How-to · beginner · 2 min read
How to shoot b-roll that actually gets used
Shoot a wide, a medium, and a detail of every subject, one simple move per clip, at least 8 seconds each, in the same light as the main footage.
By Sulan Zhang, co-founder of Vyra · Updated 2026-09-24 · Example: @sulansart
- Level
- beginner
- Read time
- 2 min
B-roll is what you cut to while the voice keeps going. The b-roll I actually use follows a three-shot rule for every subject, wide, medium, detail, has one simple move per clip, runs 8 to 15 seconds so there's room to trim, and is shot in the same light as the main footage. Random pretty shots with nothing to do with the story stay on the card.
Why it matters
B-roll hides cuts, shows evidence, and gives the eye something new every few seconds.
The method
- List the nouns in your script. Every object, place, and action you mention is a shot. "I mix the paint on a glass palette" gives you paint, palette, mixing, hands.
- Three sizes of each. Wide, medium, detail.
- One move per clip. Push in, pull out, pan, tilt, or slide. Slow.
- Hold 8 to 15 seconds. You'll use 2 or 3. The extra gives a clean start and end.
- Match the light. Same room, same time of day, same white balance. Mixed light is the main reason b-roll gets rejected.
- Two angles on the action. The same pour from the side and from above.
Rules of thumb
| Element | Target |
|---|---|
| Shots per subject | 3 |
| Clip length shooting | 8 to 15 s |
| Clip length used | 1.5 to 3 s |
| Moves per clip | 1 |
| Slow motion | 60 fps played at 30 |
| Detail shots get reused the most. When in doubt, get closer. |
Examples
- Talking head about pricing a commission. The invoice on a laptop, hands writing a quote, the canvas in progress, the client message on a phone, a wide of the studio. Three sizes each, 15 clips.
- Coffee shop vlog segment. Exterior wide, ordering medium, the pour in detail, sitting down medium, the cup in detail, one walking shot. Six clips, 30 seconds shot, 8 used.
Do it in Vyra
- "Wherever I mention an object or an action in this talking head, find the matching clip in my project footage and insert it as b-roll for 2 to 3 seconds. Prefer detail shots. Keep my voice continuous."
- "Search my footage for shots of hands mixing paint and use the closest one at 14 seconds when I say 'mixing'."
- "The b-roll at 22 seconds is warmer than the main shot. Match its color to the talking head."
Common mistakes
- Only wides. Details are what cut in.
- Two second clips with the move still settling.
- Shooting b-roll on a different day in different light.
FAQ
How much for a 60 second talking head? Six to ten inserts of 2 to 3 seconds. Shoot 15 to 20 clips.
Can I reuse b-roll? Yes if it's generic, studio wides, hands working. Vyra can search your library by what's in the shot.
Related
- /how-to/cut-a-talking-head
- /how-to/vlog
- /how-to/light-a-talking-head
- /formats/cinematic-b-roll