The Best Way to Display Virtual Tours in AppFolio

Cloudpano
July 10, 2025
5 min read
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🏡 The Best Way to Display Virtual Tours in AppFolio

If you're a property manager using AppFolio, you're probably always looking for ways to improve your listings and attract more renters. One of the most powerful tools you can use is the virtual tour — especially 360° and 3D experiences. These tours not only save you time on showings but also help boost leasing conversions, reduce vacancy rates, and give your listings a competitive edge.

In this post, we'll walk you through how to display virtual tours in AppFolio, explore the best practices, tools, and integration strategies, and link to other valuable articles that will help you get the most from your listings. 🚀

Why Virtual Tours Are Essential for AppFolio Listings 🎥

Virtual tours are more than just a visual enhancement. Here’s why they matter:

✅ They increase engagement and time spent on listings
✅ Prospects can tour units 24/7 from any device
✅ They filter out non-serious leads, saving your team time
✅ You’ll stand out in a crowded rental market

Want the data to back it up? 📊 Check out Why Virtual Tours Increase Lease Conversions in AppFolio.

🔗 Embedding vs Linking: What’s the Best Option?

AppFolio offers two main ways to add a virtual tour:

  1. Embedding a 360° tour directly inside the listing page
  2. Linking to an external tour via URL

For a seamless renter experience, embedding is ideal. It keeps prospects on the listing page and makes the experience feel integrated.

📌 Learn how to do both in How to Embed or Link Virtual Tours in Your AppFolio Listings.

🛠️ Tools That Work Best with AppFolio

Some platforms integrate better than others. Here are the top platforms property managers use with AppFolio:

  • CloudPano – Great for affordable, interactive 360 tours
  • Matterport – Industry standard for high-end 3D walkthroughs
  • Kuula – Lightweight and fast, good for web-first experiences

Compare them side-by-side in CloudPano vs Kuula vs Matterport: What Works Best with AppFolio.

🧭 Step-by-Step: How to Add a Virtual Tour in AppFolio

Here’s a quick guide to get your virtual tour up and running:

  1. Generate the Share Link from your virtual tour platform
  2. Copy the iframe embed code or direct URL
  3. Log into AppFolio’s admin dashboard
  4. Go to the property listing > “Marketing” section
  5. Paste the tour link or embed code in the virtual tour field
  6. Save and publish your changes

Need visuals? Use Step-by-Step: Add a Virtual Tour Link to AppFolio for a visual walkthrough. 📸

✅ Best Practices for Displaying Virtual Tours in AppFolio

🔍 Place it at the top: Don’t bury the tour. Add it near your photos or primary listing info.
📱 Ensure mobile responsiveness: Test the tour on your phone. Most renters browse on mobile!
🧭 Guide the user: Add a short sentence like: “👀 Click below to walk through the property virtually.”
🚪 Highlight key features: If your tour platform allows, add tags or labels to rooms to call out upgrades.

Want more tactical advice? Read AppFolio Virtual Tour Setup Made Easy: A Complete How-To.

🤔 What If the Virtual Tour Doesn’t Load?

Sometimes embedding can fail due to platform compatibility, iframe restrictions, or formatting issues. Here's how to troubleshoot:

  • Double-check the embed code format
  • Ensure your tour link is publicly shareable
  • Use a different platform (some don’t support iframe embeds)

🛠️ See more fixes in Virtual Tour Doesn’t Load in AppFolio? Fixes & Solutions.

🔁 Promote Tours Beyond AppFolio

Want to attract even more traffic? Don’t stop at AppFolio. Promote your tour on:

  • Facebook Marketplace
  • Craigslist
  • Google Business Profile
  • Email follow-ups with prospects
  • QR codes on yard signs or flyers

Marketing matters! Get expert ideas in How to Promote Your Virtual Tour Beyond AppFolio.

🧠 Pro Tip: Use Virtual Tours to Qualify Leads

Instead of scheduling in-person showings with everyone, ask prospects to view the virtual tour first. Then offer a showing only if they’re serious. This cuts down on no-shows and saves your team hours each week.

🏆 For more leasing hacks, see How to Use the AppFolio Property Tour Feature to Boost Leasing.

🧩 Bonus: Combine With AppFolio’s Built-In Tour Tools

If you’re using AppFolio’s built-in scheduling and lead management, pair your virtual tour with:

  • Automated lead follow-up
  • Self-scheduling links
  • Pre-qualification questions

💡 See Enhance Your Listings with AppFolio’s Built-In Tour Feature.

🚀 Final Thoughts: Start Using Virtual Tours in AppFolio Today

Virtual tours are no longer optional — they’re a must-have for modern property listings. Whether you embed directly or add a clean external link, making tours part of your AppFolio workflow will increase leasing success.

If you're ready to transform your listings, follow the tutorials linked above and start showcasing your rentals like a pro. 🌟

📚 More Resources

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