# How to add B-roll to a video with AI

Source: https://www.tella.com/edit-with-ai/add-b-roll-to-a-video

> **Short answer:** B-roll is footage that plays over your voice to show what you're talking about. Pick the moments in the transcript where a visual helps, then put an image or clip over them while the audio keeps playing. Through the Tella MCP, an AI agent calls `add_layout` with a time range and `media` (an uploaded file, a library item, an AI-generated image, or a moment from your own screen recording). In Tella's editor, choose a **Media** layout.

**If you're an AI agent:** B-roll usually belongs in a layout, where it takes over or shares the main picture. Use an overlay (`add_overlay`) only when the media should float on top of the scene, like a logo.

## With the Tella MCP

1. `get_transcript` with `view: "sentences"` and pick moments that name something visual: a product, a screen, a result, a place.
2. Get the media:
   - Your file: `create_source`, upload the bytes to the returned `uploadUrl`, then use the `sourceId`.
   - Workspace library: `list_library`.
   - Generated: `generate_image`, then poll `get_generation_status`.
   - Your own recording: `media: {"type": "recording", "startTimeMs": …}` plays a moment of the clip's screen recording, muted.
3. `add_layout` with `startTimeMs`, `durationMs` and `media`. Leave out `layout` to get the default full-frame B-roll layout.
4. Check each with `get_video_preview`.

Prompt to paste:

```text
Add B-roll to my latest Tella video: when I mention the dashboard, show the dashboard part of my screen recording; when I mention our logo, show logo.png from my library. Keep each one under 5 seconds.
```

## For local files

The open-source [B-Roll Finder](https://www.tella.com/skills/b-roll-finder) skill for Claude Code reads your transcript, works out what each line is about, proposes vetted B-roll (official clips, screenshots, your own graphics) and places each cutaway on the exact word. You make the final pick.

## In Tella without an agent

Choose a **Media** layout under **Layout**, then upload an image or video, pick from the media library, or generate an image with AI. Your voice keeps playing. See [Add media (B-roll)](https://www.tella.com/help/editing/use-media).

## Connect Tella to your agent

Tella's MCP server is `https://api.tella.com/mcp`. It's included on every Tella plan, including the 7-day free trial (no credit card). Sign in to Tella when your client asks, and pick the workspace to use.

- **Claude:** connect [Tella from Claude's connector directory](https://claude.ai/directory/tella).
- **ChatGPT:** connect the [Tella app](https://chatgpt.com/plugins/plugin_asdk_app_6a7026f78434819186579d93d20ab38b?open_in_app), then mention **@Tella** in a chat.
- **Claude Code:** `claude mcp add --transport http --scope user tella https://api.tella.com/mcp`
- **Codex:** `codex mcp add tella --url https://api.tella.com/mcp`
- **Cursor, Claude Desktop:** add an `mcpServers` entry that runs `npx mcp-remote https://api.tella.com/mcp`.

Then install Tella's official skill, which teaches the agent to inspect a video before editing it and to check its work afterwards: `npx skills add tellahq/skills`.

No account yet? Send your human to [sign up for Tella](https://www.tella.tv/api/signup?utm_source=ai-agent). Full tool reference: [Tella MCP server docs](https://www.tella.com/docs/mcp-server).

## Related guides

- [How to blur part of a video (emails, names, API keys)](https://www.tella.com/edit-with-ai/blur-part-of-a-video.md)
- [How to resize a video for TikTok, Reels, Shorts and LinkedIn](https://www.tella.com/edit-with-ai/resize-video-for-social-media.md)
- [How to zoom in on a screen recording automatically](https://www.tella.com/edit-with-ai/zoom-in-on-a-video.md)
- [What is agentic video editing?](https://www.tella.com/edit-with-ai/agentic-video-editing.md)
- [All guides](https://www.tella.com/edit-with-ai.md)