos are sorted into categories including: Hotel & Amenities, Dining, Pool & Beach, Room/Suite and Videos (including both Property Videos and Storyboard). If there are no photos or videos for a specific category, the category will not show.
- For restaurants and attractions, your photos are displayed in chronological order based on the date they were uploaded. At this time, videos are only available to accommodation owners subscribed to Business Advantage.
- The “Photos” section of your listing page (accommodations only) – This is another area where photo albums related to your listing are kept. Here, guests can scan through albums to see everything your property has to offer.
What types of media appear on my Tripadvisor listing?
There are up to eight types of media associated with your listing:
- Your primary photo – This is the main image that displays first in the photo carousel on your Tripadvisor listing and on search results pages across Tripadvisor. You control which photo displays here, read below for more tips on picking the right one.
- Management Photos – These are photos you, or another verified manager of your property, upload to Tripadvisor. There is no limit to how many photos you can upload to your Tripadvisor page - just make sure they are in line with our guidelines, or they will be rejected.
- Traveler Photos – These are traveler-submitted photos. For accommodations, photos are organized into categories based on their subject. For restaurants and attractions, Traveler Photos are mixed in along with Management Photos and ordered chronologically in the photo viewer.
- Professional Photos and panoramas (if applicable) – These are professional photos exclusively commissioned by Tripadvisor. They appear in the photo carousel following Management Photos. Learn more about these photos here.
- Storyboard (if applicable) – Storyboard is available only to Business Advantage or Tripadvisor Premium for Restaurants subscribers. It’s a high-quality promotional preview of your property, that blends together your best photos and top reviews. Learn more here.
- Property Videos (if applicable) – These are videos which have been uploaded by Business Advantage subscribers. Accommodations, learn more about Property Videos here.
- Favorite Photos (if applicable) – These are photos that Business Advantage subscribers have chosen to highlight. They appear after the primary photo in the photo carousel and in a separate tab in the media viewer.
- Cover Photos (if applicable) – These are photos that have been hand-selected by Business Advantage subscribers as the cover of in their Tripadvisor albums. They appear in the “Photos” section, so visitors can see your best rooms, property features and amenities.
How do I upload photos to Tripadvisor?
- Log into the Management Center.
- Under "Manage Listing" in the top menu select "Photos."
- Click the "Add More Photos" button in the top right.
- Then, choose photos from your computer or drag and drop them right into the photo uploader.
- Click the box authorizing that you are a representative of the business and that you have the rights to post the photo.
- Then, click the "Upload" button.
How do I upload videos to Tripadvisor?
At this time, only Business Advantage subscribers are able to upload videos to their Tripadvisor listings. To add Property Videos:
- Visit the Management Center.
- Under the "Manage Listing" menu at the top of the page, click "Property Videos."
- Here you can add, remove, or update the titles of Property Videos.
Read our full guide to Property Videos here.
How do I choose a primary photo?
To select a primary photo:
- Sign into the Management Center.
- Under the "Manage Listing" menu at the top of the page, click "Photos."
- Then, click the "Primary Photo" tab on the left.
- Click "Change Photo."
- Choose the primary photo you'd like to use from the options listed.
- If you're happy with the preview of your new primary photo, displayed at the top of the page, click "Save."
It takes 3-5 business days for this change to take effect on your Tripadvisor page. Once your primary photo request is processed, you'll see it at the top of the Media Suite page along with a date stamp and a note indicating that the request is pending.
Tips to choosing a primary photo:
- Choose a landscape photo that's at least 1200 pixels wide by 628 pixels tall.
- Avoid choosing a primary photo that features a photo montage, includes a watermark or has text layered on top of the image.
- The photo must be in line with our guidelines.
Note: If you don't supply a photo, we will choose one for you (but we prefer to have you select one yourself).
How do I organize my Management Photos once they are on Tripadvisor?
Use the "Manage Photos" tab within the Media Suite to:
- See a display of all photos you've uploaded*
- Add more photos
- Designate a primary photo
- Tag and update captions on Management Photos
*Accommodations can drag and drop photos to rearrange how they appear on their Tripadvisor page.
There’s something wrong with one of my photos. What do I do?
If there’s an issue with a Management Photo, delete it and upload it again. For issues with Traveler and Professional Photos, select the photo which you'd like to report, and click the “Report" flag on the bottom right. Once you’ve clicked the flag, select what’s wrong with the photo.
How can I get the most out of my photos?
- Show off your property at it's best. Choose a primary photo that shows the best of your property. Be sure to update it periodically in order to provide customers with the freshest content possible. Changing your photo every few months – or with the seasons – can help engage visitors who are browsing your destination.
- Upload more than 10 photos. This encourages visitors to spend more time on your property listing.
- Upload quality media. A high-resolution image should remain clear and sharp as you adjust its size from desktop to tablet to mobile.
- Get customers excited about choosing you! Add photos that reflect the latest and greatest at your property, like special events or facilities upgrades. Choose photos that express what is unique and memorable about your property.
- Post a variety of images of your property. Avoid uploading only photos that all have a similar subject (for example, multiple shots of a dining room). Instead, show a variety of images that showcase what you offer (the outside, the inside, some amenities, etc.).
- Don't forget to add captions. Visitors may click through images quickly so be sure to include captions that point out the best parts of each shot.
FAQ: Media Distributors and Property Photos on Tripadvisor
FAQ: Media Distributors and Property Photos on Tripadvisor Learn more about how content from media distribution partners appears on Tripadvisor accommodation listings. What are media distributors? Some hoteliers hire technology companies like ICE Portal or Leonardo to manage and distribute photo content at scale for their properties. A benefit of working with media distributors is that they ensure your photos are updated and consistent across all of the places where travelers may find you. How does Tripadvisor work with media distributors? Tripadvisor receives a direct feed of updates from global media distributors like ICE Portal and Leonardo. These feeds indicate what images should be shown for each of the distributor’s clients. How do these images appear on a Tripadvisor listing? Because the photos are supplied on behalf of the hotel, they appear in the “Management Photos” category of the property’s photo gallery. Each photo will also be labeled with the name of the distributor who provided it. What if there’s an issue with a photo provided by a media distributor?...