How to Embed and Highlight Virtual Tours on AppFolio

Cloudpano
July 10, 2025
5 min read
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🧲 How to Embed and Highlight Virtual Tours on AppFolio

🏡 First Impressions Start Online

In today’s fast-moving rental market, property managers have seconds to capture a renter’s attention. That’s why virtual tours are becoming the standard for modern listings. They let renters explore a unit instantly, building trust and interest long before they visit in person.

With AppFolio, embedding and showcasing virtual tours is simple—but to maximize results, you need to do more than just drop in a link. You need to feature the tour strategically to drive clicks, applications, and leases. 🔥

This guide shows you how to embed, position, and promote virtual tours inside AppFolio like a pro.

🤔 Why Embed Virtual Tours in AppFolio?

Virtual tours do more than "look nice." They convert better. Here’s why:

  • 📈 Higher listing engagement: Renters spend more time on your property pages
  • 🎯 Better-qualified leads: Visitors know what to expect before they reach out
  • 🕒 Faster leasing cycles: Tours reduce time spent on in-person showings
  • 🌍 Remote accessibility: Reach relocating tenants or long-distance leads

👉 Dive deeper into benefits: Why Virtual Tours Increase Lease Conversions in AppFolio

🔧 What You’ll Need to Embed a Tour

Before you get started, here’s a quick checklist:

  • ✅ A hosted 360° or 3D virtual tour (CloudPano, Matterport, or Kuula)
  • ✅ A public, shareable HTTPS link
  • ✅ AppFolio login with permissions to edit listings

📘 Need help picking a platform? Read: CloudPano vs Kuula vs Matterport: What Works Best with AppFolio

🪄 How to Embed Virtual Tours in AppFolio (Step-by-Step)

Ready to upgrade your listings? Here’s how to embed a tour directly in AppFolio:

  1. Log into AppFolio
  2. Go to the property listing you want to update
  3. Click Edit
  4. Scroll to the Description or Media section
  5. Paste your virtual tour link with a clear call-to-action:

📸 Take a 360° virtual tour of this unit now

🔗 Prefer to guide readers? Use this format:

“👀 Explore this space from anywhere: Click for the 3D tour

📖 Full walkthrough: Step-by-Step AppFolio Virtual Tour Tutorial

💡 Pro Tips to Make the Tour Stand Out

It’s not just about embedding the link—it’s about featuring it in the right place with the right message. Here’s how:

✅ Use attention-grabbing CTAs:

  • “Click here to walk through the space in 3D”
  • “Take a virtual tour before you visit”
  • “360° Tour Available — View Now!”

📍 Best placement strategies:

  • Place the tour in the first 2–3 lines of the description
  • Mention “Virtual Tour Available” in the listing title
  • Highlight the tour twice if needed (top and bottom of description)
  • Embed the tour inside your lead response emails and text messages

📘 Strategy guide: How to Promote Your Virtual Tour Beyond AppFolio

🔄 How to Automate Virtual Tour Embedding

Managing many listings? Here’s how to streamline the process:

  • 🧩 Use listing templates with virtual tour fields
  • 📝 Create a checklist for media uploads that includes a tour
  • 🧑‍💻 Train your staff or contractors to request virtual tours after every shoot
  • ⚡ Store tour links in a spreadsheet or tour library for easy access

🎯 Learn how to systemize it: Virtual Tour Setup in AppFolio: Step-by-Step Guide for Property Managers

🧯 Troubleshooting: Tour Not Displaying?

Here’s how to fix the most common issues:

  • ❌ Tour doesn’t show?
    ✔️ Use a public HTTPS link. AppFolio may block HTTP or private URLs.
  • ❌ Link looks clunky?
    ✔️ Use clickable text, not just the raw URL.
  • ❌ Mobile preview broken?
    ✔️ Open your listing on desktop and mobile to test placement and loading.

📘 More solutions here: Virtual Tour Doesn’t Load in AppFolio? Fixes & Solutions

📊 Measure Performance After Embedding

Want to know if your virtual tours are making a difference? Track these KPIs:

  • 🧭 Click-throughs on the tour link
  • 🕒 Time spent on listing
  • 📞 Lead volume and quality
  • 📅 Average days to lease

🧠 Learn how to analyze results: AppFolio Virtual Tour Setup Tutorial for Real Estate Pros

🧰 Recommended Virtual Tour Platforms for AppFolio

Here are the most AppFolio-friendly tour tools:

📚 Compare all three: Virtual Tour Integration for AppFolio: Tools, Platforms, and Best Practices

💬 Real Feedback from the Field

“We’ve embedded virtual tours into all listings. Leasing is 40% faster now.”
Samantha L., Regional Leasing Manager

“Out-of-state renters love it. Most sign leases without needing to visit.”
Jordan M., Property Manager

🔗 More Helpful Articles:

✅ Final Thoughts: Show, Don’t Just Tell

Virtual tours help renters see themselves living in your property—and that’s what drives decisions. By embedding and highlighting your tours the right way in AppFolio, you don’t just improve your listings—you improve your leasing results. 📈💼

Ready to take action?

👉 Start here: Step-by-Step AppFolio Virtual Tour Tutorial

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