So, What is B-Roll Anyway?

 

I’m sure you’ve heard the term “B-roll” before, and I guarantee you’ve seen reels that use it (even if you didn’t realize what it was). It’s been a popular form of video content on Instagram for the last few years for good reason. 

 

I use it in my reels constantly because it’s quick to film, easy to use, and super versatile/reusable (hello, my old friends, saving time and repurposing content). 

 

B-roll is any footage other than a primary action (think: sorting books, shopping, reading, typing, etc.…). These are the side plot shots. They provide an interesting background, perspective, or insight that makes your reel copy stand out.

 

Think Action When Filming B-Roll 

 

Pour coffee, organize your bookshelves, fold laundry while listening to an audiobook, or throw your book across the room (gently, though, you don’t want to hurt it). B-roll tends to work best when it feels real and relatable.

 

One thing I love about using B-roll in my content is that the clips I use don’t even have to relate directly to the hook or caption. They just need to grab attention and be relatable (and what is more relatable than reading, working on your laptop, or kicking your feet wildly under a cozy blanket during your favorite swoony scene?)

 

Get Real

 

B-roll shots are casual and relatable, allowing your community to feel more connected to you and your brand (which is ALWAYS the goal because people love to feel seen and related to). 

 

Once you have a bunch of content stored on your phone, you can use it behind any great hook or reel copy (whether the video is directly related or not). The point is to grab attention, increase relatability, and draw eyes to your hook and caption.

 

My Top Four Tips For Creating B-Roll:

 

Ask yourself what is already in your schedule that you can film

You know I’m all about saving you time and energy and limiting the amount of staging you have to do to capture content.

 

Incorporate movement

Movement always draws the eye, and in the endless scroll of IG, drawing the eye is always a must.

 

Make sure you have good lighting

Lighting is everything in photos and videos and can make or break the appeal of your visual content.

 

A few lighting tips (hop over to this blog for even more tips on lighting): 

• I prefer to use daylight from a window when filming indoor content. This allows for a natural and even look that tends to be most flattering. 
• Overhead lights and lamps can work but watch out for any unflattering or distracting shadows they may cast on your face or background. 
• If you are going to shoot outside, try to find a shaded area with a background that is not overly bright. This will keep the light on your face even, and the focus on you.

 

Reuse old B-roll

I’m all about that content repurposing life, and B-roll is the easiest type of video content to reuse over and over again. Just mix up the clips a bit, use different audio, or add a new hook and caption. 

 

Bonus Tip: Vacations and events make for great content, especially if you have someone there to shoot it for you.

 

TLDR

 

B-roll content is one of the simplest forms of video to use in reels. It is eye-catching, relatable, and highly reusable. Use action based B-roll in your reels to save time and energy in your content creation and to allow your hooks to pop. Tap here to dive deeper into B-roll with the Book Reels Made Easy digital guide and get 9 reusable reel templates.