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The future of marketing: video production and social media strategy 🎥

In a lively, insightful and slightly cheeky podcast conversation, Tomas (MD of Metropolis Visual) and Ryan Birch (CEO of Double Media) dived into the exhilarating world of video production and social media marketing. This wasn’t your average corporate yawn-fest—think Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool chatting with Ricky Gervais about the chaos and brilliance of the marketing universe. If you missed it, we’ve got you covered with the highlights that’ll entertain, inform, and maybe even inspire you to step up your business game.

From Teenage Instagram Wizard to Marketing Maven

Ryan Birch’s journey into the digital world? A total accident. At 16, he built a Nissan GTR Instagram page that zoomed to 100,000 followers in six months. Fast forward through shadowing gigs, London agency work, and freelance hustling, Ryan now leads Double Media, having organically grown it into a marketing powerhouse. His secret? Consistency, creativity and a knack for spotting trends — like how video content reigns supreme in today’s scrolling wars.

Why Video is the King (And Captions are Peasants)

Tomas and Ryan agree: If your social media content isn’t moving, neither are your customers. The evolution of social media has gone from static posts to dynamic, engaging video content that stops thumbs in their tracks. Ryan laid it out:

1. Text posts? Dead.
2. Images? Meh.
3. Videos? Jackpot.

As Ryan puts it, “People have the attention span of a goldfish on caffeine. If it’s not video, it’s invisible.” Social media’s relentless demand for fresh, captivating content makes video production not just a luxury but a necessity for businesses looking to stay relevant.

The Power of Integrity (And Why It’s Non-Negotiable)

Integrity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the backbone of how both Metropolis Visual and Double Media operate. Whether it’s Metropolis refusing to work with competing schools in the same catchment area or Ryan staying loyal to his clients, the message is clear: Good marketing is built on trust.

“Selling out might make you a quick buck,” Tomas mused, “but staying true to your values wins the marathon.” And let’s face it, who doesn’t love a business that sticks to its principles?

AI: The Sidekick, Not the Hero (Yet)

AI might be the marketing buzzword of the decade, but Ryan isn’t buying the hype—at least not yet. Sure, AI can churn out captions, hashtags and even animations, but it lacks the human touch that makes marketing relatable and engaging.

“AI might save time, but people can spot a robotic post from a mile away,” Ryan quipped. “It’s like using stock images for your website—it screams, ‘We didn’t try.’” So while AI might play a supporting role, it’s not ready for the spotlight just yet.

Social Media: Your 24/7 Salesperson

If your business isn’t on social media, it’s missing out on a 24/7 marketing machine. Ryan likened social media to a round-the-clock salesperson who never sleeps, eats, or demands a coffee break. But beware—having a social media page and neglecting it can be worse than not having one at all.

“An inactive page is like a ghost town,” Tomas said. “People will assume you’ve shut down faster than they can say, ‘Let’s check the next profile.’”

The golden rule? Consistency. Even if it’s three posts a week, regular updates keep your brand alive and thriving.

Why Honest Storytelling Wins Every Time

When it comes to video production, Tomas swears by one thing: authenticity. Whether he’s working with schools to showcase their transformations or businesses unveiling new services, the story has to be real.

“Don’t brag about having the best gym facilities if everyone knows they were a dump last year,” Tomas advised. “Instead, tell people you renovated them because you listened to their feedback. Honesty sells.”

Dream Projects, Big Goals, and a Music Video?

Tomas dreams of the day Coca-Cola rings him up for an ad (though he might turn them down just to keep things spicy). Ryan, on the other hand, threw out the wild idea of Tomas starring in a house music video. While Tomas politely declined, the banter underscored their shared belief in pushing creative boundaries and taking on exciting challenges.

Key Takeaways for Your Business

1. Video is non-negotiable. If you’re not investing in high-quality video production, you’re leaving money on the table.
2. Consistency matters more than perfection. Three posts a week, every week, beats 10 posts today and radio silence for months.
3. Integrity builds trust. Be honest about your story, your services, and your values. People buy from people.
4. Social media is your round-the-clock ally. Neglect it at your peril.

This podcast was more than a chat—it was a masterclass in modern marketing with enough humour and candour to keep you laughing while you learn. Ready to take your business to the next level? Metropolis Visual and Double Media are here to make sure your story gets told—and seen—in all the right ways.