How to Film a Great Video Tour of Your Rental

In-person showings are becoming less common, and for good reason. They require scheduling coordination, take up valuable time, and can be disruptive to current residents. Many landlords are turning to virtual video tours instead.

At TrustArt Realty, we’ve seen firsthand how effective video tours can be for attracting qualified tenants.

Video tours remove geographical barriers, work on any schedule, and give prospective renters a detailed view of the property before they even step inside. Research has even shown that listings with video generate more leads than those without.

The good news is that creating a professional-looking video tour doesn’t require advanced skills. You just need some planning and basic editing.

Here are seven tips to help you film a great video tour of your rental property.

1. Plan the Tour

Good video tours start with preparation. Create a shot list to ensure you capture all the important areas. At a minimum, include the bedrooms, kitchen, dining area, bathroom, living room, and any parking or storage spaces.

Highlight desirable amenities such as appliances, air conditioning, hardwood floors, or built-in storage. You can also show a glimpse of the neighborhood or building exterior to give tenants a sense of the community and find great tenants for your property.

Once you know what you’ll film, stage the home. Deep clean, declutter, and depersonalize the space. Open curtains to maximize natural light and highlight the home’s best features. Improving curb appeal with small touches like fresh landscaping can also make a strong first impression.

2. Film in Natural Light

Lighting makes a big difference in video quality. Natural light gives the film a softer, more authentic look and makes rooms feel larger. The best times to capture exterior shots are during the morning or late afternoon, often referred to as “golden hour.”

For interiors, complement sunlight with the property’s built-in lighting to ensure rooms appear bright and welcoming.

3. Use Landscape Mode

If you’re filming with a smartphone, always choose landscape mode rather than portrait mode. Landscape provides a wider field of view and looks more natural on screens of all sizes.

Portrait mode is better suited for capturing a single person, but landscape is ideal for property tours.

4. Add a Voice-Over or Music

A voice-over can add context by pointing out upgrades or unique features. If you prefer not to narrate, consider using light background music.

Just be sure to edit out any distracting background noise. Many free and low-cost apps make this easy to do.

5. Keep It Short and Engaging

Aim for a final video that is no longer than three minutes. This length keeps viewers engaged while still providing enough detail to showcase the property. Focus on quality rather than length. Show the home clearly and keep the flow simple.

6. Keep the Camera Steady

Shaky footage can feel unprofessional and discourage prospective tenants. To keep the camera steady, film from the corner of each room with your back against a solid surface. Hold your phone close to your body and limit hand movements.

If this still proves difficult, consider using a tripod or stabilizer. If you're a long-distance landlord, employ a professional or get a friend to film for you.

7. Edit Before Sharing

Editing is the final step before sending the video to interested tenants. Clean up any unnecessary footage, remove awkward pauses, and adjust audio if needed. Free apps such as iMovie, Splice, or VidTrim can make editing simple even for beginners.

A polished video signals professionalism and makes a lasting impression.

Bottom Line

Virtual video tours are no longer optional. They’re a powerful tool for marketing rental properties quickly and effectively. By planning carefully, filming with good lighting, and editing thoughtfully, you can create a video that attracts more interest and helps you secure the right tenant.

At TrustArt Realty, we help Philadelphia landlords market their rentals with the latest strategies, including professional video tours. With more than 13 years of experience in the local market, our team can make your property stand out and maximize your returns.

Contact us today to learn how we can support your rental success.