Nothing drives me crazier than “gurus” misleading people just to get engagement and one of the biggest lies that have been circulating lately is that “b-roll content” is boring and dead.

That couldn’t be further from the truth. B-roll video has been around for ages, way before social media even existed.

Even little 8-year-old Shannon was shooting B-roll back in the day. I always had my 20lb camcorder, recording me and my brother dancing to N’Sync, family parties, and random everyday moments that were clearly Oscar-worthy. 

I had no idea back then that this obsession with documenting my life would turn into a career — first at CNN and C-SPAN, and now, helping business owners ditch the overwhelm and create content that actually feels good to make.

So yea, it’s safe to say that I’m pretty passionate about video content.

Now that we’ve walked down memory lane, let’s talk about B-roll content and how to make it work for your business.

What Is B-Roll Content—and Why It Still Works

Let’s start with the basics. B-roll content is a simple video that shows the behind-the-scenes, everyday moments paired with on-screen text and audio.

B-Roll video inspo:  It’s you sipping coffee at your desk, typing an email, restocking, walking, cooking, making your bed etc. 

Here’s the thing, the b-roll video isn’t what helps the Reel go viral or what drives engagement – it’s the TEXT that you pair it with.

90% of the viral reels I see (and help my clients create) follow the same formula:
Simple b-roll + trending audio + a message that hits.

Have you seen the trend: “I Googled my symptoms and turns out I just needed more farm animals. 60,000 likes.”  Those got so many views. 

When done right, b-roll content becomes timeless. It’s relatable. It’s specific. It’s shareable. And that is the exact kind of content that converts.

How to Make B-Roll Reels That Actually Get Results

Alright, let’s create some killer B-roll Reels.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how to create social media content with b-roll that resonates and gets reach.

1. Choose the Right B-Roll Footage

Look for moments that feel real—not staged.

• Packing up client gifts
  
• Walking into your office
  
• Setting up your morning routine
  
• A messy desk, mid-creative genius moment

✨ Tip: Don’t overthink this. Your everyday is someone else’s “oh wow, that’s me.”

2. Pair It with Trending Audio for Instagram

Trending audio is your amplifier. It sets the vibe and makes your content more discoverable.

Look for:

• Songs that feel nostalgic or emotional that fit the vibe of the message you’re sharing
  
• Audio clips with <10K uses
  

Tracks that make you pause when scrolling.

3. Add Copy That Connects

Your overlay text is what makes them stop scrolling.

Make it feel like a DM from a friend or a thought from their own brain:

• “I googled my symptoms and it turns out I just need a vacation.”
  
• “Did you know your email list doesn’t need to be huge to work?”
  
• “I wish more people knew it’s OK to not be everywhere online.”
  

💡 Ask: Does this make them feel seen, understood, or is it relatable to my followers?

And remember, your content doesn’t have to be about business all the time. Some of my highest-performing Reels are about motherhood, burnout, and Taylor Swift. Why? Because people connect with people.

Bonus Editing Tip: Keep the text on-screen for as long as it takes to read it.

Important Reminder: Quality > Quantity

You do NOT have to post every day to grow.

I’ve had students inside Reels Lab post once a week and still land clients, grow their reach, and build trust faster than ever. Why? Because their content felt like something.

You don’t need more posts—you need more meaningful ones. That’s what builds a connection and converts followers into customers.

Loving this post? Don’t miss this episode on the Good Content Podcast for more examples and tips!

TL; DR – Your Story Deserves to Be Seen.

Here’s your reminder: 

❌  You don’t have to be fancy.
❌  You don’t have to post every day.
❌ You don’t need the best equipment or a studio setup.

You just need to show up with content that feels like you.

B-roll isn’t too simple. Your message isn’t too small. You’re not too late.

Want help creating content that connects and converts? Join me inside Reels Lab and let’s keep it simple, powerful, and actually doable.

You’ve got this. And I’m cheering you on the whole way. ❤️