What Is B-Roll?
B-roll is supplementary footage cut in alongside the main footage, called A-roll, to add context, illustrate a point, or hold a viewer's attention.
B-Roll
B-roll is the secondary video that plays over or between the primary shots. In an interview, the A-roll is the person talking, and the B-roll is the footage of what they describe.
It gives you something to cut to, which covers edits and keeps the visuals from sitting on one static shot.
For example, while a founder talks about their workshop, the video cuts to footage of the workshop itself.
How Does B-Roll Work?
B-roll comes together during production and editing.
- Plan – Note where the main footage will need visual support.
- Gather – Record or collect relevant supporting clips.
- Layer – Place the B-roll over the primary track in the timeline.
- Sync – Match it to the narration or dialogue underneath.
Why Is B-Roll Important?
- Engagement – Break up a single talking-head shot.
- Illustration – Show what the speaker is describing.
- Clean Edits – Hide cuts in the main footage behind other visuals.
- Polish – Give the final piece a more finished feel.
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