Step-by-Step Guide: Add Virtual Tours to AppFolio the Right Way

Cloudpano
July 17, 2025
5 min read
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🛠️ Step-by-Step Guide: Add Virtual Tours to AppFolio the Right Way

As a property manager using AppFolio, you know how important it is to market listings efficiently. 📈 But are you using one of the most powerful leasing tools available—virtual tours?

Virtual tours turn your listings from static photo galleries into immersive digital experiences. With just a few clicks, prospective renters can explore a space 24/7 from any device. And with AppFolio, adding these tours is surprisingly simple.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you exactly how to add virtual tours to AppFolio the right way, including tips, tools, and strategy links to boost engagement and lease properties faster.

🚀 Why Add Virtual Tours to AppFolio?

📷 Virtual tours offer far more than pretty pictures.

They help:

  • Attract more renters 🧲
  • Reduce vacancy time ⏳
  • Improve lead-to-lease conversion rates 📋
  • Eliminate unnecessary showings 🚫

Whether you’re managing single-family rentals or multifamily units, virtual tours give your listings a serious edge.

🔗 Virtual Tours in AppFolio: Increase Views, Engagement, and Leases

🧩 Step-by-Step: How to Add Virtual Tours to AppFolio

✅ Step 1: Create Your Virtual Tour

There are several ways to make a virtual tour:

  • Use a 360 camera and host on CloudPano, Kuula, or Matterport
  • Convert photos into an AI-powered cinematic video tour with PhotoAIVideo.com

🔗 From Static to Cinematic: Transforming Property Photos With AI

Choose a format that fits your team’s workflow. You’ll receive a shareable URL after the tour is created.

✅ Step 2: Log into Your AppFolio Account

Head over to your AppFolio dashboard, go to Properties → Units, and choose the listing you want to enhance.

✅ Step 3: Find the Virtual Tour Field

Scroll down to the “Marketing” section of your listing. You’ll see a field labeled Virtual Tour Link or something similar.

✅ Step 4: Paste the Tour Link

Paste the full URL to your virtual tour into the field. Double-check that the link works, then Save.

💡 Bonus: Add a note in the property description like:
"🌐 Virtual Tour Available! Click the tour link to explore this unit from home!"

✅ Step 5: Test and Promote

Visit your live listing and confirm the link appears and works. Now it’s time to share:

  • 📱 Post the AppFolio listing to social media
  • 📧 Include the virtual tour in your follow-up emails
  • 💬 Use it in auto-replies for new inquiries

🔗 The Weekly AI Video Content Plan (Template + Tools)

🎯 Tips for Getting Better Results

To make the most of your AppFolio virtual tours:

  • Use branded tours with your logo 🎨
  • Keep tours short (under 2 mins for video) ⏱️
  • Highlight key features like appliances, lighting, storage
  • Use motion or music for emotional engagement 🎵

🔗 Why Virtual Tours Are the Secret to High-Converting AppFolio Listings

🧠 Why This Works: Renter Psychology

Renters want confidence before commitment. Virtual tours give them that by allowing them to:

  • Visualize their furniture 🛋️
  • Understand the layout 🏠
  • Eliminate guesswork 🙅‍♀️

This improves trust and decreases hesitation, especially for renters moving from out of town.

🔗 How Virtual Tours Enhance the AppFolio Renter Experience

🔄 Repurpose One Tour, Many Ways

Once your tour is in AppFolio, reuse it in:

  • Listing pages on Zillow, Apartments.com, etc.
  • Automated leasing funnels in your CRM
  • Owner reports to demonstrate marketing value
  • On-screen display in leasing offices

🔗 Boost Leasing Results: Why Virtual Tours Matter in AppFolio

🧰 Best Tools to Use

To make the tour creation process smooth, here are our favorite tools:

  • PhotoAIVideo.com — Convert photos into dynamic video tours in 60 seconds
  • CloudPano — Great for 360° tours and white-labeled branding
  • Matterport — Ideal for full 3D scanning (more expensive)

🔗 Top Benefits of Adding Virtual Tours to AppFolio

📊 Real-World Impact

Users who added virtual tours to their AppFolio listings report:

  • 🔼 2x increase in inquiries
  • 📉 30–50% reduction in showings
  • ⏳ Leasing time cut in half
  • 💰 Higher satisfaction from property owners

It’s one of the fastest marketing upgrades with a real ROI.

🔗 Drive More Applications with Virtual Tours in AppFolio

💡 Final Thoughts: Make It Standard Practice

Every listing should include a virtual tour. It’s not just a cool feature—it’s the new standard in property marketing.

✔️ Easier leasing
✔️ More renter engagement
✔️ Better owner satisfaction
✔️ Less wasted time

🔗 Why Smart Property Managers Add Virtual Tours to AppFolio

✅ Next Steps

🎬 Make your first virtual tour free with PhotoAIVideo
📺 Watch the feature walkthrough video

Your properties deserve more than photos. Give renters the full experience—with AppFolio and virtual tours. 💼🏡

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Cloudpano

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Property Marketing
Allows potential buyers to explore properties in detail from anywhere, enhancing the real estate marketing process.
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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.
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