B-roll is supplementary footage you cut to alongside your main footage, such as product shots or screen recordings, to add context and visual interest.
Video Glossary
B-Roll
B-roll is supplementary footage used to support the main content in a video.
What is b-roll?
B-roll is the extra footage you cut to alongside your main footage. If the main shot is a person talking, b-roll might be product shots, screen recordings, or scenes that illustrate what they are describing. It adds context and visual interest.
Why b-roll matters
B-roll keeps videos from feeling static. It lets you cover edits, illustrate points, and control pacing. Cutting to relevant footage also helps hide jump cuts and keeps viewers engaged during longer explanations.
Where to find b-roll
You can film your own, record your screen, or use stock footage. The key is relevance: b-roll should support what is being said, not distract from it. Keep a small library of reusable shots for your common topics.
Using b-roll in repurposed content
When you turn a talking-head webinar into clips, a little b-roll or a screen share can make each clip more dynamic and easier to follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does b-roll mean?
Why is b-roll important?
It keeps videos from feeling static, illustrates points, controls pacing, and helps hide jump cuts during longer explanations.
Where can I get b-roll?
Film your own, record your screen, or use stock footage. The key is relevance, so it supports what is being said.
How do I add b-roll to a talking-head video?
Cut to relevant footage over the audio where it illustrates a point. Even a little b-roll makes clips from a webinar more dynamic.
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