What is B-roll?
B-roll is the supporting footage laid over the main recording while the audio keeps going. In an interview, the A-roll is the person talking to camera; the B-roll is the hands at work, the place, the objects and the scenes that show what they describe. It adds pace and hides cuts.
Also called: cutaways, cover footage, inserts
B-roll planned from the speech
With the speech transcribed, you can plan B-roll before opening the editor: every sentence asks for an image.
| Timestamp | Speech (A-roll) | Suggested B-roll |
|---|---|---|
| 00:02:10 | I'm up at five to open the bakery. | Clock, shutter going up |
| 00:02:18 | The dough rests all night. | Hands kneading, oven |
| 00:02:31 | The first customer shows up before six. | Counter, coffee poured |
Why B-roll makes the difference
It shows what the speech describes and keeps the eye busy during long answers. It is also the best way to hide a cut: the voice jumps, but the picture flows.
Without a plan, B-roll turns into a hunt through folders. Knowing ahead of time where each image goes saves hours in the edit.
B-roll and FilmScribe
We do not choose or insert B-roll. What we do is get the speech ready for you to plan: the timestamped transcript shows where each shot fits, and on Studio and Agency the timeline you export to Premiere, DaVinci or Final Cut can have empty space between segments for B-roll to go in.
In social clips, text, shapes and, on Studio and Agency, images from your media library go on top of the video.
Export to editors Your chosen lines already cut in your editor, with the handles and spacing between segments you set, on Studio and Agency. See the export →Shooting and using B-roll well
- 01
Let every shot settle
Hold the frame still for a few seconds before and after any camera move. Editors need clean in and out points, and a shot that pans from the first frame to the last is hard to cut.
- 02
Offset B-roll from the audio cut
Bring the B-roll in a little after the A-roll edit or on a key word, not exactly on it. The offset hides the cut in the speech and makes the picture feel motivated.
- 03
Mix literal and mood shots
Not every line needs a literal image. Alternate shots of exactly what is said with details and atmosphere, so the edit does not feel like a picture dictionary.
- 04
Track where every shot came from
Stock clips, recognizable people and visible logos can need a license or a release. Note the source of each B-roll shot so a client delivery or a platform claim does not catch you off guard.
Related terms
See all terms →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between A-roll and B-roll?
A-roll is the main footage, usually the speech. B-roll is the supporting footage that covers it. The audio comes from the A-roll; the picture alternates between the two.
Does B-roll need sound?
It does not have to, but its natural sound, kept low, helps the scene feel real. The main voice stays on top.
How much B-roll should I shoot?
More than you think you need. A practical rule is enough footage to cover at least a third of the speech, in shots of five to ten seconds.
Captions, clips and paper edits. All in one place.
Upload a video or paste a YouTube link. We transcribe every word with its timing, and you take the result to social media or to your editor.
See the result on your own recording before adding a card.