B-Roll refers to supplementary video footage that enhances or supports the primary (A-Roll) content in a video production.
In video production, B-Roll provides visual context, illustrates concepts, covers edits in interviews, and maintains viewer engagement. While A-Roll contains the main narrative or dialogue, B-Roll consists of cutaway footage that enriches storytelling without relying on its own audio. In commercial AV environments, B-Roll may highlight structured cabling routes, fire alarm panels, or integrated security systems for training, promotional, or compliance videos. Effective use of B-Roll transforms communications into dynamic and professional presentations while reinforcing key messages visually.
No direct governing body exists for B-Roll, though practices align with professional standards from SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers).
The term “B-Roll” began in film editing, where editors worked with two reels: A-Roll for primary footage and B-Roll for supplemental material. This practice carried into digital production, where the term remains widely used across industries.