What if you could batch your content in a single afternoon and have weeks’ worth of scroll-stopping posts? With these 50 b-roll ideas, you can.

What Is B-Roll?

B-roll is the supporting footage that adds depth, context, and personality to your videos. Picture this: a close-up of your latte at a cozy café, a slow pan of a charming neighborhood street, or the flicker of a candle on your desk as you prep for the day. It’s the small, easy-to-capture moments that make your content visually interesting and relatable — even when you’re not the main focus.

For real estate agents, b-roll is one of the simplest (and most fun!) ways to elevate your Instagram game. Instead of just talking to the camera, you’re letting your audience see your listings, your city, and a behind-the-scenes peek into your life. And trust us, that’s the stuff that makes people stop scrolling and actually pay attention.

Why We Recommend B-Roll for Realtors

B-roll doesn’t just make your content prettier — it makes it work harder for you. Here's why:

• It’s so easy to create: You don’t need fancy equipment or hours of editing! All it takes is a few quick clips on your phone to build a library of content you can pull from anytime. Whether it’s a 10-second shot of you unlocking a door, walking through your favorite local park, or tidying up a gorgeous kitchen, b-roll is simple to capture and saves you time when you’re ready to post.
• It keeps your audience engaged: Dynamic, eye-catching visuals (like a quick shot of the city skyline or a gliding view of a beautifully staged living room) grab attention and keep people watching longer — which the algorithm loves.
• It builds trust with your audience: You’re not just telling people you’re a local expert — you’re showing them. Think neighborhood hotspots, hidden gems, and the little details that give your city its charm. This makes you feel approachable, relatable, and like the agent they can trust.
• It’s endlessly reusable: B-roll is like your content Swiss Army knife. One afternoon of filming can give you enough material to create reels, stories, and posts for weeks. That 8-second clip of a sunset over Main Street? Use it for a reel today, and then again in a story next month with a new caption.
• It converts like crazy: Whether it’s buyers, sellers, or locals looking for advice, b-roll helps you connect on a deeper level. You’re not just a real estate agent — you’re their go-to resource for all things home and community.

In this blog post...

This isn’t just another “b-roll basics” post — we’re giving you:

• A 2-part challenge to help you plan and shoot b-roll without overthinking it.
• 50+ actionable ideas for what to film, whether you’re at home, at a listing, or out in your city.
• How to actually use it: We’ll show you how to turn that footage into scroll-stopping reels using Coffee & Contracts templates that are already 95% done for you.

Ready to stop overthinking and start creating? Let’s dive into the details.

The 2-Hour B-Roll Challenge for Realtors

We’ve made it simple: Hour 1 focuses on indoor shots, and Hour 2 gets you out into your community. The goal? Build a library of high-quality b-roll to use in your Instagram reels all year long. 🎥

Challenge #1: Indoor B-Roll Shoot

Location Ideas

• Your house (or a friend’s house)
• One of your listings, or ask another agent
• A Home Studio List home ($)
  • Discount Code: HALEYI2648 (10% off your first reservation of $200 or more)
• A PeerSpace studio or home ($)

Shot List

• Opening your laptop and typing
• Working on your laptop, taking a sip of coffee (or your drink of choice)
• Writing in a notebook
• Walking to your desk and sitting down
• Closing your laptop and walking away
• Typing on your phone
• Talking on your phone
• Simulating a ‘Zoom call’ with a ‘client’
• Opening a door
• Walking through the camera frame
• Arranging decor
• Flipping through one of your guides
• Stacking papers or organizing files
• Holding a clipboard and writing something down
• Pouring coffee or tea into a mug
• Picking up or setting down your coffee mug
• Lighting a candle or turning on a lamp
• Moving items on a table for a "styled" moment

Prop List

• Phone (wipe your lens before recording!)
• Tripod (here’s the one I use)
• Laptop (clean your screen before packing)
• Notebook
• Pen
• Coffee mug
• Clipboard or branded folder
• Printed-out marketing guides from Coffee & Contracts, like our Buyer Guide or Neighborhood Guide.

Week 2: Local B-Roll Scavenger Hunt

Show off your local expertise with clips that highlight the best of your community. Dedicate an hour to capturing content (or collect footage as you go about your week.)

Coffee Shops/Cafes

• Close-up of your coffee cup on the table, focusing on the cup, not the surroundings
• A slow pan of the cafe’s interior, highlighting cozy decor or unique design elements
• Overhead shot of your table setup with a laptop, notebook, and coffee
• Low-angle shot of the cafe counter or coffee machines
• The menu board or any unique signs or decor inside the cafe
• A wide shot of the seating area, capturing an inviting or cozy vibe
• Focused details like a plant, a stack of cups, or pastries on display
• A shot looking out the cafe window with your drink in the foreground

Shopping & Boutiques

• A shot of a beautifully curated table or shelf display
• The shop's entrance door or unique details like the doorknob or sign
• Close-up of hands flipping through a clothing rack or touching fabric
• A slow pan across a shelf of candles, plants, or other decorative items
• A wide shot of the boutique’s interior showing off its layout
• A focus on signage or branding inside the store, such as a neon sign
• Detail shots of jewelry, accessories, or home decor on display
• A low-angle shot of your bag on the floor near a shopping rack
• A close-up of your hands holding an item or bag at checkout
• Sunlight filtering through the shop windows or creating shadows

Dining & Bars

• A close-up of a cocktail or drink being poured or served
• A slow pan of the bar area or a unique feature like a cool back bar setup
• A plate of food being set on the table, focusing on the hands and food
• Wide shot of the restaurant interior, focusing on lighting and ambiance
• A low-angle shot of the table with drinks and food in focus
• A shot of candles or mood lighting at a dinner spot
• A shot of you cheersing with the table

Downtown/City/Park/Neighborhood Vibes

• A wide shot of a popular street, landmark, or unique building in your area
• A slow pan of a park or green space with trees, flowers, or walking paths
• Feet walking along a sidewalk, crosswalk, or trail
• A bench, fountain, or other park feature, focusing on the details
• A view of the skyline or horizon from a scenic spot
• Local mural, sculpture, or public art
• Cars or light traffic moving through a main street
• Slowly driving by houses in different neighborhoods, shooting out the window
• Video clips capturing the vibes of different neighborhoods

How to Use B-Roll to Create Scroll-Stopping Reels

Now that you’ve captured your b-roll, let’s talk about how to put it to work! With endless creative possibilities, b-roll can elevate your Instagram content and help you connect with your audience in authentic, engaging ways.

1. Use Coffee & Contracts’ Reel Templates

Don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered! At Coffee & Contracts, we’ve created reel templates that are 95% done for you. All you have to do is drop in your b-roll footage, tweak a few details to match your brand, and you’re ready to post.

Our templates are designed with real estate agents in mind, focusing on the strategies that actually generate engagement and leads. Whether you’re highlighting a new listing, showing off local hotspots, or sharing a behind-the-scenes look at your business, our reel templates will make the process quick, easy, and effective.

https://www.coffeecontracts.com

Here’s what makes them a game-changer:

• Trending Audio: We keep up with Instagram trends so you don’t have to.
• Strategic Copy: Captions and overlays are designed to capture attention and build connections.
• Easy Customization: Just upload your videos, and the template does the rest.

2. Trending Reel Ideas for Real Estate Agents

Pair your b-roll footage with trending audio and creative concepts to maximize reach and engagement. Here are a few ideas:

• "A Day in My Life as a Realtor": Use indoor and local b-roll to showcase your daily routine.
• "Top 5 [City Name] Neighborhoods": Combine clips of parks, streets, and local landmarks with text overlays listing your top picks.
• "New Listing Tour": Highlight key features of your latest property with quick b-roll shots of its best angles.
• "Coffee Shop Crawl": Share your favorite local cafes with clips of coffee cups, decor, and cozy vibes.
• "Behind the Scenes of My Real Estate Business": Use your indoor b-roll to create a relatable reel that shows your audience how you work.

Get access to weekly trends designed to get you more reach, engagement, and leads in Coffee & Contracts.

3. Add Context with Captions and Overlays

Your b-roll is eye-catching, but to really connect with your audience, you’ll need to add captions, overlays, or voiceovers that provide context. Here’s how:

• Text Overlays: Use text to guide viewers through your reel (e.g., "Welcome to [City Name]’s Best Neighborhoods").
• Voiceovers: Share insights or personal stories while the b-roll plays in the background.
• CTA (Call-to-Action): End your reel with a clear call-to-action, such as "DM me for more info on homes in [City Name]" or "Follow for more local tips!"