How do you add a video to an MLS listing?
By Brian Jones, co-founder, engineering and Talyn Jones, co-founder, product, Frameworthy.
Most MLS systems take video as a link in the virtual tour or media field, and most boards require that the version there be unbranded: no agent name, logo or phone. Host the video, paste the link in the listing input, and keep the branded cut for social and the seller. Syndication then carries the link to Zillow and Realtor.com.
Where does a video go on the MLS?
In the listing input there is usually a field named virtual tour, media, or video, which takes a link rather than a file. Some systems take two links: an unbranded one that syndicates, and a branded one that stays on the broker's public site. If your board takes a file, it usually wants an MP4 in 16:9.
Field names vary by system, so the exact spot is a question for your MLS help desk, not a guide. The rule about branding is the part that is nearly universal.
Why does the MLS version have to be unbranded?
Because the listing syndicates to other brokers' sites and to portals, and a video that shows your name and number on a competitor's site breaks their rules about advertising. The unbranded cut shows the house and nothing else. Your branded cut is for your own channels.
A Frameworthy tour page can be shared as a link, and the delivered cuts can be downloaded with or without your branding, so you have both versions from one order.
How does the video reach Zillow and Realtor.com?
Through the same syndication feed that carries the photos. A virtual tour link in the MLS field shows up as a tour button on the portals; a hosted video can also be added directly in the Zillow agent tools if your brokerage allows it. Upload the 16:9 cut there, never the 9:16.
Add a listing video to the MLS, step by step
- Get the 16:9 cut. Download the 16:9 walkthrough from your tour page. Use the unbranded version if your board requires one for the MLS.
- Host it or use the tour link. Either upload the file where your brokerage hosts video, or copy the share link to the tour page.
- Paste the link into the listing. Open the listing in your MLS input and paste the link into the virtual tour or media field. Save and check the public listing.
- Add the disclosure. In the remarks or the media caption, add one line: the motion was generated from the listing photographs.
- Post the branded cuts. Put the branded 9:16 on Reels and Stories and the 1:1 in the feed. Send the 16:9 to the seller.
Questions
Does the MLS take an MP4 file?
Some systems do; most take a link. Check the media field in your listing input, and keep the file in 16:9 either way.
Will the video show on Zillow automatically?
A tour link in the MLS field syndicates with the listing. A direct upload to Zillow is a separate step inside the Zillow agent tools.
Can I use the branded version on the MLS?
Usually not. Boards keep the syndicated media free of agent branding. Use the unbranded cut there and the branded one everywhere you own.
Local pages
More guides
- How much does a real estate listing video cost?
- How do you turn listing photos into a walkthrough video?
- Is an AI-generated listing video MLS compliant?
- Virtual tour or listing video: which one does a listing need?
- Do you have to disclose that a listing video was made with AI?
- How do you make a listing Reel from the photos you already have?
- Matterport or a listing video from photos: which does the listing need?
- How do you get a listing video without hiring a videographer?