MLS virtual tour rules: what “unbranded” means for listing videos

Examples from MLS rules

California Regional MLS (CRMLS) prohibits branded media, which its rules define to include contact information, identifiable people, logos, external links and team names. YouTube is allowed in its unbranded virtual tour field only when the channel is unbranded, and its rules bar links to video tours in public remarks.

Bright MLS applies the same limits to virtual tour links as to listing images: no identifiable people, contact information or branding, and virtual staging, including generative AI, must be disclosed in remarks. Its fine schedule has included a fine for branded media.

Houston’s HAR rules bar contact information, agent photographs, logos and promotion in tours, except the listing firm’s name, and limit links to pages that describe the property.

Rules differ: some smaller MLSs allow branded tours. Always read your own MLS rules.

An unbranded checklist

• No logo, watermark, phone number, email or website in the video.
• No people who can be identified, including you.
• No “call me” text or end card.
• Host it on a page without your branding, such as an unbranded YouTube channel.
• Keep a separate branded version for social media and your website.

Branded and unbranded versions

With Biyra, the watermark is off by default, so the file you download is unbranded. For social media, add your logo or name as an optional watermark and create that version separately, or add branding in the app you post from.

Sources

Rules and figures change. Check the current version at the source before relying on them; this guide is general information, not legal advice.

• CRMLS photographs and media FAQ
• Bright MLS policy on images
• HAR MLS rules