Real Estate Virtual Tour Software: A Comprehensive Guide to CloudPano

CloudPano Editorial Team
April 30, 2024
5 min read
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Introduction

In today's digital age, real estate virtual tour software has become a powerful tool for real estate agents and property owners to showcase properties and attract potential buyers. Among the various virtual tour software options available in the market, CloudPano stands out for its comprehensive features and user-friendly interface. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at CloudPano and explore its key features, benefits, and pricing plans. Whether you're a seasoned real estate agent or a property owner looking to enhance your marketing efforts, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to know about CloudPano and how it can help you create immersive virtual tours that will impress your clients and customers.

Real Estate Virtual Tour Software
Real Estate Virtual Tour Software CloudPano


What is Real Estate Virtual Tour Software?

Real estate virtual tour software is a technology solution that allows agents and brokers to create immersive, interactive, and 360-degree virtual tours of properties that they are marketing to potential buyers or renters. These tours can be accessed remotely through a computer or mobile device, enabling viewers to explore a property as if they were physically present.

What Is A Virtual Tour?

The history of real estate virtual tour software dates back to the early 2000s when companies began to develop software and hardware solutions to enable 360-degree panoramic images to be captured and displayed online. In the years that followed, advances in digital photography, computer processing power, and internet connectivity led to the development of more sophisticated virtual tour software solutions that incorporated video, audio, and interactive features.

Today, real estate virtual tour software has become an essential tool for agents and brokers looking to market properties in a more engaging and effective way. By creating virtual tours, agents can showcase properties to potential buyers and renters around the world, allowing them to get a sense of the space and layout of a property before they visit in person. This can save time and money for both parties involved in the real estate transaction.

3D Dollhouse Virtual Tour Software
Real Estate Virtual Tour Doll House Software CloudPano

Fun Facts: 💡💡💡

According to a study by Redfin, properties that include a virtual tour in their listing receive an average of 87% more views than listings without a virtual tour. This demonstrates the power of virtual tours in attracting potential buyers and generating interest in a property. Additionally, the study found that listings with virtual tours also spend an average of 10% less time on the market compared to listings without virtual tours.

How Does Real Estate Virtual Tour Software Work?

Real estate virtual tour software works by stitching together multiple 360-degree photos to create an immersive experience. To create a virtual tour, the first step is to take a series of 360-degree photos of the property using a 360-degree camera. These photos are then imported into the virtual tour software, where they are stitched together to create a panoramic image.

Once the panoramic image has been created, users can add interactive elements such as: hotspots, text, and video to guide viewers through the space. Hotspots are clickable areas within the virtual tour that can link to other areas of the property or provide additional information about specific features.


How To Connect 360 Photos With Hotspots

Connect 360 Photos with Hotspots

Text can be used to provide descriptions of rooms or highlight important features, while video can be used to provide a more immersive experience.

In addition to hotspots, text, and video, virtual tour software may also offer additional features such as floor plans, 3D models, and VR compatibility. 

Floor plans provide a top-down view of the property layout To learn more about CloudPano's Floor Plan navigation, watch this video here.


While 3D models provide a more realistic representation of the space.

Know More About 3D Virtual Tour

VR compatibility allows users to view the virtual tour in virtual reality headsets for an even more immersive experience.

One of the key benefits of virtual tour software is its ability to create a realistic experience for potential buyers. By providing an immersive, interactive virtual tour of a property, buyers can get a better sense of the space and its features without needing to physically visit the property. This can save time for both buyers and sellers and can help to attract more qualified leads.

Fun Facts: 💡💡💡

According to research by Apartments.com, virtual tours can increase listing engagement by up to 300%. The study found that listings with virtual tours received an average of 87% more views than listings without virtual tours, and that visitors to virtual tour listings spent an average of 3 to 6 minutes longer on the page.

Getting Started - What Equipment Do You Need To Create a 360 Virtual Tour For Real Estate?

To create a real estate virtual tour using CloudPano or any other virtual tour software, you will need some equipment to get started. To capture a a 360º photo you can start with just your phone. Using the CloudPano Virtual Tour Creator App. To learn more about the mobile start kit, I highly recommend the Started Kit, brought to you by CloudPano.

To learn more, watch the full training here: Mobile Virtual Tour Creator Training

How to make virtual tours for real estate from your phone

Here are some of the basic items you will need:

A 360-degree camera: The most important piece of equipment you will need is a 360-degree camera. This type of camera captures images in all directions, allowing you to create immersive, panoramic photos. There are many different options available on the market, ranging from basic models to more advanced cameras with additional features like high-resolution sensors and image stabilization.

Insta360 X2 - insta360 ONE X2 360 Degree Waterproof Action Camera, 5.7K 360, Stabilization, Touch Screen, AI Editing, Live Streaming, Webcam, Voice Control

Ricoh Theta - RICOH THETA Z1 51GB Black 360° camera, two 1.0-inch back-illuminated CMOS sensors, increased 51GB internal memory, 23MP images, 4K video with image stabilization, HDR, High-speed wireless transfer

QooCam - KanDao 8K 360° Full View Camera, Live Event Streaming Camera, Vlogging Video Camera, USB Type-C, LAN/5G/WiFi/APP, 7680*3840@30/60/120fps 8/10bit, Touch Screen Digital Camera, Professional Video Camera

Did you know? 💡

💡The Kandao QooCam camera was used to create a virtual reality music video for the song "You Are the Reason" by Calum Scott.

A tripod: To ensure that your photos are stable and level, you will need a tripod. A tripod is a three-legged stand that holds your camera steady and can be adjusted to the appropriate height.

A mobile device or computer: You will need a device to import and edit your photos, as well as to create your virtual tour. You can use a computer or a mobile device like a smartphone or tablet.

How To Create A 360º Virtual Tour From Your Phone For Free

Create A 360º Virtual Tour From Your Phone

Optional accessories: Depending on your needs, you may also want to consider additional accessories like a remote shutter release, extra batteries, and a carrying case for your camera and tripod.

When choosing your equipment, it's important to consider your budget, as well as your specific needs. If you are just starting out and don't want to invest a lot of money, a basic 360-degree camera and tripod should be sufficient. However, if you are looking for higher-quality images or more advanced features, you may want to consider investing in a more expensive camera or additional accessories.

Overall, the equipment you need to get started with real estate virtual tour software is relatively simple and affordable. With just a few basic items, you can create high-quality virtual tours that showcase your properties in the best possible light.

Ready to get started now? Check out the CloudPano Starter kit here: https://www.cloudpano.com/app-kit

What Software Tools Are Commonly Used for Real Estate Virtual Tours?

There are several software tools that are commonly used for real estate virtual tours, including:

CloudPano: CloudPano is a popular real estate virtual tour software that allows users to create interactive 360-degree tours. With CloudPano, users can add hotspots, text, and video to their tours, as well as floor plans and 3D models. CloudPano also offers VR compatibility and integration with popular real estate websites like Zillow and Realtor.com. Additionally CloudPano has some of the greatest 3rd party reach and integrations including companies like apartment.com, zumper.com, Trulia, hotpads.com, Zillow rentals, realtor.com, daft.ie and MLS compliance across all of the USA. If you are creating virtual tours for real estate, CloudPano is a clear winning choice. 

Tools Are Commonly Used for Real Estate Virtual Tours
  • CloudPano offers a simple and intuitive interface, making it easy to create virtual tours quickly.
  • It also offers features like hotspots, floor plans, and multimedia support to enhance the user experience. 
  • CloudPano is cloud-based, which means you can access it from anywhere and collaborate with others easily.

Overall, there are many software tools available for creating real estate virtual tours. When choosing a software tool, it's important to consider your specific needs, as well as the features and pricing of each option. Many virtual tour software tools offer free trials or demos, allowing you to try them out before making a purchase.

What Virtual Tour Apps Can We Use To Create a 3D Tour?

Virtual Tour Creator by CloudPano: Virtual Tour Creator by CloudPano is a popular virtual tour app that allows users to create interactive 360-degree tours and 3D tours. With Virtual Tour Creator, users can add hotspots, text, and video to their tours, as well as floor plans and 3D models. Virtual Tour Creator also offers VR compatibility and integration with popular real estate websites like Zillow and Realtor.com. One unique feature of Virtual Tour Creator is that it allows users to capture 360 photos directly from their phone, making it a convenient option for real estate agents and photographers who are on-the-go.

Create a 3D Tour Using Virtual Tour CloudPanpo App

What Industries Are Commonly Using This Tool For Marketing?

Real estate is the most common industry using virtual tour software for marketing, but other industries such as hospitality, tourism, and education are also starting to adopt the technology.

Residential Real Estate Virtual Tour Software

Multi Family Real Estate Virtual Tours


Real estate virtual tour software is used across various industries for marketing purposes. The real estate industry is one of the most common industries that use virtual tour software to showcase properties to potential buyers. Virtual tours provide a way to showcase properties in a more interactive and engaging way, allowing potential buyers to feel like they are physically present in the space without having to be there in person.

Apart from the real estate industry, other industries that commonly use virtual tour software for marketing include:

  • Hospitality and Travel: Hotels, resorts, and event spaces use virtual tours to showcase their facilities and provide potential customers with an immersive experience of what it would be like to stay or host an event there. 
  • Education: Schools and universities use virtual tours to showcase their campuses and facilities to prospective students who may not be able to visit in person.
  • Museums and Cultural Institutions: Museums and cultural institutions use virtual tours to showcase their exhibits and collections, providing people from all over the world access to cultural experiences that they may not otherwise be able to access.
  • Retail: Retail stores use virtual tours to showcase their stores and products to potential customers, providing an immersive shopping experience that can help increase sales.
  • Automotive: Car dealerships use virtual tours to showcase their showrooms and provide potential customers with an immersive experience of what it would be like to walk through the dealership.

In short, virtual tour software can be used across various industries to create immersive and engaging experiences that can help drive sales and increase customer engagement.

What Cameras Are Most Popular When Creating Virtual Tours?

The most popular cameras for creating virtual tours include the Ricoh Theta Z1, Insta360 ONE X2, and GoPro Max. These cameras offer high-quality 360-degree images and are relatively easy to use.

When creating virtual tours, there are several camera options available, ranging from basic to professional-grade equipment. Some popular cameras that are commonly used to create virtual tours include:

DSLR Cameras: DSLR cameras are popular among professional photographers for their high-quality image and video capabilities. DSLR cameras can be used to capture high-resolution 360-degree photos and videos, making them a popular option for creating virtual tours.


360 Cameras: 360 cameras are designed specifically for capturing 360-degree photos and videos. These cameras have multiple lenses that allow for seamless stitching of images, creating a spherical image of the space. 360 cameras are a popular option for creating virtual tours because they are compact, portable, and easy to use.

Most Popular 360 Cameras


Smartphone Cameras: As smartphone cameras continue to improve, many virtual tour creators are opting to use their smartphones to capture 360-degree photos and videos. This option is particularly useful for real estate agents or photographers who are always on-the-go and don't want to carry around additional camera equipment.

Use Smartphones to Capture 360-Degree Photos and Videos

When choosing a camera for virtual tour creation, it's important to consider factors such as image and video quality, ease of use, portability, and budget. Ultimately, the camera you choose will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

It's worth noting that many virtual tour software solutions, such as CloudPano, offer built-in stitching capabilities, which means that you can create a virtual tour without needing to use specialized stitching software or hire a professional photographer to stitch the images together for you. This can save time and money, making virtual tour creation accessible to a wider range of users.

Easy Create Real Estate Virtual Tour Using A Smartphone

Here are some popular companies that manufacture 360 cameras

Insta360: Insta360 is a Chinese company that specializes in producing high-quality 360 cameras. The company offers a range of camera options, from affordable consumer models to professional-grade cameras. Insta360 cameras are known for their high-resolution images and videos, as well as their advanced features such as image stabilization, HDR, and live streaming capabilities.

Some popular Insta360 cameras include the Insta360 ONE X2, which is a compact and portable camera that can capture 5.7K resolution 360-degree videos and photos, and the Insta360 Pro 2, which is a professional-grade camera that can capture 8K resolution 360-degree videos and photos.

Did you know?

💡The Insta360 ONE X camera was used to capture 360-degree footage during the Red Bull Rampage, an extreme mountain biking competition.

Ricoh Theta Z1: Ricoh is a Japanese company that has been producing high-quality cameras for over 80 years. The Theta Z1 is one of their most popular 360 cameras, and it's known for its high-quality images, advanced features, and sleek design.

The Theta Z1 can capture 23-megapixel 360-degree photos and 4K resolution 360-degree videos, and it has advanced features such as RAW image support, 360-degree spatial audio recording, and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Did you know?

💡 The Ricoh Theta Z1 camera was used to capture the first-ever 360-degree footage from the International Space Station in 2020.

Both Insta360 and Ricoh Theta Z1 are popular choices for virtual tour creators and photographers, thanks to their advanced features, high-quality images, and ease of use. However, there are many other 360 camera companies and models available, so it's important to do your research and choose a camera that fits your specific needs and budget.

Did you know?

💡The GoPro Max camera was used to capture 360-degree footage during the Super Bowl halftime show in 2020.

💡The Panono 360 camera was used to capture a panoramic photo of a group of 145 skydivers in formation, setting a new world record in 2017.

💡The Vuze XR camera was used to capture 360-degree footage during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2019.

💡The Sony HDR-AS300 camera was used to capture 360-degree footage of a high-speed train ride through Japan, giving viewers a unique perspective of the scenery.

What is a 360 Photo?

A 360 photo, also known as a panoramic photo, is an immersive image that allows you to see a full 360-degree view of a space. This means that you can look around the photo as if you were standing in the center of the space. 360 photos are typically created using a 360 camera or by stitching together multiple photos using specialized software. They are commonly used in virtual tours to give viewers a sense of what it's like to be inside a property or space.

We always say, a 360 photo is 2:1 ratio equirectangular. CloudPano accepts all 360 photos from any camera. 

2:1 Ratio Equirectangular Photo

What is a Floor Plan?

A floor plan is a detailed diagram that shows the layout of a space, typically from a bird's eye view. Floor plans can include information such as the location and size of rooms, doors, windows, and other features. They are commonly used in real estate marketing to help potential buyers or renters visualize the layout of a property. Floor plans can be created using specialized software or by hiring a professional to create them.

When it comes to virtual tours, both 360 photos and floor plans are important components. 360 photos allow viewers to get a sense of what it's like to be inside a property, while floor plans help them understand the layout and flow of the space. By combining these elements, virtual tour creators can provide a comprehensive and immersive experience for viewers.

To scan your property today, download the Floor Plan Scanner app here: Floorplanscanner.com

Learn of How to Use the FloorScanner of CloudPano

What is a 3D Dollhouse of a Real Estate Property?

A 3D dollhouse is a virtual representation of a property that shows a three-dimensional model of the space. Users can rotate the dollhouse to view the property from different angles.

Real Estate Property Dollhouse Virtual Tour

How to Add a Virtual Tour to My Website?

To add a virtual tour to your website, you can embed the tour using an iframe code provided by the virtual tour software. Alternatively, you can use a website builder with built-in virtual tour functionality.


How To Add a Virtual Tour to The MLS?

Adding a virtual tour to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) is a great way to showcase a property and provide potential buyers or renters with a more immersive experience. Many MLS platforms allow for virtual tours to be uploaded alongside traditional photos and property descriptions.

To add a virtual tour to the MLS, you'll need to first create the tour using virtual tour software like CloudPano. Once you've created the tour, you'll need to upload it to a hosting platform that supports MLS integration. Some popular hosting platforms that integrate with the MLS include ListHub, Realtor.com, and Zillow.

When uploading your virtual tour to the MLS, be sure to include a link to the tour in the listing description. This will allow potential buyers or renters to easily access the tour and view the property in a more immersive way.

It's important to note that not all MLS platforms allow virtual tours to be uploaded, so be sure to check with your specific MLS to see what their guidelines are. Additionally, some MLS platforms may have specific requirements for virtual tours, such as a maximum length or file size. Be sure to follow these guidelines to ensure that your tour is accepted and displayed correctly.


Did you know?💡

💡In 2018, a real estate company called Property Passbook created a virtual tour of the International Space Station. While the ISS is not technically a property for sale, the tour allowed users to experience what it would be like to live and work in space.

💡The MLS is constantly evolving and adapting to new technology, such as virtual reality and augmented reality. In the future, it's possible that virtual tours could become a standard part of MLS listings, allowing buyers to easily explore properties from the comfort of their own homes.


Can I Use My Phone to 100% Create a Virtual Tour?

Yes, it is possible to create a virtual tour using only your phone. With the increasing popularity of smartphones, many virtual tour software companies have developed apps that allow users to capture 360-degree photos and create virtual tours directly from their phones.

Create Professional 360 Virtual Tours From Your Phone

One such app is the Virtual Tour Creator app by CloudPano, which allows users to capture 360 photos using their smartphone camera and then upload them to the CloudPano platform to create a virtual tour. The app also includes editing tools to customize the tour, such as adding hotspots and text overlays.

While using a phone to create a virtual tour can be convenient and cost-effective, it's important to note that the quality of the final product may not be as high as using a dedicated 360 camera or professional photography equipment. Phone cameras may have limitations in low-light situations or when capturing detailed textures, and may not produce the same level of image quality and resolution as a dedicated camera.

Build entire tours on your mobile device

However, for quick and easy virtual tours, using a phone can be a great option. It allows real estate professionals to create virtual tours on the go and without the need for expensive equipment.

Did you know?

💡That modern smartphones use a combination of accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers to detect the phone's position and movement in space? This technology is called an "Inertial Measurement Unit" (IMU), and it can be used to create accurate 3D models of physical spaces.

💡By recording the phone's movements as the user walks through a space, software can use the data to create a 3D map of the environment. This technology is used in a variety of applications, including 3D modeling for virtual reality and augmented reality, indoor navigation, and even robotics.

💡Using this technology, you could create a 3D virtual tour of a physical space simply by walking through it with your smartphone. The software would use the data from the IMU to create an accurate 3D model of the space that could be explored virtually.

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CloudPano Editorial Team

Choose The Right 360° Camera

Insta360 ONE RS 1-Inch 360 Edition

  • Compact, ready to go anywhere

  • Interchangeable lens that’s upgradeable

  • Dual 1-inch sensors for improved clarity and low light performance

  • Dynamic range and 6K 360° capture

  • 360° photo resolution at 21MP

Learn More

Insta360 X4

  • 8K 360° video recording for ultra-detailed visuals.

  • 4K single-lens mode for traditional wide-angle shots.

  • Invisible selfie stick effect for drone-like perspectives.

  • 2.5-inch touchscreen with Gorilla Glass protection.

  • Waterproof up to 33ft for underwater shooting.

Learn More

Ricoh Theta Z1

  • 360° photo resolution in 23MP

  • Slim design at 24 mm thick

  • Built-in image stabilization for smooth video capture.

  • Internal 19GB storage for photo and video storage.

  • Wireless connectivity for remote control and sharing.

Learn More

Ricoh Theta X

  • 60MP 360° still images for high-resolution photography.

  • 5.7K 360° video recording at 30fps.

  • 2.25-inch touchscreen for intuitive control.

  • USB Type-C port for fast charging and data transfer.

  • MicroSD card slot for expandable storage.

Learn More
Property Marketing
Allows potential buyers to explore properties in detail from anywhere, enhancing the real estate marketing process.
Automotive Spins
Create an interactive virtual showroom and engage affluent digital buyers with live 360º video calls, all through the CloudPano mobile app for a complete automotive sales solution.
Interactive Floor Plans
Create 2D and 3D floor plans with measurements in 4 minutes or less, all from your phone. Download the Floor Plan Scanner app and get your first scan free.

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