Are you exhausted trying to keep up with social media trends? Are you sick of seeing the same content over and over as you scroll your feed? The answer to all these challenges lies in b-roll video.
I like to think of b-roll as the unicorn of social media content.
- B-roll is easy to create
- Social media audiences enjoy consuming b-roll
That’s a win-win when it comes to content.
What is B-Roll Video
B-roll video, or stock content is video you film without a specific intended purpose that can be utilized at a later date.
While there is off-the-shelf b-roll video, I recommend building your own library of stock content in order to differentiate your footage and further build and reinforce your brand.
Why B-Roll Works
Filming yourself in your natural routines and environments helps humanize your brand and fast-track your audience’s connection with you. When your audience feels connected, they are more invested. When they are invested, they are more likely to convert to customers or clients.
Think about why we love reality TV. It is more relatable, and people like to feel like a fly on the wall observing others behind the scenes. That’s why people gravitate toward b-roll video content on social media, too.
What Kind of Content to Shoot
You can shoot anything, but here are some ideas to get you started:
- Working (at your desk/computer, making your product, packing orders, etc.)
- Your process (real time or timelapse)
- Your must-have tools (favorite pen, coffee mug, planner, computer, journal, blue light glasses, etc.)
- Your workspace
- You doing what you like to do outside of work
- Walking
- Doing everyday tasks – chores, reading, writing, cooking
- Your website
- On a zoom
- Where you live – places around town
- Standing to the side of the frame
- Looking at the camera making facial expressions (nodding, shaking head, raising eyebrows etc.)
When you’re filming these videos, think about changing things up slightly and re-shooting. Even if you change ONE thing up and re-film, that creates a whole new video clip for you to use. Examples of things to adjust:
- Angle
- Lighting
- Depth (Close-up/Far Away)
- Facial Expression
- Props
- Clothing
- Setting
How To Use B-Roll Video
You can use b-roll video for Reels or Stories. Just put text on top of the video, add some trending audio and share. Building a library of b-roll video means you can create content anytime inspiration strikes or you feel the urge to create content. It gives you so much freedom to create when you want, not when you feel like you have to.
NOTE: Whatever you use your b-roll for, know that it doesn’t have to be directly related to your business or the topic of the piece of content.
Take Yourself on a Content Field Trip
Grab your tripod, a heavy water bottle, or a friend and plan a content field trip. Choose a few places to shoot at, or work your field trip into your daily Places to consider:
- Building with cool exteriors (brick, metal siding, concrete)
- Coffee shops/restaurants
- Bookstore, boutiques, greenhouses
- Furniture/home decor stores
- Outdoor murals in town (google “best instagram spots [your city]”)
- Outdoor gardens/parks/trails
- Your car- snag different angles
- A local hotel lobby
Make content creation easier for yourself by building a library of b-roll video you can utilize any time you need it.
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