Using AI Video Platforms for B-Roll – Pros & Cons

Over the past couple years, the use of artificial intelligence in video production has increased dramatically; especially for social media content creation. For corporate video, one area of AI that’s seeing a significant increase is the creation of AI-generated b-roll footage. From interviews to promotional content, b-roll is a key component in virtually every live action video production. With the advent of AI video platforms, you can now automate and accelerate certain aspects of footage generation. However, there are limitations to what AI can provide to your video production. This article explores the advantages and potential drawbacks of using AI-driven platforms for b-roll production, aiming to help you make informed decisions for your next video projects.

First of all… what Is B-Roll?
B-roll refers to the supplemental or secondary footage that supports the main visuals of a video (often called A-roll). For example, while an interviewee speaks on camera (A-roll), viewers might see cutaway shots showing relevant environments, activities, or symbolic imagery (b-roll). B-roll plays a crucial role in enhancing the story, providing context, adding visual interest, and covering up cuts or mistakes in the A-roll. Traditionally, b-roll is either filmed manually, sourced from stock libraries, or it can be animated as well (depending on what a particular segment calls for). But more recently, AI platforms have stepped into this space, offering tools that can generate b-roll shots using algorithms and machine learning.

What Is AI Video?
AI video refers to video content that is generated, enhanced, or edited using artificial intelligence. AI tools can perform a number of production tasks including full shot generation from submitting text prompts. In the context of b-roll, AI video platforms might:
• Generate b-roll from scratch
• Automatically suggest b-roll based on your script or keywords
• Enhance or stylize existing footage
• Use deep learning to match scenes, emotions, or actions
These innovations aim to reduce costs and expand creative possibilities. But as with any technology, there are pros and cons to consider.

The pros of Using AI Video Platforms for B-Roll

1. Speed and Efficiency in Video Production
One of the most compelling reasons to use AI video platforms is the sheer speed at which they can operate. Traditional b-roll creation involves planning, filming, and editing, often taking hours to properly capture. AI tools can generate usable b-roll from text prompts in hours (sometimes minutes depending on the platform). This acceleration can drastically shorten production timelines, especially for content-heavy workflows like corporate videos or social media campaigns.

2. Cost Savings
Hiring videographers, renting gear, scouting locations, and traveling to shoot b-roll can be expensive. Even purchasing stock footage adds up over time. AI platforms can mitigate these costs by eliminating the need for location-based shoots for generic content. While AI platforms themselves often come with subscription fees, these are typically lower than the combined cost of traditional b-roll shoots.

3. Consistency Across Projects
When managing multiple videos (such as a branded series, training modules, or client projects) maintaining visual consistency is vital. AI tools can help by applying the same styles across your content and also matching tone and colour grading in your b-roll shots. This is especially useful for large-scale video production agencies or in-house teams working on series-based content.

4. Accessibility for Non-Experts
Not everyone has the resources or skills to shoot b-roll. AI platforms can help marketers and social media influencers to focus on messaging while AI handles the video creation without the need for extensive video production knowledge. This empowers users to add visual depth to their posts without needing to hire a full production crew.

Cons of Using AI Video Platforms for B-Roll

1. Limited Authenticity and Emotional Depth
While AI can generate or recommend b-roll quickly, it often lacks the emotional resonance of real, human-captured footage. AI-generated visuals can feel generic or cliché and out of sync with the story’s emotional tone. For interviews, corporate videos, or human-interest stories, authenticity is key. Using AI b-roll in these contexts can undermine the impact of the narrative.

2. Lack of Contextual Understanding
AI, while smart, doesn’t truly understand the nuance or context behind a story. This can lead to mismatches such as inappropriate or irrelevant visuals, overuse of “safe” or common clips, and often – just weird looking shots with characters making awkward facial expressions or moving around in odd ways. Even if an AI generated video shot hits the mark visually and looks realistic, the AI might provide a shot that appears totally irrelevant to the subject matter or tone of the scene.

3. Quality Limitations in Animation and Resolution
Not all AI-generated visuals are production-ready. With animation and synthetic b-roll, you may encounter unrealistic looking human figures, visual glitches, and/or limited resolution. While AI video quality is improving, it may doesn’t always match the standards required for corporate video or broadcast video production.

4. Ethical and Legal Concerns
Using AI-generated or AI-curated footage introduces legal and ethical questions, such as:
• Who owns the generated content?
• Are you allowed to monetize it?
• Could it unintentionally copy copyrighted content?
There’s also the risk of deepfakes or misleading visuals if not clearly labeled as AI-generated. Ethical storytelling is particularly important in interviews, corporate video, and educational content. Imagine trying to specifically showcase your products, services and workforce to your target market but instead of using authentic footage, you used AI generated footage. This would be seen as unacceptable to most potential customers because footage of your products, services and workforce requires absolute authenticity (for obvious reasons).

Best practices for AI generated for B-Roll production

If you’re considering incorporating AI-generated b-roll footage into your videos, here are some best practices:
• Mix and Match: Use AI for generic clips and stock-style b-roll, but also add manually shot footage for emotional or specific moments.
• Don’t blindly trust AI suggestions. Check for tone, accuracy, and storytelling alignment.
• Use AI Animation Thoughtfully: AI Animated b-roll can elevate your message, but overuse can distract from your main content.
• Maintain Creative Oversight: Use AI to assist (not replace) your vision. The human editor still plays a critical role.
• Check Licensing and Rights: Even AI-generated assets may have usage restrictions depending on the platform.

AI video platforms are reshaping how we approach b-roll – bringing speed, cost efficiency, and innovation to the forefront of video production. Whether you’re producing interviews, promotional videos, or animation-driven content, these tools offer undeniable advantages, especially for b-roll production. However, AI is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The best video content still comes from a balance of technology and human creativity. As with any tool, how you use AI makes all the difference.

And for content creators, marketers, and production professionals: the future isn’t about AI replacing human storytellers. it’s about AI amplifying your storytelling power. Use it wisely, and your b-roll will not only support your story, it will elevate it.

Need help integrating AI into your video production workflow? Our team here at Groovy Concepts offers consulting, editing, and full-service video solutions tailored to your brand. Whether it’s AI-assisted b-roll, custom animation, or authentic video and shooting, we’ve got you covered!