The Best Websites For Virtual Tours: Heygo vs Amazon Explore
Updated: Jun 27, 2022
Virtual tourism is taking the world by storm. It makes sense, after all with technology advancing and new apps emerging every day, virtual tours now offer a realistic, more immersive way to explore a new place. They also allow you to explore a new city or country without actually having to go. Here are the best websites for virtual tours.
Table of Contents:
1. Heygo
3. Comparison: Amazon Explore vs Heygo
4. Heygo vs Amazon Explore: Which one is better?
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links and we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for yourself.
1. Heygo
Heygo is an app that allows you to create and publish 360-degree photos, videos, and panoramic images. To create an experience, you can also use the app’s collection of interesting spots across 150 cities worldwide. In addition, you can also use the app’s special filters to create different kinds of experiences. The best part is that all these are available for both Android and iOS users. If you are looking for a fun way to travel, then Heygo makes virtual tourism easy, convenient, and enjoyable. All you need to do is choose a date and time for your users to view your content, and you are all set. To get their attention, you can also embed the content within your website or blog. This way, your website visitors will be able to enjoy the same virtual experience you had.
2. Amazon Explore
Amazon Explore is an interesting app that enables users to create 360-degree views and 360 photos. The app also offers a bunch of interesting filters, and users can also choose their own music to be played while exploring. In addition, users can also use the app’s AR function and let their friends explore alongside them. Then, when they have finished exploring, they can save the photos, videos, and views on the app. They can also share them on social media. Amazon Explore is available on both Android and iOS devices.
3. Comparison: Amazon Explore vs Heygo
In comparison, Amazon Explore and Heygo offer a similiar product with many tour guides on both platforms. However, there are a few difference between the two. Heygo is completely free to join tours whereas Amazon Explore charges per tour. Heygo asks for you leave tips for the tour guides as that is how the tour guide and Heygo makes their money. Amazon Explore does not mention or give the function to leave tips as the tour is a flat fee. Both platforms allow you to take pictures or postcards of your tour and save them to your account. Both platforms use one way video so you don't have to worry about dressing up for your tour.
Amazon Explore Features:
Amazon Explore is limited to 7 participants or you also have the option for a private tour.
Amazon Explore allows for two-way audio to communicate with your tour guide and ask questions.
Amazon Explore tour sessions are only available to be viewed on a computer. There is no phone app feature at this time.
Amazon Explore allows for shopping on select private tours. You can purchase souvenirs directly from your host while passing shops on your tour and your tour guide will mail them to you.
Only available to US customers
Heygo Features:
Heygo can have participants up to 1,000. This is decided by the tour guide. No private tours are currently offered
Heygo users can only communicate with the tour guide by chat which is easier since there could be up to 1,000 participants.
Heygo has both a phone app and a website where you can watch your tours from any device.
Available to customers from around the world.
4. Heygo vs Amazon Explore: Which one is better?
Between Amazon Explore and Heygo, there is no right or wrong answer on which platform is better. Each platform has its advantages and disadvantages. I recommend trying both platforms and making the decision for yourself. The quality of tours on both platforms is wonderful. Amazon Explore does do a nice video and map introduction to the tour before your tour starts which I really like.
How can I become a virtual tour guide?
To become a virtual guide, you will need a smartphone, a gimbal, and a lavalier microphone. For a lavalier microphone, I use and recommend the Boya BY-M1 Lavalier Microphone. For a gimbal, I use the DJI Osmo Mobile 2, but you can get the latest version with updated features known as the DJI OM 5.
How do I become a virtual tour guide for Amazon Explore?
Becoming a tour guide for Amazon Explore, involves applying to see if you are a good fit for their services. You can find the link to apply here.
How do I become a virtual tour guide for Heygo?
Becoming a tour guide for Heygo, involves applying on their phone app. You can follow the steps to becoming a tour guide by clicking the link here.
How much money can I make as a virtual tour guide?
On Heygo, your income is unlimited as it depends on the factors of how many of your tour particiants decide to tip and how much they decide to tip. Heygo mentions that they have guides that make less than $10 per tour and some that make over a $1,000. Please keep in mind that Heygo will keep 40% of your tips as their fee. On Amazon Explore, your income is limited to the price of your tour (which you set) and the number of participants. There is no option to tip on Amazon Explore at this time. Amazon will also take a similar cut of your tour revenue as part of their fees.
How much should I tip on a virtual tour?
Tipping on a tour is usually customary, but on a virtual tour, it can be somewhat confusing and also a matter of how much. On Amazon Explore, you currently pay for the tour, but there is no way at this time to provide a tip for the tour guide. On Heygo, since all the tours are free, tipping both supports the platform and the guide financially since there are no other means of revenue for either. The Heygo Tip Amount all depends on what you are comfortable with providing. You can tip a minimum of $2 and there is no maximum. If you feel like the tour guide did a great job, please don't hesitate to be generous.
Conclusion
The best websites for virtual tours are all about making the most of technology and creating realistic and immersive virtual experiences. With the right tools and equipment, creating beautiful virtual tours is now easier than ever. After all, these tools and apps allow you to create professional-grade content, and distribute it easily. If you are planning a trip, or just want to explore a new place, these websites will help you immerse yourself in the new culture, without ever having to leave home. Also, don't forget to check out some of our other great articles such as the best hybrid bikes under $500. Pick one that suits your needs best, and start exploring!
Matthew Bates is currently a full-time writer and digital nomad. Matthew started working as a middle school teacher before transitioning into a successful sales career. As a world travel enthusiast, Matthew credits the exciting real-life experiences of traveling and learning from other cultures as the inspiration for his writings.