Google Maps Based Virtual Tours Are Free For Users
But Who Pays for Using Them on Websites?
When Google Street View first started allowing local businesses to add Street View virtual tours to Google Maps, the big benefit was that apart from a one-time fee for photography, Google did not charge to host these photospheres. The good news is, they still do not charge for hosting.
Businesses that want to get more out of their virtual tour, though, need to think beyond just Google Street View. Using a custom overlay or custom hosting is a better way to show off your tour and unlock the full marketing value. You can learn more about the advantages of custom overlays for virtual tours in this article. For now, let’s focus on what’s changed, how it affects custom tours on Google Street View, and what you need to do to keep all the features working.
What Has Changed?
Two key things have not changed—and they are both still free:
You can host and view Google Street View Virtual Tours and 360° photos on Google Maps, Google Search, and Google Earth.
You can embed a simple link from your Street View virtual tour on your website at no extra cost, as long as you use Google’s basic iFrame code.
A simple iFrame acts like a “window” from your website to Google Maps. Using this code, you display your virtual tour exactly as published on Google Maps. While this is a solid foundation, it does not give you the benefits of a custom overlay.
14,000 Free Views per Month—then What?
To get advanced features with Google Maps, you use something called an API (Application Programming Interface). APIs help web developers connect different services and add special features to your website. This is how Google Street View virtual tours work with added functionality.
Until recently, very few users paid for Google’s API. But as Google Maps adds new features, the company also faces rising costs. To keep the system running, Google sets a threshold. Now, you get 14,000 free API calls per month per account. If you stay under this limit, you pay nothing.
What Is an API Call and What Counts as an Account?
An API “call” happens when the tour loads for the first time or when someone enters it. You are not charged for every click—just for the first access in a session.
One “account” means a single business. In Australia, that’s tied to your ABN. If you manage multiple businesses, each with its own ABN, you can have separate accounts. This helps limit how quickly you use your free allocation.
Google has always offered a paid tier for heavy use. Now, everyone needs to set up an account with a credit card, even if you do not expect to pay. Your first 14,000 calls each month are free. That’s the equivalent of $200 USD value.
Google also offers an extra $300 USD credit (valid for one year, can be carried forward) when you first create a billing account. The $200 monthly credit cannot be carried forward. If you expect more than 14,000 API calls a month, these credits will help.
Check this Google pricing sheet for full details and a costs breakdown from Google.
What Does This Mean For You?
You now need to:
Have your own Maps API (or use one from a supplier)
Register a credit card with Google so you can pay if you go over the $200 credit
Pay $0 for up to 14,000 calls, then $14 per thousand calls beyond that
Google requires card details for all API accounts. No matter how much you use, you need to link a card to access the API.
Will This Affect My Virtual Tour?
Most businesses are unlikely to exceed the monthly free limit. Out of about 30 clients I manage, only one or two go over the $200 cap. On average, most businesses have 500 to 2,500 API calls each month. Your tour will work as before if your provider or developer uses their own Maps API key. For larger accounts, it makes sense to set up your own API key. This keeps the cost tied to your use, with no added admin fees.
What Should You Do Now?
If you already have a Maps API key, share it with your web developer and virtual tour supplier. They can apply it to your site.
If not, and you are comfortable with online instructions, click here for a step-by-step guide. Otherwise, ask your web developer or tour host for help. Most charge a handling fee for this service.
Google Still Matters Most
Remember, Google holds 94% of the search market in Australia. Making the most of Google’s offerings helps your business get found. Google’s API changes add more value to custom virtual tours.
If you have questions or want personal support to get your Google Maps API key, you can contact your current provider, or reach out to me at any time. I’m happy to help.
Marc Charette
Google Trusted Photographer
www.workpics.com