Adding Interactive Hotspots & Info Popups to Virtual Tours

A virtual tour is more than just a 360° view — it's an opportunity to engage users, tell your story, and guide them through your space. One of the most effective ways to do that is with interactive hotspots.

Hotspots allow you to layer information, media, and calls to action directly within your tour — turning a passive view into an active experience.

In this guide, we’ll explain what hotspots are, what types you can add, and how to use them to get better results from your virtual tours.

What Are Hotspots in Virtual Tours?

Hotspots are clickable icons, text boxes, buttons, or images embedded into specific areas of a virtual tour. When clicked or tapped, they reveal extra content — such as descriptions, videos, links, or booking forms.

They enhance the user journey by:

Providing context or storytelling
Answering questions before they’re asked
Driving direct action (e.g. “Book Now”)
Encouraging deeper exploration

Common Types of Hotspots

1. Text Information

Ideal for labelling rooms, exhibits, or key features. Use for:

“Private Dining Area – Seats 12”
“King Suite – With Balcony”
“Reception Area”
“Yoga Studio – 8 mats per class”

Keep it short, clear, and useful.

2. Images

Pop up an image when a user clicks — great for:

Close-ups of products
Menu previews
Artwork or decor highlights
Floor plans or maps

3. Videos

Embedded videos add motion and personality to your tour:

A welcome from the owner or manager
Product demonstration or tutorial
Event highlights or guest reviews
Behind-the-scenes footage

Upload to YouTube or Vimeo and link it to the hotspot.

4. Links and CTAs (Call-to-Actions)

Send users to:

Your booking system
Contact form
Online menu or price list
Product page or online store

Use clear CTAs like:

“Book a Table”
“See Our Packages”
“Buy Now”
“Download Brochure”

5. Documents and PDFs

Some platforms (like Matterport) allow you to link to external files. Ideal for:

Venue hire brochures
Accessibility statements
Full-size menus or wine lists
Terms and conditions for bookings

Where Should You Place Hotspots?

At key decision points (e.g. near the entrance, feature areas)
On each room or product section
Along guided paths to encourage linear exploration
At exits or checkout areas to suggest the next action

Avoid overloading the screen — too many hotspots can feel overwhelming. Aim for relevance, not quantity.

Platforms That Support Hotspots

Here are some popular virtual tour platforms and how they support interactive hotspots:

Matterport

Supports hotspots known as MatterTags
Add text, media, and external links
Works well for real estate, retail, and hospitality
Built-in support for mobile and desktop

Kuula

Allows you to add text boxes, images, videos, and clickable links
Great for marketing tours and social media embeds
Easy-to-use editor for fast updates

CloudPano

Flexible custom hotspots and call-to-action overlays
Useful for product-focused tours or lead generation
Ideal for small businesses and budget-conscious users

3DVista

Advanced interactive features including branching navigation, quizzes, and background audio
Best suited for museums, educational institutions, and large exhibitions
Requires more setup time but offers unmatched control

Best Practices for Adding Hotspots

Use icons that are easy to recognise (info “i”, play button, etc.)
Make them large enough to tap on mobile devices
Add alt text or labels for accessibility
Use consistent styles and colours throughout
Keep the user’s flow in mind — don’t distract too early

Go Virtual Tours – Fully Interactive Experiences

At Go Virtual Tours, we don’t just create beautiful 360° spaces — we help bring them to life with interactive features that deliver results. From MatterTags to custom overlays, we’ll advise you on the best ways to guide your viewers and convert their attention into action.

Want hotspots linked to your booking page? Need videos embedded inside your tour? We can help.