Definition
What is a jib shot in video?
A jib shot uses a jib arm, a counterbalanced boom that supports the camera at one end. Pivoting the arm can raise or lower the camera and create graceful arcs around the pivot.
Jibs provide elevated movement in a more compact package than many cranes. They can start close to performers, rise above a crowd, or dip into a scene while preserving a controlled, floating quality.
The arm’s path and weight distribution require setup discipline. Operators plan whether the camera should pan or tilt independently, and focus control becomes important as distance to the subject changes.
Example in the edit
A jib begins at table height beside a birthday cake and rises to show the family gathered around it.
Why editors use it
It provides vertical scale and a distinctive smooth reveal when a full crane is unnecessary or impractical.
Watch and learn
See the technique in context
Selected explanation by StudioBinder
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions about Jib shot
Can a jib move sideways?
Its main movement is around a pivot, but the base can be repositioned and the camera head can pan or tilt for more complex paths.
Is a jib shot the same as a drone shot?
No. A jib is ground-supported and counterbalanced; a drone is an aircraft with different range, safety, and image characteristics.
Why use a remote head on a jib?
It lets an operator control framing and horizon when the camera is too high or distant to operate directly.