FAQ
Explore the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about virtual tours.
1. What is a virtual tour and how does it work?
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A virtual tour is an interactive 360° walkthrough of your space that allows users to “walk through” it online as if they were physically there. A virtual tour is made up of a series of panoramic images linked together, with the ability to zoom, look around, and move from room to room with a single click.
2. What is the difference between a Google Street View virtual tour and a custom virtual tour?
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A Google Street View virtual tour is directly connected to your Google Business profile and appears in search results and on Google Maps, while a custom virtual tour is a fully branded, tailor-made experience with advanced interactive elements (menu, hotspots, video, galleries, links, contact forms, etc.).
In simple terms – a Google Street View virtual tour boosts your visibility on Google, while a custom virtual tour builds a complete, immersive experience of your story and your brand.
3. What results can I expect from a virtual tour?
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Websites with virtual tours consistently show longer session times, lower bounce rates, and higher conversion rates. Beyond the numbers, clients report fewer low-intent inquiries, more informed leads, and a stronger first impression across every channel where the tour appears. For a more detailed picture, analytics reporting is available for every custom virtual tour we produce.
4. What does the virtual tour production process with Panorate Media look like?
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The process starts with consultation and planning — together we define the flow of the virtual tour and the key points of your space. Then our team comes on site to shoot the panoramas and, if needed, drone footage and additional photos or video. After that comes post-production: connecting scenes, adding interactive elements, and testing. Finally, the virtual tour is integrated into your website, Google profile, and other channels.
5. How long does it take to shoot a virtual tour, and do I need to close my venue?
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The duration of the shoot depends on the size and complexity of the space. Smaller locations are usually captured within a few hours, while larger campuses or industrial sites may require more time. You don't necessarily have to close your venue, but for the best results it's recommended that the space be as tidy as possible and without heavy foot traffic during the shoot.
6. What does the price of a virtual tour depend on?
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The price depends on the size of the space and the number of shooting points, the type of location, whether it is a Google Street View tour or a custom virtual tour, and any additional elements — video, drone footage, interactive hotspots, multiple language versions, custom menu, branding, and more. After a short brief about your space and goals, we can prepare a tailored quote for you.
7. On which devices can a virtual tour be viewed?
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A virtual tour is optimized for viewing on desktop computers, tablets, and mobile phones, without the need for any special app. If desired, the tour can also be optimized for VR headsets — for a fully immersive experience at trade shows, presentations, or in your sales space.
8. Can I embed a virtual tour on my website and social media?
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Yes. A virtual tour can be easily embedded into your existing website using an embed code, and you can share the tour link via social media, email, newsletters, or QR codes. For a Google Street View tour, we make sure it is properly connected to your Google account and displayed in search results.
9. Can I track the performance and results of my virtual tour?
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Yes. Through analytics reporting you can see how many people opened the virtual tour, which areas they view the most, how long they stay, and where they are coming from. Based on this data, a virtual tour becomes not only a visually engaging experience, but a measurable and optimizable marketing tool.
10. Do you offer 3D modeling and animations?
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Yes. In addition to photography-based virtual tours, we create fully 3D environments built from rendered models — for spaces that don't yet exist, products that need to be visualized, or industrial facilities that require a level of detail photography alone can't provide.
3D models can be integrated into a virtual tour as interactive elements — visitors can click on a machine or product, open its 3D view, and explore it in detail. Animations can be embedded as video or interactive content to illustrate how machines work, explain production processes, or show architectural transformations. Both make complex information significantly easier to understand — for clients, partners, and trade fair visitors alike.
11. What is a 3D real estate showroom and how is it different from a standard virtual tour?
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A 3D real estate showroom is a fully rendered interactive environment built from architectural plans — meaning it can be created before construction begins. Prospective buyers can walk through typical floor plans, explore finishes and layouts, check unit availability in real time, and contact your sales team directly — all within the same experience. Unlike a standard virtual tour based on photography of an existing space, a 3D showroom is built entirely from 3D models and photorealistic renders.
12. What is a product configurator and who is it for?
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A product configurator is an interactive 3D tool that allows customers to explore a product in different materials, finishes, colors, or configurations — and select the specification that suits them before placing an order. It's particularly useful for manufacturers, furniture companies, and any business that offers products with multiple variations. The configured result can be submitted directly as an inquiry or order, making it an active part of the sales process rather than just a visualization tool.