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This guide assumes you already have a finished song.
There are three primary approaches:
  • A-Roll Only – Performance-driven
  • B-Roll Only – Cinematic or story-driven
  • A/B Mix – Combined performance + visuals
Each method changes the tone and structure of your video.

Understanding A-Roll vs B-Roll

Before building your video, it helps to understand the difference.

A-Roll

A-Roll is your primary subject — usually the singer performing the song. It focuses on:
  • The artist
  • Facial expression
  • Lip syncing
  • Direct performance energy
A-Roll keeps attention on the performer and is ideal for branding and connection.

B-Roll

B-Roll supports the story or mood of the song. It includes:
  • Cinematic environments
  • Story scenes
  • Visual metaphors
  • Atmosphere shots
  • Abstract visuals
B-Roll adds depth and pacing but does not typically show the singer performing.

Method 1: A-Roll Only (Avatar Performance)

Use this method when you want a performance-style music video focused entirely on the artist. Best for:
  • Lyric-heavy songs
  • Artist branding
  • Simple performance videos

How It Works

  1. Open Avatar
  2. Upload an image of the singer
  3. Upload your song as the audio source
  4. Generate the video
Hedra will create a lip-synced performance based on the audio you provide. The avatar’s mouth movement follows the song automatically.

Lip Sync Notes

  • Clear vocal audio produces better sync
  • Avoid heavy distortion or layered effects in the vocal track
  • Instrumentals and backing vocals are supported, but clarity improves realism

Improving A-Roll

You can generate:
  • Multiple angles of the singer
  • Different wardrobe looks
  • Different camera framings
Download multiple versions and cut between them in the Editor to create a more dynamic performance.

Method 2: B-Roll Only (Cinematic Music Video)

Use this method when you want a fully visual narrative without showing the singer. Best for:
  • Concept videos
  • Story-driven visuals
  • Mood-based music
  • Instrumental tracks

How It Works

  1. Open the Editor
  2. Add your song to the Audio Track
  3. Move along the timeline
  4. Generate B-Roll directly onto the timeline
  5. Arrange clips to match the song’s pacing
Generate visuals to match:
  • Verse mood
  • Chorus intensity
  • Beat drops
  • Instrumental transitions
This gives you full creative control over timing and structure.

Method 3: A/B Mix (Performance + Cinematic)

This is the most common modern music video format. It blends:
  • A-Roll (singer performance)
  • B-Roll (story or mood visuals)

How It Works

  1. Generate your A-Roll performance
  2. Download or import it into the Editor
  3. Add your song to the timeline
  4. Generate B-Roll scenes
  5. Cut between performance and visuals
Use A-Roll for:
  • Verses
  • Emotional delivery
  • Close-up intensity
Use B-Roll for:
  • Choruses
  • Transitions
  • Instrumentals
  • Visual storytelling

Choosing the Right Approach

GoalRecommended Method
Focus on the performerA-Roll Only
Tell a visual storyB-Roll Only
Balanced modern music videoA/B Mix

Creative Tips

  • Match visual energy to musical energy
  • Use shorter clips for tighter editing
  • Let instrumentals breathe with visuals
  • Avoid overcutting — pacing matters
  • Generate multiple variations before finalizing

Final Thoughts

Hedra gives you flexibility. You can create:
  • A full performance
  • A cinematic visual piece
  • Or a hybrid of both
The best approach depends on the tone of your song and the story you want to tell.