Video Tours: why they’re essential and how to get started

In today’s digital world, the way people discover and choose a home has completely changed. Whether someone is booking a vacation rental, planning a longer stay, or comparing properties online, the first impression almost always happens on a screen. Increasingly, that first impression happens through video.

At Wander, we’ve seen video tours go from being a “nice-to-have” to one of the most effective tools for driving trust, engagement, and bookings. Video doesn’t just show a home — it helps guests experience it before they even arrive.

Why video tours matter more than ever

Modern travelers and buyers are visual, mobile, and research-driven. Static photos still play a role, but they rarely answer the questions that matter most: how the space flows, how big it feels, where to work or relax, and what the experience is like throughout the day.

Industry research shows:

• 85% of buyers want to see a virtual tour or video when searching for homes

• 65% say video tours are very useful in their decision-making process

• Listings with video receive 2–4× more engagement than those without

Video drives measurable conversion gains

Video tours don’t just attract attention; they convert it. Across real estate and short-term rental platforms:

• Listings with video see up to 403% more inquiries

• Click-through rates increase by 2.5× when video is included

• Websites featuring video report conversion lifts of up to 80%

Video reduces friction. When guests understand a space before booking, hesitation drops significantly.

Video increases engagement and time on page

Engagement time is a strong indicator of intent. Properties with video tours see visitors stay on listing pages up to 88% longer than listings with photos alone. Longer dwell time signals higher interest, improves platform performance, and increases the likelihood a guest will book.

Why hosted video tours convert even better

Not all video tours are equal. One of the most effective upgrades is including an on-camera host or actress who walks viewers through the home while explaining features and showing how the space is lived in.

Videos with a human presence consistently outperform silent or purely cinematic walkthroughs:

• Videos featuring people retain attention up to 30% longer

• Viewers are more likely to watch to completion

• Information delivered verbally is easier to retain and trust

Hosted tours work because they create an emotional connection, add clarity, and turn a listing into a lifestyle experience.

Guests don’t just book square footage — they book how a place makes them feel. Seeing someone cook in the kitchen, relax by the pool, or work from the living room helps viewers imagine themselves there. A host can also answer common questions about layout, functionality, and unique features, reducing uncertainty and speeding up booking decisions.

How to get started with video tours

1. Start with the story, not the rooms. Think about how guests arrive, live, work, relax, and unwind, and plan the tour around the experience.

2. Choose the right formats. Cinematic walkthroughs elevate brand and perception, hosted tours drive trust and conversion, and short clips spark discovery on social platforms. One shoot can produce multiple assets.

3. Invest in professional production. Lighting, sound, and camera stability directly influence perceived quality and booking confidence.

4. Optimize for every platform. Horizontal video works best for websites and YouTube, vertical formats perform better on social channels. Tailor edits for each platform to maximize performance.

5. Measure what matters. Track engagement time, click-through rates, and bookings influenced by video. Video isn’t just creative — it’s highly measurable.

Final thoughts

In 2026, video tours are no longer optional. They increase engagement, build trust faster, reduce friction in decision-making, and drive more bookings and inquiries. When paired with a human host who brings the experience to life, video tours don’t just show a home — they sell the feeling of being there.

This is why video is at the core of Wander’s marketing strategy: when guests can truly see themselves in a space, booking becomes the natural next step.