Add B-roll to a Clip by Just Asking: One-Click Stock Footage in Chat

You can add B-roll to a Clipzing clip by describing it in chat. Open the Copilot with ⌘K, say what footage you want, and it searches stock libraries, shows you playable video previews right in the conversation, and lets you drop the shots you like onto the clip's timeline with a single click — no downloading, no manual placement, no re-editing.

What is B-roll and why does it matter for short clips?

B-roll is supplementary footage layered over your main video — cutaways, scenery, product shots, textures. In short-form clips, B-roll does two jobs: it holds attention during talking-head stretches where the visual would otherwise be static, and it illustrates what's being said, which boosts comprehension and watch time.

The problem has always been friction. Finding the right clip, licensing it, downloading it, importing it, and lining it up on the timeline is a multi-tool chore. The Copilot collapses that into a sentence.

How do I add B-roll with the Copilot?

There are two paths, depending on how much control you want.

Path 1: Preview, then pick

Ask to see options first:

"Show me 4 B-roll options for a coffee shop I can choose from."

The Copilot searches, then drops playable video previews straight into the chat. Tap any preview to watch it. When one fits, press Add to clip on that card. The shot lands on the clip's B-roll track and the clip re-renders — you'll see a live progress card tick through until it's done.

You can add several shots from the same set of previews; each one slots into the next open gap on the timeline so they never overlap.

Path 2: Just add it

If you already trust the vibe, skip the preview:

"Add some warm, cinematic city-street B-roll to my newest clip."

The Copilot finds a strong match, places it, and re-renders. Same result, one fewer step.

How does the Copilot decide where to place B-roll?

When you add a shot, the Copilot places it into the first free gap on the clip's B-roll overlay track, keeping a small buffer between shots so nothing collides. Add four shots one at a time and they line up back-to-back cleanly. If the track is already full, it tells you so instead of stacking footage on top of itself.

Each placed shot is a real overlay clip you can later fine-tune in the timeline editor if you want to nudge its timing or length.

Can I describe the mood, not just the subject?

Yes — and you should. The search understands descriptive language, so lean into it:

• "moody close-ups, shallow depth of field, low light"
• "bright, energetic, fast-moving city traffic"
• "calm nature b-roll, slow water, soft morning light"

The more you describe the feel, the better the options match the tone of your clip.

B-roll in chat vs. the old way

Does adding B-roll re-render the whole clip?

Adding a shot triggers a re-render so the footage is baked into the final video. You'll see a live progress indicator in the chat, and the clip is ready to download or schedule when it finishes. Because B-roll is a re-render, it follows your plan's normal rendering limits.

Frequently asked questions

How do I add B-roll to a clip in Clipzing?

Open the Copilot with ⌘K, describe the footage you want (e.g. "add city-at-night B-roll"), and either add it directly or preview options and click "Add to clip" on the ones you like. The clip re-renders automatically.

Can I preview B-roll before adding it?

Yes. Ask for options — "show me 4 B-roll choices" — and the Copilot plays video previews inside the chat. You add only the shots you tap.

Where does the B-roll come from?

The Copilot searches licensed stock video libraries and registers the footage to your clip, so you don't handle downloads or licensing manually.

Will B-roll shots overlap if I add several?

No. Each new shot is placed into the next free gap on the clip's B-roll track with spacing between shots, so they never overlap. If the track is full, the Copilot tells you.

Can I adjust B-roll placement after adding it?

Yes. Each added shot is a real overlay clip you can fine-tune in the timeline editor — change its timing or trim it.

Does adding B-roll cost a render?

Yes, adding B-roll re-renders the clip so the footage is baked in. This follows your plan's normal rendering limits.

Keep reading: Meet Clipzing Copilot · Edit captions, titles & descriptions by chat · Make a clip longer