Think B-rolls Don’t Matter? Think Again!

Ever watched a video that just flows—seamlessly keeping you hooked? Chances are, it had killer B-rolls!

What’s B-roll? 

Think of it as the extra footage that spices up the main shot (A-roll). It includes cutaways, close-ups, and reaction shots that enhance storytelling and keep viewers engaged.

Fun Fact: B-rolls started as filler shots in filmmaking to fix errors or smooth transitions. Today, they’re a must-have across industries and video formats—news, podcasts, corporate films, reels, you name it!  Why? To keep your audience engaged, of course!

So how does B-roll come to life in corporate videos? Let’s take a look at four key types we use at Digilogue to transform raw footage into compelling visual stories.

Establishing Shots – These shots simply show where the scene is, adding context and visual interest to the story.

Stock Footage – These are pre-shot clips that complement the video, provide context and interest, without requiring additional filming.

Undirected Footage – These show natural details of your subject, like close-ups of hands or expressions during an interview, to create a connection with the audience.

Graphics & Animations – These elements clarify complex ideas, help create a context, making the story more engaging and visually dynamic.

Still not convinced? See B-rolls in action!

The Digilogue team recently filmed a conversation in which a subject expert explains the advanced capabilities of a modern fighter jet. Instead of just using the A-roll of him speaking, we layered in B-rolls of the aircraft in action and close-ups of its high-tech gear– all in sync with his words. If you watch the clip closely, you can notice two different kinds of B-rolls at work: close up of the jet’s technology and an animated sequence explaning its mechanics. The team carefully executed transitions between the A-roll and B-rolls to craft an engaging narrative. The result? A video as solid as the fighter jet’s tech!

For another project introducing an organization, we captured their team in action—collaborating, brainstorming, and engaging in their daily workflow. The Digilogue team wove these candid moments into the narrative as B-roll, adding authenticity and energy to their story. To further enhance key points, we strategically integrated stock footage. The result? A compelling brand narrative designed to resonate with the audience.

Want to get B-rolls right?

Now that we’ve established the role of B-rolls, here are some tips to get you started with them.

B-rolls add depth, energy, and texture to videos—making them visually richer and more immersive. Because great storytelling lies in the details, and at Digilogue, B-rolls are a detail we never overlook.