Why My Virtual Tour Is Not Showing On MLS (And How to Fix It)

Cloudpano
September 1, 2025
5 min read
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🏡 Why My Virtual Tour Is Not Showing On MLS (And How to Fix It)

Virtual tours are no longer a “nice-to-have” in real estate listings—they’re an absolute necessity in 2025. Homebuyers expect to walk through a property online before they ever step foot in it, and Realtors who leverage 3D tours consistently see higher engagement, faster sales, and better-quality leads.

But what if you’ve created a beautiful Matterport, CloudPano, or 360° tour… and it’s not showing up on your MLS listing? 😩 This is a common frustration for agents, and in this guide, we’ll break down:

✅ Why your tour may not be displaying correctly
✅ The most common MLS restrictions and quirks
✅ Step-by-step fixes to make your tour visible
✅ How to future-proof your listings with 360° and video marketing

Let’s dive in. 🚀

🔍 Common Reasons Virtual Tours Don’t Show Up on MLS

There are several reasons why your virtual tour link might not appear properly on the MLS. Let’s explore the most common ones:

1. ❌ Wrong Link Format

Most MLS systems require a “branded” or “unbranded” version of your tour.

  • Branded Tours include your logo, name, or contact info (great for your personal site).
  • Unbranded Tours strip this info out and comply with MLS guidelines.

👉 If you upload the wrong version, your MLS will often block it automatically.

2. ⚠️ MLS Restrictions

Each MLS has its own rules. For example:

  • Some MLS boards only allow unbranded links in the “Virtual Tour” field.
  • Others require the link to be inserted in a specific format (like HTTPS only).
  • A few MLSs (like the All Jersey MLS) have extra verification steps.

This is why it’s critical to check your local MLS guidelines before uploading.

See also: How Realtors Can Add CloudPano Tour To MLS

3. 🖥️ Wrong MLS Field Used

Many MLS platforms (such as FlexMLS, Matrix, or Paragon) give agents multiple “link fields”:

  • Virtual Tour 1
  • Virtual Tour 2
  • Video Link
  • Property Website

If you paste your tour into the wrong field, it may not display publicly. Always confirm which field your board recommends.

Check out: How To Make Sure Virtual Tour Shows Up On MLS

4. ⏳ Processing Delays

Some MLS systems sync with public portals (like Realtor.com, Zillow, or Redfin) only once every 24 hours. If you uploaded today and don’t see it yet, give it until tomorrow before troubleshooting.

5. 🔗 Broken or Incorrect Links

If your link is shortened, behind a password wall, or copied incorrectly, the MLS won’t render it. Always test the full link in a browser before submitting.

🛠️ Step-by-Step: How to Fix a Missing Virtual Tour

Here’s the exact process to make sure your tour displays every time:

  1. Log Into Your MLS Dashboard
    Head to your listing input form.
  2. Locate the “Unbranded Virtual Tour” Field
    Most MLSs label it clearly. Paste the unbranded version of your link here.
  3. Test Both Versions of the Link
    • Branded → For marketing outside MLS (your site, social media).
    • Unbranded → For MLS entry.
  4. Preview Your Listing
    Check how the tour appears in MLS preview mode.
  5. Wait for Portal Sync
    Give it 24–48 hours for sites like Realtor.com to update.
  6. Contact MLS Support If Needed
    If all else fails, reach out to your MLS support team. For example, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) offers guidance on MLS compliance.

🌐 Linking Tours to Multiple MLS Platforms

If you work across multiple MLS regions, you’ll need to adapt:

  • Matrix MLS: Supports up to 2 links (both must be unbranded).
  • FlexMLS: Accepts both branded and unbranded, but only one displays publicly.
  • Alaska MLS (source): Has strict HTTPS-only requirements for virtual tour fields.

📈 Why It Matters: Marketing Power of Virtual Tours

Not only do tours increase buyer engagement, but according to NAR research, listings with 360° tours get:

  • 87% more views 🏡
  • 5x longer time spent per listing ⏳
  • 30% faster sales compared to photo-only listings 🚀

When you position yourself as the agent who always includes a tour, you stand out in your market instantly.

🔑 Pro Tips to Prevent MLS Tour Issues

✔ Always create both branded & unbranded versions
✔ Double-check the correct MLS field before submitting
✔ Use CloudPano or Matterport for reliable links
✔ Bookmark your MLS rules page for easy reference
✔ Test the live listing link before sending to clients

🚀 Final Thoughts

If your virtual tour isn’t showing on MLS, don’t panic—it’s usually a simple fix involving the correct field, unbranded link, or MLS-specific requirements. By following the steps above and referencing MLS guidelines from authorities like NAR and local boards such as All Jersey MLS, you can ensure your tours display properly and give your listings the competitive edge they deserve.

👉 Want to level up your real estate marketing even further? Explore these resources:

📌 Get Started!

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