Some people are intimidated by video. At least they were a few years ago versus now. People are increasingly starting to get in front of the camera lens. Or they’re taking on a new skillset as a videographer. However, the question is: Are you creating videos yet?
If you’re a beginner or pro with video, there are a couple of things to remember when creating a virtual tour (also referred to as a “video tour”) of a property. In this article, I dive into the three main components you need for a virtual tour.
How to Create a Virtual Tour
Before I dive into the three main parts of a virtual tour, let’s discuss how to create a virtual tour. When creating a virtual tour, you’ll want to consider angles, lighting, equipment, and personalization.
Start by doing a practice run before you film, and walk slower than you think you should. Also, make sure you have the best lighting by opening the curtains. Here are a few other considerations:
- You want to ensure you have the right tools to keep videos steady, like a high-quality stabilizer or gimbal.
- You don’t need a professional photographer if you have the right application on your phone.
- You’ll want to shoot videos in horizontal mode.
- You’ll want a WCAG-compliant and multifamily-specific video platform like Realync
What Do You Need to Create a Virtual Tour in Multifamily?
Virtual tours shouldn’t take much of your time if you prep the unit or space with the tips from above. Now, it’s time to actually record your virtual tour. Make it easy on yourself by recording in three segments: Intro, body, and end. And record in this order every time. Let’s say you’re filming an apartment unit.
- Record three intro clips: Start by showing the entry doorway. Next, show the kitchen and living room space by panning through the area. (From Realync’s database, we learned the top three most viewed segments of a virtual tour were: Entryway views, kitchen views, and living room views).
- Record three to seven middle clips: Next, move through the hallways or stairs. Show the bedroom(s), closets, and bathroom space.
- Record two end clips: Wrap up the video by showing views from the balcony if possible. And lastly, walk out the way you came in.
How Long Should a Virtual Tour Be?
We assessed Realync’s types of virtual tours to determine the average length. On average, a live virtual tour is 14 minutes. And the average length of a pre-recorded video tour is two minutes. This includes all video types (unit, amenities, and internal).
Get The Most Out of Your 2023 Video Strategy
Let your teams get more out of their day with fewer headaches — video can do that. Enhancing your video engagement strategy with videos will help leasing teams WIN more leases, market more memorable experiences, and engage renters more often.
