How to Change the First Photo / Starting View on a Google Virtual Tour

Syafriko Yuliusman -

If you want to update the first image or starting angle for your Google Business virtual tour, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Tour in GoThru

  1. Go to GoThru and open your tour in the 360 Image Connector.

Step 2: Locate the Map Pin

  • Look for the green dot — this represents your business location on Google Maps.
  • Important: The panorama closest to this green dot will be your starting pano.

Step 3: Adjust the Starting View

  1. Select the closest pano to the green dot.
  2. Rotate it so it faces the desired direction (e.g., toward your storefront or main entrance).

Step 4: Save and Publish

  1. Save your changes in the Image Connector.
  2. Return to GoThru and click Update Tour to republish the new starting angle to Google.

Important Notes

  • Google only allows the pano nearest to the green dot to be the first pano.
  • Changes may take 30 minutes to 7 days to appear on Google.
  • If the wrong pano is showing first:
    • Move your preferred pano closer to the green dot, or
    • Edit its heading so it faces the pin.

Key Takeaway: You don’t replace a “main photo” — instead, you adjust the position and viewing angle of the pano nearest to the Google Maps pin, then republish or update the tour.