B-roll could be the game-changer we’ve all been waiting for to make filming reels stress-free and effortless! If you're active on social media, chances are you've heard the buzz about b-roll - it’s everywhere right now! But if the term is new to you, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for the only guide you’ll need on all things b-roll.
Originally a TV and film term, “b-roll” refers to secondary footage that complements the main action, adding depth, context, and visual flair to the story. On social media, b-roll serves the same purpose: it enhances your primary content, making it more dynamic, engaging, and polished. The best part? Filming b-roll is simpler than you might think once you know the basics. In this post, we’re sharing 40 super-easy b-roll ideas that will work for any industry to elevate your reels, plus practical tips to help you nail the process and make your content stand out. Hallelujah we hear you say? Great! Let’s dive in.
40 B-roll Reel Ideas
We’ve put together a list of 40 b-roll content ideas that are easy to film and ideal for pairing with trending audio and eye-catching text overlays. With a bit of creativity and customization, these ideas can work for any industry and will help you build up a bank of footage, ensuring you’re always ready to create standout reels with ease!
- Working at your desk (film from different angles to give yourself more perspectives!)
- Making a coffee
- Opening your laptop & typing
- Texting on your phone
- Talking on your phone (you can pretend!)
- Your feet while you walk
- Reading a book
- Writing on a notepad
- Sitting on a sofa & drinking a coffee
- Lighting a candle
- Close-up of packing an order
- Prepping food in kitchen
- Pouring a drink
- Sitting in garden sipping a drink
- Mirror selfie video
- Talking on the phone
- Footage of your location / view
- Meditating / working out
- Pretending to be on a zoom call at your computer
- Getting into the car
- Timelapse of you carrying out an activity
- Making your products
- Walking the dog
- Carrying out an activity in your place of work (cleaning, stocking shelves in your shop, setting up your studio, preparing for a meeting with a client).
- Arranging flowers or plants (watering plants, tending to your garden)
- Close-up shots of your product from various angles
- Reading a magazine or book
- Doing your hair / makeup
- Close-ups of décor or spaces that inspire you (in your business or outwith!)
- Playing with your pet
- Flipping through pages of a notebook or planner
- Walking through a scenic spot or urban area
- Behind the scenes of you at a photoshoot
- Footage of you in a meeting with clients (with their permission of course)
- Interior / exterior clips of your place of work or business
- Footage of you preparing for customers, clients, your workspace
- Candid moments of your employees at work
- Unpacking an order you’ve received (new tools, new product ranges, new equipment etc)
- Rearranging your workspace or decorating a space for the season (e.g. Christmas)
- Doing a quick craft or hobby, like painting or cooking
Bonus Tips For Filming B-roll Footage
Filming b-roll is straightforward, but with a few pro tips, you can elevate your footage to look super polished and professional. Ready to take note?
Angles & lighting
For each idea, try filming from multiple angles to create a variety of shots that add depth and visual interest to your reels. This not only gives you more content to work with but also makes your videos more dynamic and engaging. Lighting plays a crucial role too - bright, well-lit footage naturally grabs attention on social media. If you’re filming indoors, take advantage of natural light by positioning yourself near a window. Alternatively, consider investing in a quality ring light or other lighting equipment to ensure your content is evenly lit and visually appealing, even in low-light conditions. Bright, polished visuals can make all the difference in capturing and holding your audience’s attention!
Camera Settings
Optimize your smartphone camera settings to ensure you're filming in 4K resolution. Shooting in 4K enhances the clarity and overall quality of your videos, making them look sharper and more professional. It’s a simple adjustment that can make a big difference in how your content stands out. Not sure which settings are best for creating top-notch content? Check out our detailed guide here for tips on getting the most out of your camera settings.
Tripod
A tripod is a game-changer for creating stable, polished video content and great for filming b-roll footage. It keeps your phone or camera steady, preventing the shaky footage that can distract viewers. Plus, with a tripod, you can easily set up hands-free shots, making it perfect for recording yourself or for capturing smooth transitions. Many tripods are compact and adjustable, so you can use them on a desk, the floor, or even on the go! Here’s an example of a budget tripod here!
Keep it Simple
Our top tip for creating b-roll footage? Keep it simple—don’t overthink it! Start by capturing everyday moments from your routine, whether they’re work-related or personal. Before you know it, you’ll have a collection of ready-to-use content. The best part? The more you practice, the better you’ll get at spotting those small, seemingly ordinary moments that can transform into perfect b-roll clips.
Wrapping Up
B-roll content is having a major moment, and for good reason - it’s incredibly easy to film and allows you to create a load of content quickly and efficiently. Imagine having a library of ready-to-go footage saved on your phone, cutting your content creation time in half. That’s the ultimate win for busy creators!
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