Ready to add some cinematic flair to your business videos? Ever watched a compelling video and wondered what makes it so engaging? Chances are, it’s the b-roll. This unsung hero of video production can elevate your content from ‘just another video’ to a gripping visual story.
B-Roll, explained
Understanding what b-roll is? It’s incredibly important. Imagine a sleek product launch video or an impactful customer testimonial. What ties them together? Often, it’s captivating b-roll footage that adds depth and context.
B-roll refers to the secondary footage that complements the primary or A-Roll footage in a video production. Think of those stunning aerial shots in a corporate video or the close-ups of a product during a launch. This secondary footage enriches the narrative and keeps the audience engaged. Unlike a-roll, which contains the main narrative or interviews, b-roll adds visual interest and helps in telling a more comprehensive story.
In a business setting, b-roll can feature office environments, happy customers, or even snippets of a product being used in real-time. This type of footage works wonders in breaking up the monotony of talking heads and gives room for creative storytelling. Essentially, b-roll turns good videos into great ones, and who doesn’t want that for their business?
B-Roll vs. A-Roll
So, you’ve got a grip on what b-roll means, but how is it different from a-roll? The two serve distinct but complementary roles in video production. A-roll constitutes the main footage, usually consisting of interviews, main dialogues, or the central storyline. This is the core material around which your video revolves. b-roll, on the other hand, serves as the supporting cast to your a-roll’s lead role.
For instance, in a business training video, a-roll might consist of an expert discussing best practices, while b-roll could include shots of employees applying these practices in real-world settings. In marketing materials, a-roll could be the CEO explaining the features of a new product, supplemented by b-roll that showcases the product in action. In essence, while a-roll tells the story, b-roll shows it. Together, they make your video impactful, engaging, and memorable.
How b-roll makes your videos better
Think your videos are missing that extra oomph? B-roll footage could be the missing ingredient. It’s the magic sauce that elevates your videos from simply informative to deeply engaging. Stick around to find out how B-roll enhances storytelling, maintains viewer interest, and amps up production value.
B-roll serves multiple roles in enhancing your videos. First, it creates texture and depth by adding context to the primary footage or a-roll. Without it, videos can feel flat and one-dimensional. Second, b-roll breaks up the potential monotony of a long dialogue or presentation, maintaining viewer interest. By periodically cutting to relevant b-roll, you offer visual relief and keep the eyes engaged. Third, b-roll offers a prime opportunity for branding. Shots of a bustling office space, an energetic team meeting, or a close-up of your product—all contribute to reinforcing brand identity.
In marketing or training videos, these visual cues are not just decorative; they are persuasive and instructional tools that help you communicate more effectively. Simply put, b-roll makes your videos more dynamic and viewer-friendly.
What makes good b-roll footage?
Quality matters. For b-roll to serve its purpose effectively, it has to be more than just visually appealing. First, relevance is key. The footage should relate directly to the subject matter or concept being discussed in the primary a-roll footage. If you’re discussing quarterly sales in a business meeting video, shots of spreadsheets or sales graphs make for relevant b-roll. Second, variety is essential. Mix up your shots with different angles, focal lengths, and subjects to create a richer visual tapestry. Third, keep it high-quality. Blurry or shaky footage can distract from the message instead of enhancing it. Investing in good equipment and planning your shots in advance can go a long way in making your b-roll impactful.
How to shoot great b-roll footage
Interested in capturing b-roll that makes your videos pop? You’re in the right place. From planning to execution, the details matter. Learn how proper equipment, framing, and timing can turn your b-roll from average to exceptional. B-roll is an important part of your overall corporate video production process.
For b-roll that impresses, planning comes first. Know your storyline and identify the moments where b-roll can add value. Consider storyboards or shot lists to avoid random or irrelevant footage. Next, let’s talk equipment. A tripod, a good-quality camera, and proper lighting can make a world of difference.
Opt for varied shots, both in terms of angles and subject matter. A mixture of wide, medium, and close-up shots adds visual interest. Don’t forget movement—smooth pans or tilts bring dynamic energy to the footage. Lastly, think about duration. Clips should be long enough to allow for flexibility during the editing process. So, keep the camera rolling a few extra seconds before and after your intended shot.
A sample b-roll shot list
Not sure where to start? Here’s a quick, repeatable list you can use for promos, explainers, or testimonials.
- Opener (establishing): A quick location or brand moment that sets context.
- Problem/context cutaway: The “before”: screen, workflow, or environment that needs help.
- Product in action: Hands using the product; key features demonstrated clearly.
- Human reaction: Nods, smiles, over-the-shoulder looks; real people sell the story.
- Macro detail: Close-ups of textures, logos, UI taps, or satisfying micro-actions.
- Transition movement: Simple pans, slides, or a rack focus to bridge scenes smoothly.
- Proof & brand: Dashboard metrics, packaging, signage, or a tasteful logo lockup to close.
B-roll for vertical & short-form content
Creating for TikTok, Reels, or Shorts? Your b-roll needs to move faster and speak louder in less space. Think 9:16 first: center key action, leave safe margins for captions and UI, and frame faces and products higher than you would in landscape.
On pacing, tighter wins: clips in the 0.8–2.0s range keep energy up and reduce viewer drop-off. Aim for clear subject motion (hands, eyes, product actions), and cut on the beat if you’re using music. Texture matters, too: mix wide context shots with punchy macros and over-the-shoulders to keep the scroll-stopper vibe going.
Finally, design your b-roll to be readable on a phone at arm’s length. High contrast, bold edges, simple backgrounds. If a detail won’t pop on a 6-inch screen, get closer or light it better.
How Visla makes finding the perfect b-roll easy
Creating eye-catching videos can be time-consuming, especially when searching for the perfect b-roll. That’s where Visla comes in. It’s your all-in-one solution for AI-assisted video creation, editing, and more. Let’s discover how Visla can match you with the ideal b-roll, streamlining the entire creative process.
Visla’s AI changes the way you source and incorporate supplemental footage. To begin, Visla analyzes whatever you start with (which can include an idea, a URL, a text/script, a PPT/PDF, or existing footage, audio, or images). Using AI, it then selects complementary b-roll footage from our extensive video library.
Free stock for everyone. Starting out? Visla pulls relevant, high-quality b-roll footage from our free stock video library.
Premium video libraries when you need more. Want deeper coverage and more specific looks? On premium plans, Visla can also source from Storyblocks and Getty Images, right inside your project. Pro users can add Getty Images as an add-on for even broader options, while Business and Enterprise include access to both premium libraries out of the box.
Visla Private Stock
Keep your best, on-brand footage close and have it automatically surfaced when it makes sense. Private Stock is your team’s secure, searchable library for owned clips, product shots, customer footage, and brand visuals. Upload once, have our AI tag it, and let Visla’s AI use your Private Stock in b-roll recommendations so your videos stay authentic, consistent, and compliant with your brand. It’s the fastest path to “this looks like us.”
FAQ
A-roll is your primary story: the interview, narration, or main action. B-roll is the supporting footage that adds context, hides cuts, and keeps energy up. Think of it as the visuals that show what your A-roll is talking about.
Plan for more than you think: a safe rule is 3–5× the final runtime. For interviews, aim for 10–15 varied cutaways per minute of A-roll (wide, medium, macro, action). Clip length: 2–5 seconds works well in landscape. For vertical/short-form, go tighter—~0.8–2.0 seconds to keep the scroll engaged.
Right inside your video project. Start with free stock, then expand with premium libraries (Storyblocks and Getty Images) available on paid plans. You can also upload your own brand footage and save it as Private Stock so Visla’s AI recommends your owned clips when it makes sense.
Yes, AI is great for abstract cutaways, transitions, and establishing shots. Avoid using it to depict real people, sensitive claims, or regulated scenarios. Some platforms require disclosure for realistic synthetic or AI-altered media, so follow current platform rules and your brand guidelines. Pair AI inserts with real footage for credibility.