When it comes to creating standout content for social media, shooting engaging B-roll can make a huge difference in capturing your audience’s attention. At Hay There Social Media, we do this content capture work for clients depending on what they have going on. For example, we recently went behind the scenes for a automotive dealership client as they filmed their holiday commercials.
B-roll, or the extra footage used to enhance your main shots, adds texture, variety, and storytelling power to your videos. It’s especially important for Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook, where short, dynamic videos are key to keeping viewers engaged.
Here’s how to get the most out of your B-roll and make your content pop:
1. Mix Up Your Angles
To keep your footage visually interesting, don’t stick to just one type of shot. Experiment with different angles! Try shooting from high up to give an overhead view, or get down low for a ground-level perspective. Switching up your angles adds depth and variety to your videos, making them more engaging and fun to watch.
Different perspectives can help your audience see things in new ways and can make your content feel fresh. For example, you could shoot a scene from behind a subject or use a wide-angle to capture the bigger picture. The goal is to avoid being repetitive—changing up your shots keeps viewers on their toes.
2. Incorporate Movement
Movement in B-roll brings your footage to life. Adding subtle camera motion like slow pans, tilts, or tracking shots can create a sense of flow and draw the viewer’s eye. These kinds of movements are perfect for making your content feel dynamic and exciting, especially for Instagram Reels or TikTok, where eye-catching clips are essential.
If you’re filming a scene with movement—like walking through a space, cooking, or showing off a product—consider following the action. Tracking shots that move alongside your subject can create a sense of involvement, making the audience feel like they’re part of the moment.
3. Keep Clips Short and Snappy
One of the most important things to remember when shooting B-roll for social media is to keep your clips short. A few seconds per shot is perfect for pacing. Quick cuts between different angles and moments help maintain viewer interest. In today’s fast-paced social media world, attention spans are short, so giving them just enough to keep watching without dragging is key.
Editing will help tighten everything up, but starting with shorter clips will give you more flexibility when putting together your final video. Think of your footage like building blocks; the shorter the clips, the easier it is to create an engaging and visually diverse sequence.
4. Focus on Fun and Authenticity
This is perhaps the most important tip: capture fun and authentic moments. People are drawn to content that feels real, so don’t be afraid to showcase genuine interactions and behind-the-scenes moments. Whether it’s a candid laugh, an impromptu high-five, or a quick reaction shot, authenticity helps your audience connect with the content on a personal level.
Staged or overly polished videos can sometimes feel distant or impersonal, but showing genuine emotion or capturing an unscripted moment builds trust and relatability with your viewers. The more your audience feels like they’re sharing in a real moment, the more likely they are to engage with your content and keep watching.
5. Edit for Impact
Once you’ve captured your B-roll, it’s time to piece everything together. During the editing process, keep in mind the story you’re trying to tell and how you want your audience to feel. Adding music or sound effects, adjusting the timing of your clips, and incorporating text overlays or transitions can turn simple footage into something truly engaging.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with fast-paced editing styles, especially for platforms like Instagram Reels or TikTok, where quick and punchy videos tend to perform best. The key is to use the footage you’ve shot in a way that keeps viewers watching all the way through—and hopefully, wanting more!
Remember…
Shooting B-roll for social media doesn’t have to be complicated, but a few thoughtful techniques can make a big difference. In addition to mixing up your angles, adding movement to your shots, keeping clips short and interesting, and focusing on capturing fun, authentic moments, the right social media team can make all the difference.
The right B-roll can transform your social media content, drawing in new viewers and helping your audience connect with your brand on a deeper level. So, get creative, stay genuine, and have fun with it!
Need help capturing B-roll footage and using it in content to achieve real business goals? Contact us today! We’d love to see how we can work with you.
