This is a quick-start checklist for adding a virtual tour to your Google Business Profile. For the full in-depth guide covering photography tips, business-type strategies, and SEO optimisation, read our comprehensive Google Business Virtual Tour Guide.
Adding a virtual tour to your Google Business Profile is one of the highest-ROI local SEO actions you can take in 2026. Businesses with virtual tours see 2x more profile engagement and higher conversion rates from Google Maps searches. Here's the exact step-by-step process.
Why Add a Virtual Tour to Google Business Profile?
Google's algorithm rewards complete Business Profiles with higher local pack rankings. A virtual tour signals that your profile is trustworthy, verified, and high-quality. Customers who view a virtual tour are 3x more likely to visit compared to those who only see photos.
Requirements
You need: a verified Google Business Profile, equirectangular 360° images (minimum 7.5 megapixels, ideally 14MP+), and either the Google Street View app or a Travvir export. Images must be real photos of your actual business — no renderings or stock images.
Step-by-Step: Adding a Virtual Tour to Google Business Profile
Step 1 — Create Your 360° Tour with Travvir
Capture your business space using the Travvir app. Ensure you capture the exterior, entrance, and key interior areas. Export the tour images as equirectangular JPGs.
Step 2 — Open Google Business Profile
Go to business.google.com and select your business. Click "Photos" in the left menu, then select "360 photos" from the sub-menu.
Step 3 — Upload Your 360° Images
Click "Upload 360 photos." Select your equirectangular images. Google will automatically detect the 360° metadata (XMP data) embedded by Travvir and display them correctly in the viewer.
Step 4 — Set Your Cover Tour
In your Business Profile photos section, you can designate a 360° image as your "Interior" cover photo. This displays prominently in search results and Maps listings.
Step 5 — Connect via Street View App (Optional)
For a fully linked multi-room tour (vs individual 360° photos), use the Google Street View app to "Connect" your uploaded images into a navigable tour. Alternatively, embed your Travvir tour link in a post on your Business Profile.
Local SEO Benefits
After adding your virtual tour: monitor your Business Profile Insights for increases in "Views on Search" and "Views on Maps." Businesses typically see a 20–30% increase in profile actions (calls, directions, website clicks) within 60 days of adding a virtual tour.
