One question we often get is “what is the difference between a video walkthrough and a virtual tour?”. There is a lot of misinformation being spread in the market that a video walkthrough is the same as a virtual tour. Today we are going to delve into this and talk about the differences and debunk misconceptions.

Video Walkthrough VS Virtual Tour

Virtual Walkthrough

A lot of the confusion started with the buzz word/phrase ‘virtual walkthrough‘. Let us break down each type of media to better understand where this confusion started.

Virtual: ‘Existing, seen, or happening online or on a computer screen, rather than in person or in the physical world’. – Dictionary.com

Walkthrough: A step-by-step demonstration of a procedure or process or a step-by-step explanation of it as a novice attempts it. – Dictionary.com

In simple terms, anything that is online/on a computer screen that guides or shows you information is considered a virtual walkthrough. As a result, many companies have been swapping out the word virtual or walkthrough and come up with phrases like virtual video, video walkthrough, video tour and so on. Many people are left confused with all the different re-phrasings. Some have even claimed their ‘virtual video’ is just like a virtual tour which is not the case.

A Video Is Just A Video

No matter what fancy working you give it a video is just a video. Yes, you can give a guided tour with added voice-over, text on the screen, music and so on but its only one perspective. Thes are great for quick and straightforward touchpoints, but nothing in-depth and the more you want to explain the longer the video will have to be. Additionally, once the video ends, the video ends, and that’s it. Yes, you can pause, rewind and play it again but that’s it. A virtual tour can have longer impressions/engagement time.

Virtual Tours Allow You To Explore The Space

Just like a video, you can also add voice-overs, music, text but also photos, video and more. The primary difference is that you can walk through the space at your own pace while still giving a curated experience. Let’s use the below virtual tour as an example. With the school below you can walk through it, jump to any point you wish, check out their socials/contact details all while in their branded tour.

Double-click in the virtual tour for voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley to make it go fullscreen, or click here.

It’s Like Being There In Person With A Virtual Tour

The one phrase you will often hear from someone who has been through a 360 virtual tour is that they feel like they have already experienced the space. Generally speaking, you will have higher conversion rates of people going through a virtual tour then visiting on-site. This is because people feel they have already been at your location physically. Videos feel as though you are looking through a window and not there in person, which makes the experience quite limiting.

Video Walkthroughs Are Different To Virtual Tours

If you are looking for something simple to get your message out, then a video is the better choice. If you are looking to create a cutting edge and engaging sales/marketing tool with high conversion rates and connectivity, then a virtual tour may be your ideal solution.

At Simply 360, we create virtual tours and produce high-end traditional videos (as well as 360 videos). Contact us today to see which is right for you. Fill out the form on this page or call us 02 9674 9090 to take the next steps. We can also help advise on how to market your virtual tour to get maximum exposure.

Additionally, check out our blog explaining the difference between an interactive map and a virtual tour. 

Are you deciding to create a video walkthrough or 360 virtual tour for your company? Which way are you leaning in the decision-making process? Leave a comment below and let us know your thoughts :)

Dimitri Cassimatis( Founder )

Dimitri is the founder of Simply 360, which specialises in creating immersive, interactive and engaging 360 / VR virtual tours, AR integration and marketing consultancy. He has worked in the digital marketing industry for over 15 years and has a passion for creating virtual tours with a key focus in strategic implementation.