If you've noticed your St. Louis listings getting lost in the scroll, it's time to talk about video. Not because it's trendy: because it works.
While professional real estate photography in St. Louis remains essential for first impressions, video has become the asset that actually gets shared. It shows up in feeds, gets clicked, and sticks with buyers in ways that even the best still images can't replicate. And in a competitive market like ours, that shareability translates directly into visibility and inquiries.
Here's why video has become non-negotiable: and how to use it strategically.
Why Video Outperforms Photos on Social Media
Social platforms prioritize video content. Instagram Reels, Facebook Stories, and standard feed posts with video all receive higher engagement rates and broader organic reach than static images. The algorithms favor movement, watch time, and shares: three things video delivers naturally.
When a potential buyer scrolls through their feed and sees a 30-second walkthrough of a Clayton bungalow or a Central West End condo, they stop. They watch. And if it resonates, they share it with their partner, their realtor, or their group chat. That's reach you can't buy with boosted photo posts alone.
Video also performs better in search. Google prioritizes websites with video content, meaning a listing page featuring a property walkthrough ranks higher than one with photos alone. For St. Louis real estate photography professionals and agents alike, this means video isn't just a marketing tool: it's an SEO advantage.
The Emotional Connection Video Creates
Photos capture a moment. Video captures a feeling.
When buyers watch a video tour, they experience the flow of a home. They see how the kitchen opens to the living room, how natural light moves through the space at different times of day, how the backyard transitions from the deck. These details create an emotional connection that static images simply can't replicate.
This is especially true for out-of-town buyers or those beginning their search online. A well-produced video helps them imagine their life in the space before they ever schedule a showing. It pre-qualifies interest and increases the likelihood that in-person visits turn into serious offers.
For St. Louis listings: whether in Soulard, Webster Groves, or Chesterfield: video allows you to tell a story. You're not just selling square footage. You're selling a lifestyle, a neighborhood, a vision of home.
What Makes Real Estate Video Actually Work
Not all video content performs equally. The difference between a shaky smartphone pan and a professional real estate video is the difference between a scroll and a share.
Production Quality Matters
Professional real estate photographers in St. Louis use stabilized gimbal equipment, wide-angle lenses, and proper lighting to create smooth, cinematic walkthroughs. The footage is color-corrected, edited for pacing, and optimized for both sound-on and muted viewing (since most social media users watch without audio initially).
A typical shoot for a 2-3 bedroom home takes 20-30 minutes. Editing and delivery usually wrap within 2-3 business days: fast enough to keep your listing timeline on track without sacrificing quality.
Drone Footage Adds Context
Exterior shots and aerial footage give buyers a sense of the property's location, lot size, and neighborhood context. For St. Louis homes with unique features: proximity to Forest Park, views of the Arch, large yards in suburban areas: drone video becomes a key selling point.
When combined with interior walkthroughs, drone footage creates a comprehensive visual package that static photography alone can't deliver.
How to Use Video Across Your Marketing Channels
Once you have professional video content, strategic distribution maximizes its impact.
Social Media Platforms
Instagram Reels and Stories are built for short-form video. A 30-60 second highlight reel showcasing key rooms and features performs exceptionally well. Use captions to add property details (price, bedrooms, location) and relevant hashtags to increase discoverability.
Facebook allows longer videos and is ideal for full walkthroughs. Post directly to your business page, share in local St. Louis real estate groups, and consider running targeted ads to reach specific buyer demographics.
Listing Websites and MLS
Zillow, Realtor.com, and MLS platforms all support video uploads. Listings with video receive significantly more views and engagement than those without. Buyers browsing online are more likely to save, share, and inquire about properties that include video tours.
Email Campaigns and Direct Outreach
Video thumbnails in email increase click-through rates. When reaching out to potential buyers or your existing contact list, a video preview stands out in crowded inboxes and drives traffic back to your full listing page.
Your Website and Blog
Embedding video on your website keeps visitors engaged longer: a signal that improves your search rankings. Create dedicated landing pages for featured listings and include video prominently at the top of the page. Pair it with written descriptions, floor plans, and contact forms to convert interest into action.
What Professional Video Services Include
When you partner with a St. Louis real estate photographer offering video services, you're getting more than just footage.
Comprehensive Coverage
Professional packages typically include both interior and exterior shots, drone aerials when needed, and smooth transitions that create a cohesive viewing experience. Some videographers offer agent-on-camera introductions or guided walkthroughs if you prefer a hosted format.
Customization and Add-Ons
Many services offer customizable options: virtual staging to show potential in vacant homes, day-to-night conversions for twilight curb appeal, property boundary overlays using aerial footage and plat maps, and branded intros or outros for agent marketing.
Fast Turnaround
Professional turnaround times matter when you're working with tight listing schedules. Shooting early in the week ensures delivery by week's end, keeping your marketing timeline intact. High-end equipment and experienced editing streamline the process without cutting corners on quality.
Video as a Long-Term Marketing Asset
Unlike open house flyers or temporary ads, video content has lasting value. A well-produced property video can be repurposed across multiple campaigns, reshared months later when similar listings hit the market, and used as portfolio content to attract future clients.
For agents building a personal brand, video also establishes credibility. Buyers and sellers see that you invest in professional marketing, which signals that you're serious about results. It differentiates you in a crowded market where many competitors still rely solely on photos and text descriptions.
Making Video Work for Your St. Louis Listings
Video isn't replacing real estate photography: it's amplifying it. The most effective listing strategies use both: professional photos for initial impressions and thumbnail appeal, and video for deeper engagement and shareability.
If you're listing in St. Louis and want to maximize visibility, start incorporating video into your marketing mix. Work with a professional real estate photographer who understands both the technical requirements and the local market dynamics. The investment pays off in faster sales, higher engagement, and more qualified buyer interest.
Ready to create video content that actually gets shared? Let's discuss how professional visual media can elevate your next listing.
Tags: #StLouisRealEstatePhotography #RealEstateVideo #VideoMarketingSTL #SocialMediaTips #ListingMedia
