A-Roll vs B-Roll: How are they Different?

<p>TLDR; A-roll is the primary footage that contains the face or the main content while B-roll supports the main content by providing context or the jumpcuts that make the video more engaging. </p><p>While A-Roll vs B-Roll is quite simple, not all the people who are into video editing and filming understand it. If you are still confused about A-roll and B-roll, we have tried to explain them in the simplest way including their content, examples, and importance in this article. </p><hr><p>If you are looking to add B-Roll to your video, try Jupitrr, the simplest way to do it.</p><div class="kg-card kg-button-card kg-align-center"><a href="https://jupitrr.com/?ref=jupitrr.ghost.io" class="kg-btn kg-btn-accent">Try adding B-roll to your Video for Free</a></div><p>Keep reading the article to find out how Jupitrr can help you make video editing easy.</p><hr><h2 id="what-is-a-roll"><strong>What is A-Roll?</strong></h2><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption"><img src="https://jupitrr.ghost.io/content/images/2024/04/Example-of-A-Roll-footage.jpg" class="kg-image" alt="Example of A-Roll footage in a Vice's video" loading="lazy" width="2000" height="1125" srcset="https://jupitrr.ghost.io/content/images/size/w600/2024/04/Example-of-A-Roll-footage.jpg 600w, https://jupitrr.ghost.io/content/images/size/w1000/2024/04/Example-of-A-Roll-footage.jpg 1000w, https://jupitrr.ghost.io/content/images/size/w1600/2024/04/Example-of-A-Roll-footage.jpg 1600w, https://jupitrr.ghost.io/content/images/2024/04/Example-of-A-Roll-footage.jpg 2240w" sizes="(min-width: 720px) 720px"><figcaption><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Example of A-Roll footage in a Vice's video</span></figcaption></figure><p>A-roll is the primary footage that directly drives the narrative and portrays the essential scenes and moments crucial for the audience to understand the story.&nbsp;</p><p>It includes the main character’s performances, dialogues, and actions that are indispensable for advancing the plot and conveying the core narrative elements.&nbsp;</p><p>A-roll forms the backbone of the film and is typically the focal point during the editing process, as it contains the fundamental building blocks upon which the entire film is constructed.</p><h3 id="content-of-a-roll"><strong>Content of A-Roll</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>Dialogue Scenes:</strong> This is where characters interact, deliver important information, and progress the plot through their conversations. Think of classic movie scenes with characters revealing their motivations or key plot points being discussed.</li><li><strong>Action Sequences: </strong>A-roll captures the thrilling moments of a film, like car chases, fight scenes, or any action that directly impacts the story. For a YouTube video, you can relate it to the Character performing any activity.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Character Moments:</strong> A-roll isn't just about action and dialogue. It also showcases crucial moments for character development, like a character's internal struggle or a significant emotional shift. Close-up shots of actors delivering powerful performances often fall under A-roll.</li></ul><h3 id="importance-of-a-roll"><strong>Importance of A-Roll</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>Drives the Narrative: </strong>A-roll footage propels the story forward, ensuring viewers understand the key events and character motivations. It's the foundation upon which the entire film is built.</li><li><strong>Emotional Connection:</strong> Through a well-shot A-roll, audiences connect with the characters and the story. Powerful performances and engaging dialogue scenes captured in A-roll footage are essential for creating an emotional impact.</li><li><strong>Focus and Clarity: </strong>A-roll maintains a clear focus on the main story beats, avoiding unnecessary distractions.</li></ul><h3 id="examples-of-a-roll"><strong>Examples of A-Roll</strong></h3><p>One of the biggest examples of A-Roll is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@lexfridman/videos?ref=jupitrr.ghost.io" rel="noreferrer">Lex Friedman's podcasts</a>. In most of his podcasts, the video includes just him and his guest talking except for a few pictures he shares for the context. </p><figure class="kg-card kg-embed-card kg-card-hascaption"><iframe width="200" height="113" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sY8aFSY2zv4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" title="Jordan Peterson: Life, Death, Power, Fame, and Meaning | Lex Fridman Podcast #313"></iframe><figcaption><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Lex Fridman's podcast where he is only using the A-roll for the majority of the video</span></p></figcaption></figure><p>Another good example of a A-roll is a vlog. In most vlogs, the majority of the footage is A-roll. For example, in this vlog by Sydney Serena, the first 105 seconds are majorly A-roll (except for her intro) and the next few seconds are B-roll footage that she has added in her video:</p><figure class="kg-card kg-embed-card kg-card-hascaption"><iframe width="200" height="113" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HLmCoLOehYY?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" title="LA day in my life ★ VLOG"></iframe><figcaption><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In the first 1 minute of this vlog, you will only see A-roll footage by Sydney Serena</span></p></figcaption></figure><p>However, A-roll doesn't always mean the footage needs to have the face. A-roll depends on the context. In some cases, the A-roll is just showing the product as well. For example, in this video by MKBHD, he is showing the products he use while his face is not visible. This footage will still be considered A-roll while the part where he shows his laptop (2:53) is B-roll footage:</p><figure class="kg-card kg-embed-card kg-card-hascaption"><iframe width="200" height="113" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T8stUe9Vo74?start=122&amp;feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" title="What's in my Tech Bag! [2018]"></iframe><figcaption><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In the video, MKBHD showing everything he keeps in his bag and most of this video includes A-roll footage</span></p></figcaption></figure><p>In movies, you can see most scenes from the A-roll footage. This funny chase scene from Johnny English Reborn is a good example where almost all the footage is A-roll:</p><figure class="kg-card kg-embed-card kg-card-hascaption"><iframe width="200" height="113" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W_WSGHIPSrM?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" title="Johnny English Reborn (2/10) Movie CLIP - Parkour Chase (2011) HD"></iframe><figcaption><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">An Example of A-roll footage in movies</span></p></figcaption></figure><h2 id="what-is-b-roll"><strong>What is B-Roll?</strong></h2><p><a href="https://jupitrr.com/blog/what-is-b-roll-video?ref=jupitrr.ghost.io" rel="noreferrer">B-roll</a> refers to supplemental or alternative footage that is filmed to help make a video or a movie more visually interesting and engaging.&nbsp;</p><p>It typically does not contain the main actors or action, but rather provides additional shots that can be cut in with the main footage during editing.</p><h3 id="content-of-b-roll"><strong>Content of B-Roll</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>Establishing Shots:</strong> B-rolls often feature wide shots that establish the location or setting of a scene. This could be a sweeping vista of a city skyline, a bustling marketplace, or the interior of a building.</li><li><strong>Details and Close-Ups:</strong> B-roll can highlight specific details that add depth to the story. Imagine close-up shots of a character's hands working on a project, a close-up of a ticking clock to build suspense, or close-ups of food to enhance a scene set in a restaurant.</li><li><strong>Cutaway Shots:</strong> These are brief moments used to break up dialogue or action in the A-roll. Cutaway shots in B-roll might show a character's reaction during a conversation, the city lights twinkling outside a window, or a machine whirring in the background.</li><li><strong>Transitions: </strong>B-roll footage can be used to create smooth transitions between A-roll scenes, especially when there's a jump in time or location. This can involve slow zooms into an establishing shot, time-lapse sequences, or other creative techniques.</li><li><strong>Mood and Atmosphere: </strong>A B-roll can be instrumental in setting the mood and atmosphere of a scene. Think of dark and smoky B-roll shots for a suspenseful scene or bright and sunny shots for a joyful moment.</li></ul><h3 id="importance-of-b-roll"><strong>Importance of B-Roll</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>Visual Interest:</strong> B-roll breaks up long stretches of dialogue or action in the A-roll, keeping the visuals engaging and dynamic for the audience.</li><li><strong>Context and Clarity:</strong> By providing establishing shots and details, B-roll helps viewers understand the setting, time period, and overall atmosphere of the story.</li><li><strong>Emotional Impact:</strong> B-roll can subtly enhance the emotional impact of a scene. For instance, somber music and slow-motion B-roll footage can evoke feelings of sadness or loss.</li><li><strong>Storytelling Flexibility:</strong> B-roll offers editors more creative freedom during the editing process. It allows them to create smoother transitions, add emphasis to specific moments, and play with the pacing of the film.</li><li><strong>Hiding the Errors:</strong> If the character has messed up a bit, B-roll footage can potentially be used to mask these hiccups like awkward blinking, scratching, etc. If you are editing the video and there is a jump cut, you should consider using a B-roll to maintain a natural flow of the video.</li></ul><h3 id="example-of-b-roll"><strong>Example of B-Roll</strong></h3><p>A lot of YouTubers use B-roll footage to add context to their video. Even in our examples for A-roll, the videos include B-roll footage as well.</p><p>One of the most creative use of B-roll footage is by Casey Neistat. His videos start with B-roll footages that he is always recording:</p><figure class="kg-card kg-embed-card kg-card-hascaption"><iframe width="200" height="113" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/84WIaK3bl_s?start=14&amp;feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" title="THE $21,000 FIRST CLASS AIRPLANE SEAT"></iframe><figcaption><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Casey Neistat's video which include his own recorded B-roll footage</span></p></figcaption></figure><p>Most of his vlogs have these kinds of B-roll that makes the videos super engaging to watch.</p><hr><p><strong>Pro tip:</strong> You can use Jupitrr to add your own B-roll footage to your videos. Simply click on "Upload image/video" after highlighting, while using <a href="https://jupitrr.com/product/ai-video-generator?ref=jupitrr.ghost.io" rel="noreferrer"><strong>Jupitrr's B-Roll Generator</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><hr><p>Another good example of the use of B-roll can be seen in Ali Abdaal's videos. And while Ali has a lot of his own recorded B-roll, he still uses stock B-roll footage in his videos that add context. Check out this example of B-roll in Ali Abdaal's video:</p><figure class="kg-card kg-embed-card kg-card-hascaption"><iframe width="200" height="113" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RGbCR_pq4_A?start=64&amp;feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" title="What Makes People Successful?"></iframe><figcaption><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ali Abdaal uses stock B-roll footage in his videos</span></p></figcaption></figure><hr><p><strong>Pro tip: </strong>You can add such stock B-roll footage to your videos in a single click using Jupitrr. Just click on "Generate video" after highlighting the subtitles, while using <a href="https://jupitrr.com/product/ai-video-generator?ref=jupitrr.ghost.io" rel="noreferrer"><strong>Jupitrr's AI B-roll Generator</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><hr><h2 id="difference-between-a-roll-and-b-roll"><strong>Difference Between A-Roll and B-Roll</strong></h2><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption"><img src="https://jupitrr.ghost.io/content/images/2024/04/A-roll-vs-B-roll-examples.gif" class="kg-image" alt="" loading="lazy" width="1120" height="630" srcset="https://jupitrr.ghost.io/content/images/size/w600/2024/04/A-roll-vs-B-roll-examples.gif 600w, https://jupitrr.ghost.io/content/images/size/w1000/2024/04/A-roll-vs-B-roll-examples.gif 1000w, https://jupitrr.ghost.io/content/images/2024/04/A-roll-vs-B-roll-examples.gif 1120w" sizes="(min-width: 720px) 720px"><figcaption><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Example of A-Roll and B-Roll in MrBeast's video</span></figcaption></figure><table> <thead> <tr> <th>Feature</th> <th>A-Roll</th> <th>B-Roll</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>Primary Function</td> <td>Drives the narrative</td> <td>Enhances the narrative</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Content</td> <td>Dialogue scenes, Action sequences, Key plot points</td> <td>Establishing shots, Close-ups, Cutaway shots, Transitions</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Focus</td> <td>Main story beats</td> <td>Context, Mood, Visual interest</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Analogy</td> <td>Main course (e.g., steak)</td> <td>Side dishes (e.g., vegetables)</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h2 id="ratio-of-a-roll-and-b-roll-in-a-video"><strong>Ratio of A-Roll and B-Roll in a video</strong></h2><p>There is no single defined ratio or proportion for how much A-roll versus B-roll should be used in a video. The ideal balance between A-roll and B-roll depends on several factors:</p><ul><li><strong>Video Type: </strong>Different video styles prioritize A-roll or B-roll differently. A documentary might rely more heavily on a B-roll for establishing shots and interviews, while a movie might use mostly an A-roll with performance footage.</li><li><strong>Pacing and Style:</strong> Fast-paced videos might use more B-roll for quicker cuts and transitions. Conversely, a slower, more contemplative video might feature longer stretches of A-roll with dialogue or action.</li><li><strong>Storytelling Needs: </strong>The amount of B-roll needed depends on how much visual explanation the story requires. A complex story might benefit from more B-roll to provide context, while a simpler story might rely more on the A-roll to carry the narrative.</li></ul><p>Here's a general guideline you can follow to decide the ratio of A-Roll and B-Roll in your video:</p><ul><li><strong>20-40% B-roll: </strong>This is a common range for many video types. It provides enough B-roll for visual interest and transitions without overwhelming the A-roll narrative.</li><li><strong>Less than 20% B-roll: </strong>This might be suitable for videos where the focus is on the A-roll content, like interviews or product demonstrations.</li><li><strong>More than 40% B-roll:</strong> This can work for documentaries, travel videos, or montages where setting the scene and mood is crucial.</li></ul><hr><p><strong>Pro tip: </strong>By using <a href="https://jupitrr.com/product/ai-video-generator?ref=jupitrr.ghost.io" rel="noreferrer"><strong>Jupitrr</strong></a>, you can see how much of the video has B-roll footage. The part that you add B-roll to, will be highlighted. </p><hr><p><strong>But how do you add B-roll footage to your video?</strong> Well, its actually very easy.</p><h2 id="how-to-add-b-roll-to-your-videos"><strong>How to add B-Roll to your Videos?</strong></h2><p>The easiest way to add B-Roll footage to your video is to use Jupitrr.</p><p>In just 3 steps, you can add B-roll footage to your videos:</p><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card kg-card-hascaption"><img src="https://jupitrr.ghost.io/content/images/2024/04/How-to-add-B-Roll-to-your-Video-using-Jupitrr.gif" class="kg-image" alt="How to add B-Roll to your Video using Jupitrr" loading="lazy" width="600" height="373" srcset="https://jupitrr.ghost.io/content/images/2024/04/How-to-add-B-Roll-to-your-Video-using-Jupitrr.gif 600w"><figcaption><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">How to add B-Roll to your Video</span></figcaption></figure><ul><li>Go to <a href="https://jupitrr.com/product/ai-video-generator?ref=jupitrr.ghost.io" rel="noreferrer">Jupitrr's B-Roll Generator</a></li><li>Upload your Video</li><li>Highlight the subtitles where you want to add your B-Roll and click on "Generate Video"</li></ul><p><strong>Pro tip:</strong> You can also upload your own clip to add it to the video</p><p>And this is how you can add a B-roll to your video in just 3 steps.</p><h2 id="final-words"><strong>Final Words</strong></h2><p>Now that you know the difference between A-roll and B-roll, it's time to use it in your projects. Whether you are filming a movie, a YouTube Video, or a TikTok, you can use B-Rolls in any type of video. </p><div class="kg-card kg-button-card kg-align-center"><a href="https://jupitrr.com/product/ai-video-generator?ref=jupitrr.ghost.io" class="kg-btn kg-btn-accent">Add B-Roll to your Video for Free using Jupitrr</a></div>