Virtual Tours vs. Video Tours — Which Is Right for You?

Both virtual tours and video tours are popular ways to showcase spaces online. But while they may seem similar at first glance, they serve different purposes — and choosing the right one can have a big impact on your customer engagement.

In this article, we’ll break down the key differences, benefits, and best-use cases to help you decide which format suits your business.

What Is a Virtual Tour?

A virtual tour is an interactive 360-degree experience that allows viewers to explore a space at their own pace. Created using specialised cameras and software, it lets users “walk through” a location by clicking or tapping to move from one area to another.

These tours are typically hosted online, embedded into websites, or added to Google Street View.

What Is a Video Tour?

A video tour is a pre-recorded walk-through of a space. It follows a set path, usually guided by narration or background music, and is edited for pacing and presentation.

Video tours are often uploaded to YouTube, social media, or websites as part of a marketing campaign.

Key Differences Between Virtual Tours and Video Tours

1. Format

Virtual Tour: An interactive 360° experience that users can explore at their own pace.
Video Tour: A pre-recorded walk-through, typically following a set path with music or narration.

2. User Control

Virtual Tour: The viewer decides where to go, what to look at, and how long to stay in each area.
Video Tour: The viewer watches a fixed sequence from start to finish with no interactivity.

3. Level of Engagement

Virtual Tour: Highly engaging — users interact with the environment, which leads to longer time spent on your website.
Video Tour: More passive — viewers simply watch the footage and may lose interest quickly.

4. Ideal Use Case

Virtual Tour: Best for detailed spaces like showrooms, large venues, hotels, or multi-room properties.
Video Tour: Best for short overviews, ambience-driven storytelling, or promotional campaigns on social media.

5. SEO & Web Integration

Virtual Tour: Can be embedded directly into websites and Google Street View, improving search visibility.
Video Tour: Can be hosted on platforms like YouTube or Vimeo and shared on social channels.

Pros and Cons

Virtual Tours

Pros

Full interactivity and user control
High dwell time on websites
Can be embedded into Google Maps
Great for transparency and trust

Cons

Requires specialist equipment and hosting
Less emotional storytelling than video

Video Tours

Pros

Good for brand storytelling and ambience
Easy to share on social media
Quick to produce for small spaces

Cons

Viewers can't explore freely
Easy to skip or lose attention

Which One Should You Choose?

Use a Virtual Tour if:

You want to offer an in-depth look at your venue or property
You have multiple rooms, levels, or features to showcase
You want to appear on Google Street View
You're in real estate, hospitality, retail, or education

Use a Video Tour if:

You want to highlight ambience or brand personality
You have a simple layout and want a quick overview
You need a promotional video for ads or social media

Best of Both Worlds:

Many businesses now combine both — using a short video for promotional purposes and a virtual tour for detailed exploration. Together, they can boost conversions and online engagement.

Create a Virtual Tour with Go Virtual Tours

At Go Virtual Tours, we specialise in interactive Matterport virtual tours for businesses across the UK. We also offer optional video content to complement your tour — giving you a complete digital toolkit.