Video Tour Best Practices
Create professional, engaging video tours that convert viewers into buyers. Follow these proven best practices.
Planning Your Tour
Before Filming:
- Plan your shot list
- Identify key features to highlight
- Consider viewer journey
- Check property is show-ready
Tour Structure:
- Strong opening (Spot/trailer)
- Logical flow through property
- Feature highlights
- Call to action
Filming Tips
Equipment:
- Smartphone with stabilizer
- Or dedicated camera with gimbal
- Good lighting (natural or added)
- Clean lens
Technique:
- Move slowly and steadily
- Pan smoothly, don't jerk
- Hold shots for 3-5 seconds
- Use portrait orientation (9:16)
Lighting:
- Natural light is best
- Film during golden hour for exteriors
- Turn on all interior lights
- Avoid harsh shadows
Content Guidelines
Spot (Trailer):
- Hook viewers in first 3 seconds
- Show best feature early
- Keep to 30-60 seconds
- End with anticipation builder
Video Lists:
- Theme each list
- 3-10 videos per list
- 15-45 seconds per video
- Consistent quality throughout
Organizing Content
Logical Flow:
- Front door to back
- Public spaces to private
- Main floor to upper levels
- Interior to exterior
List Naming:
- Clear and descriptive
- "Kitchen & Dining" not "Videos 1"
- Match viewer expectations
Quality Standards
Video Quality:
- 1080p minimum, 4K preferred
- Stable footage
- Good exposure
- Clear focus
Audio:
- Minimize background noise
- Consider adding music
- Voice narration optional
- Consistent audio levels
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Shaky, fast-moving footage
- Poor lighting or dark rooms
- Visible clutter or personal items
- Videos too long or too short
- No clear structure or flow
- Inconsistent quality between videos
Optimization Tips
- Film key rooms at best time of day
- Stage rooms before filming
- Remove distractions from frame
- Check footage immediately after filming
- Have backup takes
