Video Tours vs 3D Virtual Tours - What's the Difference?
These virtual methods of viewing properties have exploded in popularity due to the pandemic, but which is best?
First things first, what are they?
Video Tour:
Not to be confused with a video slideshow, a video tour is made up of video footage of the interior and exterior of a property. Some video tours are made of a single shot showing an entire property, which gives a great idea of the size and layout.
3D Virtual Tour:
A 3D virtual tour is created by taking 360 degree images from multiple positions in each room of a property, software then stitches them together to create a series of 360 degree images that can be navigated around by the viewer with them also able to move between different viewpoints of a room. It offers an immersive experience, with the viewer in control of what they look at.
Key Differences:
Simplicity - Video tours are as simple as just pushing play and watching. 3D virtual tours are not so straight-forward, the viewer clicks and scrolls their way around the property, giving them the freedom to move around the house at their own pace, but is a more complicated and involved experience.
Compatibility - Most devices are capable of displaying both formats nowadays, however video tours edge ahead by also being possible to be viewed on TV. Videos hosted on YouTube (like ours), can be watched with the YouTube app so you can enjoy them from the comfort of your sofa. Video is the favoured format of social media apps so video tours are also a great way to get a property seen by a wider audience.
Detail - 3D virtual tours show a 360 degree view of a room, allowing the viewer to look all around at whatever they want. Video tours you are restricted to what is being shown in the frame. There's advantages and disadvantages to both here, from a buyers perspective the 3D virtual tour is more detailed so is more beneficial. But from a sellers perspective, there's such a thing as showing too much. The selective angles of a video tour mean that certain parts of a room can be avoided if necessary. More importantly, a 3D virtual tour is more likely to expose sensitive information, such as where you keep your keys or private documents.
Immersion - There's no denying that the 3D aspect of 3D virtual tours is an immersive experience, especially if viewed through a VR headset, though these aren't widely used. Video tour styles vary, from a number of individual shots edited together, to a long continuous shot showing the property all in one go which if done well can feel like you are actually walking around the property.
Winner: Video Tours
We believe the simplicity and compatibility of a video tour make it the perfect way to showcase a home. You don't need to be tech savvy to watch them and we they give a great overall view of what a property is really like. Professionally filmed, walk-through video tours offer a very realistic representation of what a property is like. 3D virtual tours certainly offer greater detail and will be preferable for some people, but we think that the technology can sometimes get in the way of a great experience.
Our YouTube Channel has been an extremely popular resource for potential buyers, in 2020 we amassed 67,000 views and 3220 hours of watch time. That's over 4 months! Take a look at some of our video tours below.