WHAT’S BETTER: STOCK VIDEO OR CUSTOM B-ROLL?
That’s a question that you’ll have to answer for yourself when it comes to producing videos.
You want to give your audience something to look at that illustrates your message and the two obvious choices are stock or something we call “custom b-roll”.
Stock video is available in searchable libraries and stars actors (of varying degrees of talent) doing things like shaking hands over a table, walking hand-in-hand on a beach, or thoughtfully pouring a cup of a coffee in a suspiciously clean kitchen.
Custom b-roll features you (and all your on-cam talent) doing things like diligently typing on your computer, leading a team meeting a white board, or hugging a client for just the right amount of time – not to brief, not too long and creepy.
STOCK IS THE BEST CHOICE WHEN …
The idea you’re trying to illustrate isn’t easy to recreate
Or if you don’t have time to film custom b-roll
But for some stories, stock video options just don’t hit the right note.
CUSTOM B-ROLL RULES WHEN …
You really want your video to show off your office, your team, or YOU!
For comparison sake, check out these two versions of the same story. One has stock (on the left), the other custom b-roll (on the right).
Watch them yourself and decide how each video makes you feel about Karen’s business and brand.
