Improving Deep Learning for Airbnb Search

e application of deep learning to search ranking was one of the most impactful product improvements at Airbnb. But what comes next a er you launch a deep learning model? In this paper we describe the journey beyond, discussing what we refer to as the ABCs of improving search: A for architecture, B for bias and C for cold start. For architecture, we describe a new ranking neural network, focusing on the process that evolved our existing DNN beyond a fully connected two layer network. On handling positional bias in ranking, we describe a novel approach that led to one of the most signi cant improvements in tackling inventory that the DNN historically found challenging. To solve cold start, we describe our perspective on the problem and changes we made to improve the treatment of new listings on the platform. We hope ranking teams transitioning to deep learning will nd this a practical case study of how to iterate on DNNs. CCS Concepts: •Retrieval models and ranking → Learning to rank; •Machine learning approaches → Neural networks; •Electronic commerce → Online shopping;